Make the best Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake with this easy, delicious dessert recipe! Sweet cherry pie filling, juicy crushed pineapple, buttery yellow cake mix, and melted butter come together to create a warm, golden dessert with an irresistible combination of fruity filling and a slightly crispy cake topping. With just 4 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this old-fashioned dump cake is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, summer cookouts, or anytime you’re craving something sweet!
If you love cherry desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake!
We’re talking a sweet, juicy layer of cherry pie filling mixed with tangy pineapple, topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that’s slightly crisp around the edges.
And the best part? You don’t even need a mixing bowl!
I love easy desserts that use simple pantry ingredients, especially when they taste like something that took much longer to prepare.
This cherry pineapple dessert is exactly that!
The recipe starts with a can of crushed pineapple, including all of that delicious pineapple juice. Next comes a generous layer of sweet cherry pie filling, followed by dry yellow cake mix and thin slices of butter.
That’s it!
Everything goes into one baking dish, and the oven does the rest.
As the dump cake bakes, the pineapple and cherry filling become hot and bubbly. The butter melts into the cake mix, creating a delicious golden topping with a soft, cake-like layer underneath.
The finished dessert has a wonderful combination of textures.
The fruit filling is sweet, juicy, and slightly tart, while the top is buttery, golden, and a little crispy.
I especially love serving this dessert warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cold ice cream melts into the warm cherries and pineapple, creating the most delicious combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors!
This is also one of my favorite types of desserts to prepare when feeding a crowd.
You can assemble everything in about 10 minutes, pop it in the oven, and have a delicious homemade dessert ready to share.
No electric mixer, complicated cake batter, or special baking skills required.
If you’ve never made a dump cake before, you’re going to love how easy this recipe is!
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for almost any occasion.
- You only need 4 ingredients. Crushed pineapple, sweet cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter are all you need to make this delicious dessert. You probably already have some of these ingredients in your pantry!
- It’s incredibly easy to make. There’s no need to prepare cake batter or use an electric mixer. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly.
- It’s packed with fruity flavor. Sweet cherry pie filling and tangy pineapple are such a delicious combination. The pineapple balances the sweetness of the cherries, giving the dessert a wonderful flavor.
- The buttery topping is so good! As the butter melts into the dry cake mix, it creates a golden topping that’s soft underneath with lightly crispy edges.
- It’s perfect for serving a crowd. This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it a great choice for potlucks, birthday parties, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.
And if you love desserts served with vanilla ice cream, this is definitely one you’ll want to save!
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is an easy baked dessert made by layering fruit, dry cake mix, and butter in a baking dish.
The name comes from the simple preparation method.
Instead of mixing up a traditional cake batter, you add the ingredients directly to the pan.
There’s no need to beat eggs, cream butter and sugar, or prepare a separate filling.
The fruit goes on the bottom, the dry cake mix is sprinkled over the top, and butter is distributed evenly across the cake mix.
As everything bakes, moisture from the fruit and melted butter combine with the cake mix to create a delicious topping.
The finished dessert is somewhere between a fruit cobbler and a buttery cake.
It’s softer than a traditional cake, with a warm, spoonable fruit filling underneath.
I love this style of dessert because it’s so easy to customize.
You can use different types of fruit pie filling, change the cake mix flavor, or add toppings like chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
For this recipe, the combination of sweet cherries and juicy pineapple is what makes it so delicious!
The cherry pie filling adds plenty of sweetness, while the pineapple brings a bright, slightly tangy flavor.
And when everything is topped with buttery yellow cake, you’ve got one wonderful dessert!
Ingredients
Here I explain the best ingredients for this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact ingredient measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Sweet cherry pie filling
You’ll need one 21-ounce can of sweet cherry pie filling.
This is the ingredient that gives the dessert its delicious cherry flavor!
I recommend using prepared cherry pie filling instead of plain canned cherries because the filling already contains a sweet, thickened sauce.
As the dessert bakes, that sauce becomes hot and bubbly, creating a wonderful fruity layer underneath the cake topping.
You can use regular cherry pie filling or a variety with extra cherries.
If you prefer a dessert with even more cherry flavor, you can use two cans of cherry pie filling. Just keep in mind that the dessert will have a thicker fruit layer and may need additional baking time.
For the classic balance of cherries and pineapple, I recommend starting with one can.
Crushed pineapple
You’ll need one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple in juice.
Don’t drain the pineapple!
This is one of the most important tips for making a delicious dump cake.
The pineapple juice provides moisture that helps the dry cake mix bake into a soft, buttery topping.
If you drain the pineapple, the cake mix may not have enough moisture to bake evenly.
I recommend using crushed pineapple packed in its own juice.
You can also use pineapple packed in syrup, but the finished dessert will be sweeter.
Crushed pineapple works especially well because the small pieces distribute evenly throughout the bottom of the baking dish.
Yellow cake mix
You’ll need one standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix.
The dry cake mix creates the buttery topping that makes this dessert so delicious!
I love using yellow cake mix because it has a classic vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet cherries and pineapple.
You can also use white cake mix if you prefer a slightly lighter vanilla flavor.
Butter cake mix is another delicious option for an extra rich topping.
And if you want to make a chocolate cherry pineapple dessert, you can substitute chocolate cake mix.
For the traditional version, though, yellow cake mix is my favorite!
Important: Add the cake mix dry, directly from the box. Don’t prepare it according to the package instructions.
You won’t need the eggs, oil, or water listed on the cake mix box.
Unsalted butter
You’ll need 1 cup of unsalted butter, which is equal to 2 sticks or 16 tablespoons.
I recommend using cold butter cut into very thin slices.
The butter is arranged over the dry cake mix before baking.
As it melts, it spreads across the surface and helps the cake mix turn golden and buttery.
It’s important to distribute the butter as evenly as possible.
If you leave large areas of dry cake mix uncovered, you may end up with powdery spots on top of the finished dessert.
You can also use a box grater to grate very cold butter evenly over the cake mix.
I love this trick because it makes it easy to cover the entire surface!
Salted butter can be used if that’s what you have available, but I prefer unsalted butter for this recipe.
Optional toppings
While you only need four ingredients to make the original recipe, there are a few delicious toppings you can add when serving.
Vanilla ice cream is my favorite!
Freshly whipped cream is another great option.
You can also sprinkle toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or extra cherries over the top.
These toppings are completely optional, but they’re a delicious way to make the dessert extra special.
Instructions
I’ve included step-by-step instructions below to make this recipe super easy to follow at home. For the full detailed recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll need a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish and a spoon or spatula.
That’s all the equipment required!
Step 1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little butter.
This helps prevent the fruit filling from sticking to the sides of the dish and makes cleanup easier.
I recommend using a baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep.
The fruit filling will become hot and bubbly as the dump cake bakes, so you’ll want enough room to prevent it from bubbling over the edges.
Step 2. Add the crushed pineapple
Open the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
Pour the entire can, including the juice, into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Use a spoon to spread the pineapple into an even layer.
Try to distribute the crushed pineapple across the entire bottom of the pan.
Don’t drain the juice!
The pineapple juice adds flavor and moisture to the dessert.
It also helps the cake mix bake properly, creating that wonderful soft layer underneath the golden topping.
Step 3. Add the sweet cherry pie filling
Next, open the 21-ounce can of sweet cherry pie filling.
Spoon the filling evenly over the pineapple.
I recommend placing spoonfuls of the cherry filling across the baking dish, then gently spreading them out.
This helps distribute the cherries without mixing everything together too much.
You want a nice combination of pineapple and sweet cherry filling throughout the dessert.
Some of the pineapple and cherry filling will mix naturally as the dump cake bakes.
That’s exactly what you want!
The finished filling will have a delicious balance of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple.
Step 4. Sprinkle the cake mix over the fruit
Open the box of yellow cake mix.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry and pineapple layers.
Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently spread the mix into an even layer.
Make sure the cake mix reaches the edges and corners of the baking dish.
Don’t stir the cake mix into the fruit!
This is what makes a dump cake different from a traditional cake.
The dry cake mix sits on top of the fruit and becomes a buttery topping as it bakes.
If you mix everything together, the finished dessert will have a completely different texture.
I recommend taking an extra minute to make sure the cake mix is spread evenly.
This helps the topping bake more consistently.
Step 5. Add the butter
Cut 1 cup of cold butter into very thin slices.
Arrange the slices evenly over the cake mix.
Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
The butter will melt as the dessert bakes, combining with the dry cake mix to create a delicious golden topping.
I like arranging the butter in overlapping rows so there aren’t large uncovered areas.
Another option is to grate the cold butter using the large holes of a box grater.
Simply sprinkle the grated butter evenly across the cake mix.
This is one of my favorite tricks for making sure the topping has plenty of buttery coverage!
Step 6. Bake the dump cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated 350°F oven.
Bake uncovered for approximately 50-60 minutes.
The cake is ready when the topping is golden brown and the cherry pineapple filling is bubbling around the edges.
You may notice some darker golden spots where the butter has melted into the cake mix.
That’s completely normal!
The topping should look baked and lightly crisp, without large patches of dry, powdery cake mix.
If you notice a small dry spot near the end of baking, you can carefully spoon a little of the hot fruit juice over that area or add a small piece of butter.
Return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes.
I recommend checking the dessert after approximately 45 minutes, especially if your oven runs hot.
If the topping is browning too quickly while the center still looks dry, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 7. Allow the dessert to rest
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Place it on a heat-safe surface or wire cooling rack.
Allow the dump cake to rest for approximately 15-20 minutes before serving.
This gives the hot cherry pineapple filling time to thicken slightly.
It also makes the dessert easier to scoop without the fruit sauce running everywhere.
The filling will still be warm and juicy, but it won’t be quite as loose as it is straight from the oven.
And trust me, it’s worth giving it a few minutes to cool!
The fruit filling can be extremely hot immediately after baking.
Step 8. Serve with vanilla ice cream
Use a large serving spoon to scoop the warm dump cake into individual bowls.
Make sure each serving gets plenty of sweet cherry pineapple filling and some of that delicious buttery topping.
I love serving this dessert with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The ice cream slowly melts over the warm cake, mixing with the cherry sauce and creating the most delicious combination of flavors.
You can also top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe tips
This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, but I’ve included a few tips to help you get the best results every time.
Don’t drain the pineapple. The juice is important because it provides moisture for the cake mix. Using drained pineapple can leave dry patches in the finished topping.
Use cherry pie filling, not plain cherries. Prepared cherry pie filling contains a thickened sauce that helps create the classic sweet fruit layer. Plain canned cherries won’t give you the same results without additional ingredients.
Don’t prepare the cake mix. Add the dry cake mix directly from the box. There’s no need to mix it with eggs, oil, or water.
Spread the cake mix evenly. A thick pile of dry mix in one area can prevent the topping from baking evenly. Make sure it’s distributed across the entire surface.
Use enough butter. I recommend using the full cup of butter for a 9-inch by 13-inch cake. The butter is what helps the dry cake mix become golden and delicious.
Cut the butter into thin slices. Thick slices may leave large areas of cake mix uncovered. Thin slices or grated butter make it easier to get an even topping.
Don’t stir the layers together. This is probably the most important tip for a traditional dump cake! Keep the fruit on the bottom and the dry cake mix on top.
Bake until golden and bubbly. The topping should have a beautiful golden color, with bubbling fruit filling around the edges.
Let the dessert rest before serving. Give the cake approximately 15-20 minutes to cool slightly. This helps the filling settle and makes it easier to scoop.
Serve it warm. I love this dessert best when it’s still warm from the oven, especially with vanilla ice cream!
Why cherry and pineapple taste so good together
Cherry and pineapple are such a delicious fruit combination!
Sweet cherry pie filling has a rich, fruity flavor, while crushed pineapple adds a bright, slightly tangy taste.
The contrast between these flavors helps keep the dessert from tasting overly sweet.
I especially love how the cherry filling creates a thick, syrupy layer as it bakes.
The pineapple adds little pieces of juicy fruit throughout the filling, giving each spoonful a wonderful texture.
And when you add buttery yellow cake on top, everything comes together beautifully!
The vanilla flavor of the cake mix balances the fruit, while the butter creates a rich topping that contrasts with the juicy filling.
This combination reminds me of a classic fruit cobbler, but it’s even easier to prepare.
There’s no need to make biscuit dough or a homemade cake batter.
Just layer everything in the baking dish, bake, and enjoy!
How to get the perfect buttery dump cake topping
The topping is one of my favorite parts of this dessert!
When prepared correctly, it should be golden and slightly crisp on top, with a softer, cake-like layer underneath.
The key is making sure the dry cake mix gets enough moisture during baking.
Some of that moisture comes from the pineapple juice and cherry pie filling.
The rest comes from the melted butter.
That’s why I recommend using thinly sliced butter instead of placing a few large pieces on top.
You want the butter to melt across the surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
If the butter is concentrated in only a few areas, some parts of the topping may remain dry and powdery.
Grating cold butter is another great option.
It distributes small pieces of butter across the entire surface, helping create a more consistent golden topping.
Another important step is using the correct baking dish.
A 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish gives the fruit and cake mix enough room to spread into relatively even layers.
If you use a much smaller dish, the cake mix may become too thick and require additional moisture or baking time.
For the best results, bake the dessert uncovered at 350°F until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
And don’t worry if the topping isn’t perfectly smooth!
Dump cake is meant to have a rustic appearance, with golden patches of buttery cake and a juicy fruit filling underneath.
That’s part of what makes it so delicious!
Can you use melted butter instead of sliced butter?
Yes! You can make this recipe with melted butter instead of cold butter slices.
Both methods work, but the finished texture may be slightly different.
If using melted butter, melt the full cup of butter in the microwave or a small saucepan.
Slowly drizzle it over the dry cake mix, making sure to distribute it as evenly as possible.
I recommend pouring it in thin lines across the entire surface rather than concentrating it in the center.
The main challenge with melted butter is that it can soak into one area of cake mix before spreading to the others.
This sometimes leaves dry spots.
Cold butter slices tend to melt more gradually, which can help create a more even topping.
For that reason, I prefer using thin slices or grated cold butter.
But if you’re short on time, melted butter is a perfectly good option!
Just make sure to cover the cake mix as evenly as possible before placing the dish in the oven.
Recipe variations
One of the best things about this dump cake is how easy it is to customize!
You can change the cake mix, add different fruit, or include a few extra toppings for a delicious new version.
Here are some of my favorite ideas.
Cherry pineapple coconut dump cake
If you love tropical desserts, this variation is for you!
Prepare the cherry pineapple layers according to the original recipe.
Sprinkle ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut over the fruit before adding the dry cake mix.
Continue with the butter and bake as directed.
The coconut adds a delicious tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the pineapple and cherries.
You can also sprinkle toasted coconut over the finished dessert before serving.
Cherry pineapple pecan dump cake
If you love a little crunch in your desserts, try adding chopped pecans!
Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans over the cake mix before adding the butter.
As the dessert bakes, the pecans will toast slightly and add a wonderful nutty flavor.
The combination of sweet cherries, tangy pineapple, buttery cake, and crunchy pecans is so delicious!
Chopped walnuts are another great option.
Chocolate cherry pineapple dump cake
Chocolate and cherries are always a delicious combination!
For this variation, replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix.
Keep the pineapple, cherry pie filling, and butter measurements the same.
The finished dessert will have a rich chocolate cake topping with a sweet cherry pineapple filling underneath.
I especially love serving this version with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cherry pineapple almond dump cake
Almond flavor pairs beautifully with sweet cherries.
Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry pie filling before spooning it over the pineapple.
Continue preparing the dessert according to the recipe instructions.
You can also sprinkle ¼ cup of sliced almonds over the cake mix before adding the butter.
The almond extract adds a wonderful bakery-style flavor that makes this easy dessert taste extra special.
Extra cherry dump cake
If you’re a big fan of cherries, you can easily make this dessert with twice the cherry filling.
Use two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling instead of one.
Spread the pineapple across the bottom of the baking dish, then add both cans of cherry filling.
Top with the cake mix and butter as directed.
Since this version has more fruit filling, it may need an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.
I recommend using a deep baking dish to prevent the filling from bubbling over.
This version is especially delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream!
Cherry pineapple spice cake
For a slightly different flavor, replace the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix.
The cinnamon and warm spices in the cake mix add a delicious contrast to the sweet fruit.
I love this variation for fall and winter gatherings.
It’s especially good served with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called dump cake?
The name comes from the easy preparation method!
Instead of mixing cake batter in a bowl, you add the ingredients directly to a baking dish.
The fruit filling goes on the bottom, followed by dry cake mix and butter.
Everything bakes together to create a warm, fruity dessert with a golden cake topping.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make a homemade dessert using a boxed cake mix.
Do you stir a dump cake before baking?
No!
For this recipe, you should keep the layers separate.
The crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling go in the bottom of the baking dish.
The dry yellow cake mix is sprinkled evenly over the fruit.
Butter is arranged across the top.
As the dessert bakes, moisture from the fruit and butter combines with the cake mix.
Stirring everything together before baking will change the texture and prevent the classic dump cake topping from forming.
Do you drain the pineapple for dump cake?
No, I recommend using the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice.
The juice provides moisture that helps bake the dry cake mix.
If you drain the pineapple, the topping may develop dry spots.
For the best results, use crushed pineapple packed in juice and pour everything into the baking dish.
Can you use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes, but I recommend crushed pineapple for the best texture.
Crushed pineapple distributes evenly across the baking dish and creates a more consistent fruit layer.
If you’re using pineapple chunks, chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the pan.
Make sure to include the juice as well.
You can also use pineapple tidbits if you prefer slightly larger pieces of fruit.
Can you use fresh pineapple?
Yes, although you’ll need to add some extra liquid.
Canned crushed pineapple contains juice that helps the cake mix bake properly.
Fresh pineapple may not release enough liquid during baking to create the same result.
If using fresh pineapple, finely chop approximately 2½ cups and add enough pineapple juice to bring the total mixture close to the amount in a 20-ounce can.
For the easiest and most consistent results, I recommend canned crushed pineapple.
Why is my dump cake powdery on top?
If your dump cake has dry, powdery spots, the cake mix probably didn’t receive enough moisture during baking.
This usually happens when the butter isn’t distributed evenly across the top.
To prevent this, cut the butter into very thin slices or grate it before adding it to the cake mix.
Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
If you notice dry spots near the end of baking, add a small piece of butter to those areas and continue baking until the topping looks golden.
Why is my dump cake soggy?
Dump cake naturally has a softer texture than traditional cake because the bottom contains a juicy fruit filling.
However, if the topping seems overly wet, the dessert may need more time in the oven.
Bake until the top is golden and the filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.
I also recommend allowing the dessert to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
This gives the fruit filling time to thicken slightly.
Remember, dump cake is meant to be scooped rather than sliced like a traditional layer cake.
Can you use white cake mix?
Absolutely!
White cake mix is a great substitute for yellow cake mix.
It has a slightly lighter vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries and pineapple.
You can also use butter cake mix for a richer topping.
I recommend sticking with a standard-size boxed cake mix for the original recipe.
Can you make cherry pineapple dump cake gluten free?
Yes!
You can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular cake mix.
Check the package size and follow the same layering method.
You’ll also want to make sure the cherry pie filling and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten free.
Some gluten-free cake mixes absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the baking time.
Check that the topping is golden and doesn’t have large patches of dry mix before serving.
Can you double this recipe?
Yes! This is a great dessert to double when serving a crowd.
Use two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple, two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling, two boxes of yellow cake mix, and 2 cups of butter.
I recommend dividing the ingredients between two 9-inch by 13-inch baking dishes.
This helps the topping bake evenly.
If you’re baking both dishes at the same time, rotate them halfway through cooking if needed.
Check each dish for a golden topping and bubbling fruit filling before removing it from the oven.
What to serve with cherry pineapple dump cake
This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is delicious served warm on its own, but there are several toppings that make it even better!
Vanilla ice cream is my absolute favorite.
The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm cherry pineapple filling and creates the most delicious combination of flavors.
Whipped cream is another great option.
A generous spoonful of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit.
Toasted coconut is especially delicious if you want to bring out the tropical flavor of the pineapple.
Sprinkle a little over each serving for extra coconut flavor and a bit of crunch.
Chopped pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor.
You can toast them in a skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling them over the warm dessert.
Extra cherry pie filling is another delicious topping if you love cherries.
Warm a few spoonfuls of cherry filling and drizzle it over the cake before serving.
For a family dinner, I like serving this dessert warm with vanilla ice cream.
If you’re bringing it to a potluck, you can serve it directly from the baking dish and put out whipped cream for anyone who wants an extra topping.
Either way, it’s always a delicious way to finish a meal!
Can you make cherry pineapple dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is a great option for preparing ahead of time.
You can bake it earlier in the day, allow it to cool, and reheat it before serving.
I recommend baking the dump cake according to the recipe instructions, then allowing it to cool for approximately 15-20 minutes.
If you’re not serving it within 2 hours, cover and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the dessert in a 325°F oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
The topping may not be quite as crispy as it was when freshly baked, but the flavor will still be delicious.
You can also prepare the fruit layers in the baking dish a few hours ahead of time.
Cover the dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
For the best topping, wait to add the dry cake mix and butter until just before placing the dessert in the oven.
This prevents the cake mix from absorbing too much moisture while sitting in the refrigerator.
If you’re making this for a holiday gathering, I recommend assembling the ingredients shortly before baking and serving the dessert warm.
It’s easy enough that you won’t need much preparation time!
How to store and reheat leftovers
One of my favorite things about making a big pan of dump cake is having leftovers for another dessert!
The cherry pineapple filling stays sweet and juicy, and the buttery topping is delicious when reheated.
How to store it
Allow the dump cake to cool slightly, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to airtight containers.
Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.
Leftover cherry pineapple dump cake will stay good in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days.
I recommend storing it without ice cream or whipped cream.
Add those toppings only when you’re ready to serve.
How to reheat it
My favorite way to reheat dump cake is in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Place the leftover dessert in an oven-safe baking dish.
Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit filling is warmed through.
Reheating in the oven can help bring back some of the buttery texture of the topping.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-30 second intervals until warm.
Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Can you freeze cherry pineapple dump cake?
Yes! This dessert can be frozen after baking.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then divide it into individual portions.
Transfer the portions to freezer-safe airtight containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
The cake topping may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the cherry pineapple filling will still be delicious.
For the best texture, I recommend enjoying this dessert fresh or storing it in the refrigerator for a few days.
More easy fruit dessert ideas
If you love this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, there are so many other delicious desserts you can make with fruit and boxed cake mix!
Peach dump cake is another classic favorite. Sweet peaches are topped with dry yellow cake mix and butter, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Blueberry dump cake is perfect for berry lovers. Juicy blueberries and a buttery cake topping make a delicious dessert that’s especially good with vanilla ice cream.
Apple dump cake is a wonderful option for fall. Sweet apple pie filling, warm cinnamon, and yellow cake mix create a comforting dessert that tastes like an easy apple cobbler.
Strawberry cheesecake dump cake combines sweet strawberry filling with cream cheese and buttery cake mix for a rich, fruity dessert.
Cherry chocolate dump cake is another great option if you love chocolate and cherries together. Cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix bake into a rich dessert with a delicious chocolate topping.
And if you love pineapple desserts, try making a classic pineapple upside-down cake or pineapple coconut cobbler!
I love keeping a collection of easy desserts that can be made with simple pantry staples.
They’re perfect for those nights when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is definitely one to add to your regular dessert rotation!
With sweet cherry pie filling, juicy crushed pineapple, and a buttery golden cake topping, it’s a simple dessert that’s packed with flavor.
Serve it warm, add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 21-ounce can sweet cherry pie filling
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow cake mix, dry
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, cut into very thin slices
Optional toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the pineapple. Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, into the prepared baking dish. Spread into an even layer.
- Add the cherry filling. Spoon the sweet cherry pie filling evenly over the crushed pineapple.
- Add the cake mix. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit filling. Gently spread into an even layer. Do not stir.
- Top with butter. Arrange thin slices of cold butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. Alternatively, grate the cold butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry pineapple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Check the topping. Make sure there are no large patches of dry cake mix. If needed, add a small piece of butter to dry areas and bake for a few additional minutes.
- Rest. Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve. Spoon the warm cherry pineapple dump cake into individual bowls. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy!









