So, what’s the big deal about this cherry dump cake recipe with pineapple, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it’s as easy as pie, or maybe even easier! Imagine this: no measuring out the flour, no creaming sugar and butter, and definitely no fancy mixers needed. Just you, a bowl, and a trusty old oven. It’s the kind of recipe that whispers sweet promises of delicious rewards with very little effort from your side.
And before you shrug this off as just another dessert, think about the magical combination of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple, all nestled under a golden, buttery crust. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a dull dinner into a delightful feast or a simple family meal into a reason to celebrate.
Table of Contents
How to make cherry dump cake recipe with pineapple
Cherry dump cake is a simple and delicious dessert made with just a few ingredients: cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, cake mix, and butter.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (21 ounces) of cherry pie filling: This is the heart of your cake, offering that rich cherry goodness.
- 1 can (20 ounces) of crushed pineapple in juice, undrained: This brings a tropical flair and moisture.
- 1 box (about 15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix: This is the base that makes everything come together without the hassle of measuring dry ingredients.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, melted: Butter makes everything better, and it gives the cake a deliciously rich taste and golden crust.
- Optional: Nuts for topping (walnuts or pecans): These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for baking this cake—literally.
- Prep your baking dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the cherry pie filling:Â Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. The more uniform, the better.
- Add the pineapple:Â Spread the undrained crushed pineapple over the cherry layer. The juice adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Sprinkle the cake mix: Open that box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pineapple layer. Yes, straight from the box—no mixing required.
- Drizzle with butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much area as possible.
- Add nuts (if using): If you like nuts, scatter them on top now.
- Bake:Â Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool a bit before serving—this also helps the layers set a little. But honestly, it’s divine when it’s still a tad warm.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t mix: Resist the urge to stir the layers together. This cake’s magic is in the distinct layers that meld together in the oven.
- Variety is the spice of life: Feel free to play around with the fruit fillings based on what you love or have on hand. Mixing berries with the cherry can create a delightful flavor combo.
- Getting that perfect crust:Â If you notice the top getting too brown before the baking time is up, you can cover it loosely with aluminium foil to prevent it from burning.
What to serve with
What do you pair with this glorious cake to make your dessert experience go from great to absolutely unforgettable? Well, let’s walk through some stellar pairings that’ll elevate your dump cake game to the next level.
Cool It Down with Ice Cream
There’s something about the warm, fruity gooeyness of a cherry dump cake that screams for the cool, creamy embrace of ice cream. Vanilla is a classic choice – its subtle flavor complements rather than competes with your cake. But why not get a little adventurous? A scoop of coconut ice cream could accentuate the tropical vibes, or cherry ice cream to double down on the cherry goodness. The contrast of temperatures and textures is truly what dessert dreams are made of.
Whipped Cream Wonders
If ice cream isn’t your jam, how about a dollop of whipped cream? Whether it’s lightly sweetened homemade whip or a quick shake of store-bought, whipped cream adds a lush, airy quality that contrasts beautifully with the dense, fruity cake. It’s like adding a cloud on top of your slice of heaven.
A Cuppa on the Side
Think beyond the plate! The perfect drink pairing can really round out your dessert. A hot cup of coffee with its slight bitterness can balance the sweetness of the cake, while its warmth continues the cozy trend set by the freshly baked treat. Not a coffee fan? A cup of black tea or even a herbal chamomile can be delightful, adding its own floral or earthy notes to the mix.
Spirits and Liqueurs
Now, for those who like a walk on the wild side, pairing your cake with a spirit or liqueur could be the unexpected choice that takes things to a new level. Imagine a small glass of amaretto or a cherry brandy—its rich, deep flavors enhancing the fruity notes of your cake. Or perhaps a scoop of that same cake drowned in a shot of rum or bourbon for a boozy, decadent dessert. It’s not for every day, but it’s a combo that makes a statement for those special occasions.
Sliced Fresh Fruit
Looking to keep things on the lighter side? Fresh fruit can be a refreshing companion to your cherry dump cake. Slices of fresh peaches, a handful of berries, or even pineapple chunks can add a fresh, juicy contrast to each bite. It’s a simple way to introduce a variety of textures and flavors that’ll make every mouthful interesting.
Ingredients substitutes
Ready to make that irresistible cherry dump cake with pineapple but hit a bit of a snag with some missing ingredients? No sweat! You’ve got options, friend.
Cake Mix
If you don’t have yellow cake mix in the pantry, any boxed cake mix could be a substitute. White, butter, or even a spicy carrot cake mix can pair nicely with the fruit, giving you a different but equally drool-worthy result. And if you’re out to steer clear of the box, a simple mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt can be a quick DIY cake mix. Easy.
Butter
If unsalted butter isn’t on hand, you can use salted butter and skip any additional salt the recipe might call for. No butter at all? Margarine can do the job or even vegetable oil in a pinch.
Nuts
Nuts are an option, but if you’re nut-free, no problem. Go ahead and skip them or toss in some oats or granola for a bit of crunchy texture in their place.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a cherry dump cake recipe with pineapple that promises to be a hit anytime it’s made. But wait, there’s always room to grow and experiment in the kitchen. Why not think about what other fruit combinations might work or perhaps even a splash of your favorite spirits to the fruit mix for an adult version? The possibilities are there, waiting to be explored.
More Cake Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 ounces) of cherry pie filling: This is the heart of your cake, offering that rich cherry goodness.
- 1 can (20 ounces) of crushed pineapple in juice, undrained: This brings a tropical flair and moisture.
- 1 box (about 15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix: This is the base that makes everything come together without the hassle of measuring dry ingredients.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, melted: Butter makes everything better, and it gives the cake a deliciously rich taste and golden crust.
- Optional: Nuts for topping (walnuts or pecans): These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for baking this cake—literally.
- Prep your baking dish: Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the cherry pie filling:Â Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. The more uniform, the better.
- Add the pineapple:Â Spread the undrained crushed pineapple over the cherry layer. The juice adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Sprinkle the cake mix: Open that box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pineapple layer. Yes, straight from the box—no mixing required.
- Drizzle with butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much area as possible.
- Add nuts (if using): If you like nuts, scatter them on top now.
- Bake:Â Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool a bit before serving—this also helps the layers set a little. But honestly, it's divine when it's still a tad warm.
