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Easy to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake has a mouthwatering mix of cherries, pineapple, and a buttery golden cake mix. With only a 5 minute prep time this simple dessert is perfect for a last minute gathering or easy weeknight desert.

We love easy dump cake recipes! Try this Apple Dump Cake or Berry Crisp Dump Cake for more easy & simple dump cakes.

A bowl of this dump cake with ice cream on top.

Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Here I go with another super simple dump cake! Dump cake desserts are easy prep desserts that usually require very few ingredients. The prep is so simple because you literally ‘dump’ the ingredients into one pan and you’re done.

This cherry pineapple dump cake uses cherry pie filling, canned pineapple tidbits, and a golden butter cake mix. It’s like a crisp or cobbler dessert but with easier ingredients.

The tart pineapple pairs perfectly with the sweeter cherry pie filling. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and garnish with maraschino cherries (if wanted).

Close up of the side of this dump cake inside the glass pan

Why We Love This Easy Dessert!

  • Simple Prep & Only 5 Ingredients! – One pan is all it takes and you quite literally dump the ingredients into the pan and that’s it.
  • Kids Can Make It – Because of the easy prep and few ingredients, this is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and making a recipe.
  • Juicy, Tart, and Fruity – The combo of cherry + pineapple is really delicious in this dump cake. Pair it with cold and creamy vanilla ice cream and you have the ultimate dessert.
Overhead photo of this dessert with a spoon and ice cream on top.

Ingredients Needed

  • Pineapple Tidbits – A large, 20-ounce can is what you will need for this recipe. Do not drain it.
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Cherry Pie Filling – To keep with the easy prep theme, we use a can of cherry pie filling. But you can easily make Homemade Cherry Pie Filling if you prefer.
  • Golden Butter Cake Mix – This is similar to a yellow cake mix but it has a much more buttery and richer flavor. The recipe calls for the dry, unprepared cake mix.
  • Salted Butter – Thinly slice the butter so you have enough slices to cover the top of the cake mix with.
Labeled ingredients

How To Make This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake (Step-by-Step Directions)

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Dump the pineapple tidbits (juice and all) into the pan and spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over top the pineapple.
  3. Scoop the cherry pie filling over top the pineapple as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over top.
  4. Sprinkle the golden cake mix (dry, unprepared) over top the cherries as evenly as possible.
  5. Place the slices butter over top the cake mix. Cut the butter into really thin slices so you are able to have enough to cover the top of the cake mix.
  6. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is hot and bubble.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Garnish with maraschino cherries if wanted.
Step by step process photos for how to make this easy dump cake.
Step by step process photos for how to make this easy dump cake.
Step by step process photos for how to make this easy dump cake.
Step by step process photos for how to make this easy dump cake.
Step by step process photos for how to make this easy dump cake.

FAQ’s + Tips For Success

  • Can I Use a Different Cake Mix? : Yes, if you can’t find the golden butter cake mix try using a white cake mix, yellow cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or French vanilla cake mix.
  • Pineapple Substitutes : You can use crushed pineapple if you prefer smaller chunks of pineapple in the dessert. If you want large bites of pineapple then try using canned pineapple chunks (juice and all).
  • Almond Extract Substitute : Almond goes really well with cherry! Try using almond extract on top of the cherry layer instead of vanilla extract. Almond extract does have a stronger flavor so if wanted use 1/2 teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon.
  • How To Store Leftover Dump Cake : Store this cherry pineapple dump cake in an airtight container, or cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap, in the fridge for 4-5 days. The cake cobbler topping will soften and not be as crunchy when eating leftovers. You can eat leftovers chilled from the fridge with a dollop of whipped cream. Or try warming up individual portions in the microwave and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A bowl of this plain cake with no toppings.

This recipe is super versatile! You can make several little changes to make this dump cake different each time. Change out the cake mix for a strawberry cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or lemon cake mix. You can also change the fruits and use peaches, mandarin oranges, or fruit cocktail. Use any flavor of canned pie filling. Add chopped nuts to the top of the cake (before baking) for added crunch. Serve this dump cake with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate drizzle.

Close up of melted ice cream on top of this dump cake

More Easy Desserts

A bowl of this dump cake with ice cream on top.
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Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake


Author Jessica – Together as Family
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12
Easy to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake has a mouthwatering mix of cherries, pineapple, and a buttery golden cake mix. With only a 5 minute prep time this simple dessert is perfect for a last minute gathering or easy weeknight desert. 

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits (do not drain)
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract divided
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) golden butter cake mix
  • 10 tablespoons salted butter (sliced very thin)
  • vanilla ice cream OR whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Dump the pineapple tidbits (juice and all) from the can into the bottom of the pan. Spread it out into an even layer.
    1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits
  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over top the pineapple.
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Scoop the cherry pie filling over top the pineapple and spread out as evenly as possible.
    1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over top the cherries.
  • Sprinkle the golden butter cake mix (dry, unprepared) over top the cherries in an even layer. Lay the slices of butter over top the cake mix.
    * It's important to slice the butter very thin so you end up with lots of thin slices to cover the top of the cake mix with.
    1 box (15.25 oz) golden butter cake mix, 10 tablespoons salted butter
  • Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and the fruit if hot and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Nutrition Information : The amounts listed are for a serving of the cherry pineapple dump cake and does not include any ice cream topping or garnishes. 
Variations : Any canned fruit (juice and all) can be used in place of the pineapple tidbits. You can also use crushed pineapple OR pineapple chunks in place of the tidbits. Use any variety of cake mix depending on what fruits you are using (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, white, yellow, etc). Any pie filling can be used as well in place of the cherry. 

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 398mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg

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