There’s something magical about desserts that come together with barely any effort but deliver huge on flavor—and this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is exactly that kind of magic. With just a few pantry staples and a single baking dish, this cherry pineapple dump cake recipe transforms into a bubbling, golden delight that tastes like it took hours to make. Passed down through generations, this easy-to-make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake captures all the comfort and charm of my grandmother’s Midwest kitchen, where simplicity reigned and flavor was never compromised. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a holiday menu, or simply craving something cozy, this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is your go-to dessert—warm, sweet, and absolutely unforgettable.
In This Guide
A Slice of Nostalgia: From Grandma’s Kitchen to Yours
Some of my fondest memories trace back to hot Iowa summers and the scent of butter melting over cake mix in Grandma’s oven. She’d whip up this cherry pineapple dessert with a smile, armed with nothing but a handwritten recipe card and a heart full of hospitality. I’d help her layer the crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling—half of which I’d sneak a taste of, of course. The warm, sweet aroma of baked fruit and toasted coconut would fill the farmhouse kitchen, instantly drawing the family together.
As we poured melted butter over the top, she’d always say, “This is where the magic happens.” And she was right. One bite of this pineapple cherry cobbler-style cake takes me back every time.
If you love old-fashioned bakes like this, you’ll also adore our homemade cherry pie filling—it’s perfect for enhancing any nostalgic dessert.
A Midwestern Favorite That’s “Pretty Damn Good”
This pineapple cherry dump cake didn’t just live in our home—it traveled. Passed along from my grandma’s best friend, this recipe made its way to every church gathering, family reunion, and neighborhood potluck. The best part? It’s always a hit. My husband’s reaction after his first bite was short and sweet: “That’s pretty damn good.”
This no-fail dump cake is a classic American dessert that embodies the best of farm-style baking—rustic, easy, and meant to be shared. If you’re a fan of quick dessert ideas, this one’s going straight to your favorites.
Want to discover more easy desserts like this? Follow us on Facebook for more easy dessert recipes and see what’s cooking with our baking community.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Recipe Overview
| Dish Type: | Dessert/Cake |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 1 hour |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings: | 6–8 |
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Spoon the crushed pineapple—with juice—over the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the top. Do not mix.
- Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix.
- Optional: Sprinkle with coconut flakes and chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Taste Tip:
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of Cool Whip. The combo of hot cake and cold cream? Simply irresistible.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake Experience
- Don’t overthink it—this one-box cake recipe is designed to be layered, not mixed.
- For an extra flavor punch, swap in our homemade cherry pie filling.
- If you love a crunchy topping, double the nuts or try crushed almonds.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat slightly for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
How to Serve It (and When)
This cake is a true comfort food dessert—best served warm with a creamy topping. It’s a favorite for:
- Holiday tables
- Family dinners
- Potluck parties
- Cozy nights in
Looking for a companion treat? Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk and watch the magic happen.
Cherry Lovers, Rejoice: More Sweet Inspiration
Can’t get enough cherry in your life? Check out our other cherry-infused favorites:
- Try the best cherry pie recipe for a flaky, fruity masterpiece.
- Enjoy these cherry cobbler muffins as a breakfast treat or snack.
- Don’t miss our ultra-simple easy cherry pie bars for a quick weekday indulgence.
Share the Love
Did you make this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
- Save this recipe on Pinterest for later
- Explore more sweet inspiration on our Pinterest boards
- Join our baking community on Facebook
Let’s turn every day into a baking celebration—one dump cake at a time.
Print
Best Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake – Easy, Nostalgic Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
There’s something magical about desserts that come together with barely any effort but deliver huge on flavor—and this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is exactly that kind of magic. With just a few pantry staples and a single baking dish, you get a bubbling, golden delight that tastes like it took hours to make.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Spoon the crushed pineapple—with juice—over the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the top. Do not mix.
- Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix.
- Optional: Sprinkle with coconut flakes and chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of Cool Whip. The combo of hot cake and cold cream? Simply irresistible.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert/Cake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cherry dump cake, pineapple dump cake, easy dessert, potluck dessert, vintage cake