How to Make a Traditional Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, then let me introduce you to the magic of the traditional cherry pineapple dump cake. This old-fashioned favorite is the perfect way to whip up something sweet without breaking a sweat—or your budget!
Dump cake is a no-fuss, no-mixer-required dessert that delivers all the comforting flavors of a homemade cobbler but with a fraction of the effort. Whether you need a last-minute treat for a gathering, a simple dessert for a weeknight, or a budget-friendly way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cherry pineapple dump cake recipe is sure to become a go-to in your dessert repertoire.
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What Is a Dump Cake?
If you’ve never had a dump cake before, don’t let the name fool you! It’s not the most elegant-sounding dessert, but it sure is one of the easiest. The idea is simple: you “dump” a few pantry-staple ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.
Most traditional dump cake recipes include canned fruit filling, a box of cake mix, and butter. That’s it! No mixing, no complicated steps—just layers of goodness that bake into a golden, bubbly delight.
Why Dump Cake Is the Ultimate Frugal Dessert
Here at Love to Frugal, we’re all about delicious, budget-friendly recipes that make life easier, and dump cake checks all the boxes:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- No Fancy Equipment: No need for a mixer, food processor, or even a bowl—just a baking dish and an oven.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can mix and match flavors based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to use up pantry staples.
- Feeds a Crowd: A single pan makes enough for the whole family (or enough to have leftovers for a few days!).
Traditional Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
This is the tried-and-true version of dump cake that has been delighting families for generations.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted or cut into thin slices
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture
Let’s make it!:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Dump the fruit filling. Spread the canned cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Then, pour the crushed pineapple (with its juice) over the cherries and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the cake mix. Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit layers. No stirring needed!
Add the butter. Pour melted butter over the top or dot the surface with thin slices of butter, ensuring as much of the cake mix is covered as possible. As you can see in the pics below, I did both. I melted 1/2 the stick of butter and drizzled it over the cake mix, then I sliced the other half in very thin slices and laid them over the melted butter. (You don’t have to be precise in the arrangement of the slices.)
Optional toppings. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, and the fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Cool & serve. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream).
Dump Cake Variations
The beauty of dump cake is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling and swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix.
- Peach Dump Cake: An easy version of peach cobbler.
- Apple Spice Dump Cake: Use apple pie filling and a spice cake mix for a cozy fall twist.
- Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake: Use crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
- Berry Medley Dump Cake: Mix different berries with a vanilla cake mix for a fresh, fruity flavor.
Frugal Tips for Making Dump Cake on a Budget
Want to make this dessert even more budget-friendly? Here are a few of my money-saving tricks:
- Use generic brands. Store-brand cake mixes and canned fruit work just as well as name brands.
- Make your own cake mix. If you have flour, sugar, and baking powder, you can easily make a DIY cake mix instead of buying a boxed one.
- Use home-canned or fresh fruit. If you have home-canned fruit or fresh fruit that needs to be used up, you can swap it in with a little sugar and cornstarch.
- Stock up on sales. Cake mixes and canned fruit often go on sale—grab a few extras when they do!
Final Thoughts
Dump cake is one of those magical desserts that proves you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to make something delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget, need an easy dessert for guests, or just want a sweet treat with minimal effort, this cherry pineapple dump cake is a winner every time.
So, next time you need a simple, frugal dessert, grab a cake mix, a can of cherry pie filling, a can of crushed pineapple, and some butter, and let the oven do the rest. Happy baking!
Do you have a favorite dump cake variation? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how you liked it! What’s your favorite frugal dessert?
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Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 can Cherry pie filling (21 oz.)
- 1 can Crushed pineapple (undrained)
- 1 box Yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup Butter, (1 stick) melted or cut into thin slices
- 1/2 cup Chopped nuts or shredded coconut Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dump the fruit filling. Spread the canned cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Then, pour the crushed pineapple (with its juice) over the cherries and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix. Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit layers. No stirring needed!
- Add the butter. Pour melted butter over the top or dot the surface with thin slices of butter, ensuring as much of the cake mix is covered as possible.
- Optional toppings. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, and the fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Cool & serve. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
