Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Okay, real talk—you don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a killer dessert that gets people asking for seconds (and thirds). Ever had one of those days where you want dessert, but your motivation level is sitting somewhere around “ehh, maybe tomorrow”? Yeah, same. That’s exactly why this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake has been my go-to “lazy but still fabulous” recipe for years.

It’s sweet, buttery, slightly tart, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Like, “dump-everything-in-the-pan-and-bake” easy. No fancy mixers, no sifting, no stress. And honestly, it tastes like you put in actual effort. 😉

Let me walk you through this dreamy combo of juicy pineapple, cherry pie filling, and golden cake mix bliss—plus a few personal tips that’ll make your version extra delish.

Table of Contents

What Is a Dump Cake, Anyway?

I get it, the name sounds… a bit questionable. 😅 But stick with me—it’s not as sketchy as it sounds.

A dump cake is basically a cobbler’s less-needy cousin. You just “dump” a few pantry staples into a dish, layer them up, and bake. That’s it. No mixing bowls. No fancy technique. And somehow, it still ends up golden, bubbly, and face-plant-worthy.

Why Pineapple and Cherry?

Because they’re besties, obviously. The tartness from the cherries balances perfectly with the sweet, tropical vibes of pineapple. Add that buttery cake mix top? Chef’s kiss. Plus, both come canned—so you can keep the ingredients on hand all year long. Win-win.

PIN IT

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Here’s the no-fuss grocery list you need to make magic happen:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple – with juice, don’t drain it!
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix – plain ol’ boxed cake mix, nothing fancy
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or a dash of cinnamon (for extra flair)

Bolded the essentials so you don’t zone out mid-list. You’re welcome. 😄

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Dump Cake Masterpiece

Let’s break this down so even your snack-loving neighbor who’s never used an oven can pull this off. Ready?

Step 1: Preheat & Grease

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Non-stick spray works, but if you’re feeling fancy, use butter for extra flavor.

Step 2: Dump the Pineapple

Dump the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included!) into the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon. It’s our fruity, juicy base.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple. You don’t need to mix—just swirl a bit so the two fruits get cozy with each other.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Grab your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit. Try to cover every nook and cranny—nobody wants a dry patch of sadness. 😬

Step 5: Pour the Butter

Drizzle that melted butter evenly over the top. This is the golden ticket—it soaks into the cake mix and makes everything crisp and gooey in all the right ways.

Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional but Fun)

Wanna level up? Toss on some chopped pecans for crunch, a handful of coconut for tropical vibes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like sweet fruity heaven. 😍

Step 8: Cool (If You Can Wait)

Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes so it sets a bit. Or don’t. I’ve totally gone in with a spoon while it was still lava-hot. Zero regrets.

Pro Tips to Make It Even Better

You know I’m not gonna leave you without the inside scoop, right?

🍦 Serve it with Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream + warm dump cake = actual magic. It melts into the fruit and buttery topping. Honestly, it should be illegal how good it is.

🔁 Mix It Up

No cherry? No problem. Try blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling instead. Or go rogue and mix half cherry, half blueberry. I won’t judge.

❄️ Make-Ahead Friendly

You can make this a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat portions as needed. Still tastes amazing. FYI, it holds up surprisingly well.

Why This Recipe Actually Works

Ever wondered why this combo works so well?

It’s all about balance. The tart cherries cut through the sweetness, the pineapple adds moisture (so you don’t get that dry cake mix top issue), and the butter… well, butter fixes everything. IMO, it’s the ultimate lazy dessert hack.

And because you’re not mixing the ingredients, the textures stay distinct—fruit on the bottom, buttery crunch on top. Kinda like a dessert mullet. Business underneath, party on top. 😂

FAQS about Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Sure, but why make things harder? Canned works perfectly and gives that gooey texture we love. If you go fresh, add some sugar and liquid to mimic the syrup.

Can I use white or spice cake mix?

Absolutely. White gives it a lighter flavor, and spice cake + cherry + pecans? Game changer. Trust me on that one.

Do I need to stir the cake mix?

NOPE. That’s the beauty of a dump cake. Stirring is strictly forbidden here. 😉 Just layer and bake.

Dump Cake Variations You Need to Try Next

Okay, now that you’ve nailed the OG pineapple cherry version, here are a few fun riffs to keep the dessert vibes going strong:

🔹 Tropical Dump Cake

Crushed pineapple + mango chunks
Coconut cake mix (yup, it exists)
Toasted coconut flakes on top

🔹 Black Forest Dump Cake

Cherry pie filling + chocolate cake mix
Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

🔹 Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake

Apple pie filling + spice cake mix
Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top before baking

All follow the same basic method—dump, sprinkle, butter, bake. Easy peasy.

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Final Thoughts about Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Look, I’m not saying this Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake will change your life… but I’m also not not saying that. 😉

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just someone who appreciates low-effort, high-reward desserts (🙋), this recipe hits the sweet spot. Literally.

So next time you need something quick for a potluck, family dinner, or just because it’s Wednesday and life is hard—make this cake. Then sit back, spoon in hand, and enjoy the compliments like the dessert wizard you are.

Oh, and one last thing—don’t forget the ice cream. Seriously. Just trust me on this. 😎🍨