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- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling - 1 can (15 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks) - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) The main ingredients are simple. The cherry pie filling gives sweetness and tartness. The crushed pineapple adds moisture and a tropical taste. The yellow cake mix is the base. It creates a fluffy and rich texture when baked. The melted unsalted butter binds everything together. If you want extra crunch, use chopped pecans. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavor enhancers are key to a great taste. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice. It adds depth to the sweet fruit. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and sweetness. Together, they elevate the cake's flavor. - Whipped cream - Vanilla ice cream Serving suggestions make your dessert special. Whipped cream adds creaminess and lightness. It complements the fruity flavors well. Vanilla ice cream is another great option. It melts into the warm cake and adds a rich taste. Both options make this dessert even more delightful! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it nice and hot for baking. 2. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and spread the cherry pie filling evenly on the bottom. This will be the sweet base of your cake. 1. Now, pour the can of crushed pineapple over the cherry filling. Make sure to include all the juices. This adds great flavor and moisture. 1. In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. This will add depth to your cake. 2. Carefully sprinkle the cake mixture over the fruit layers in the pan. Cover the fruit completely. 3. Drizzle the melted butter on top of the cake mix. Do not stir it. This helps create a nice crumbly top as it bakes. 4. If you want, scatter the chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. 5. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. 6. Once it's done, take the cake out and let it cool for a bit. This makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle. Adjusting baking time is key. Ovens can vary, so start checking at 40 minutes. The top should be golden brown. If it needs more time, check every five minutes. This way, you avoid overbaking. To ensure an even layer, spread the cherry filling first. This makes a strong base. Next, add the crushed pineapple evenly. The cake mix should cover the fruit entirely. This helps it bake evenly and keeps the flavors balanced. Adding spices can make your dump cake shine. Consider a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor. For toppings, think beyond whipped cream. Try crushed cookies or chocolate chips. They can add a fun twist. You can also use fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas. These add freshness and a pop of color to the dessert. One-pan convenience is a huge win. You only need one baking dish, which makes cleanup easy. Just let the pan soak after serving. Using parchment paper can save time, too. Line your pan before adding the fruit. This helps the cake lift out easily. It also keeps the pan clean. You can then enjoy your treat without the fuss of scrubbing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cherries and pineapples when in season for a more vibrant flavor profile in your cake. Mix It Up: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on the topping. Serve It Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm, so consider serving it straight from the oven for the ultimate experience. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat before serving to maintain its deliciousness. {{image_4}} Using different fruits can change the taste of your one-pan dump cake. Here are a few delicious options: - Peach dump cake: Use canned peach slices instead of cherries. The sweet and juicy peaches will give a lovely flavor. - Berry dump cake: Mix in blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Fresh or frozen berries work well and add a nice tartness. You can switch up the cake mix for more flavor. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free cake mix. This allows those with gluten issues to enjoy the dessert. - Flavor-specific cake mixes: Try chocolate or lemon cake mix. These unique flavors can create a fun twist. You can adapt this dessert to fit different diets. Here’s how: - Vegan substitutions: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based whipped cream for serving. - Nut-free variations: Omit the pecans. This makes the dessert safe for those with nut allergies. These variations allow you to customize your dump cake to fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your one-pan dump cake fresh, follow these simple steps: - Let the cake cool completely before storing. - Use an airtight container to avoid moisture loss. - If you don’t have one, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps keep the flavors intact and the cake moist. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key: - For the microwave, place a piece of cake on a plate. Heat for 20-30 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. - For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in a baking dish. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and crumbly. Want to save some for later? Here’s how to freeze it: - Cut the dump cake into pieces. This makes it easier to thaw later. - Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. Label with the date. - Freeze for up to 3 months for the best taste. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it from frozen in the oven, but it may take longer to warm through. What is dump cake? Dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering fruit and cake mix. You pour fillings like cherry pie and crushed pineapple in a pan, top with cake mix, and drizzle melted butter. It bakes into a warm, gooey treat. It’s called "dump" because you just dump everything in. Can I make dump cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Just layer the ingredients in your pan, but do not bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh. This keeps it tasty and warm for serving. What goes well with dump cake? Dump cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess balances the warm cake. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. Can I add ice cream on top? Definitely! Ice cream adds a rich and creamy touch. The warm dump cake melts the ice cream slightly, making each bite even better. It’s a match made in dessert heaven. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh fruit. Fresh cherries or pineapple work great. Just make sure to add some sugar to sweeten the fruit. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh. What if I don’t have pecans? If you don’t have pecans, no problem! You can leave them out or use walnuts or almonds instead. You can also skip nuts for a nut-free version. The cake will still taste great without them. This article covered how to make a delicious dump cake using simple ingredients. We explored the main ingredients like cherry pie filling and yellow cake mix and flavor enhancers such as vanilla. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. Tips helped you perfect your cake and even suggested variations. Now, you can create a tasty dessert that fits your needs. With these clear steps, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your dump cake skills. Enjoy your baking!

One-Pan Cherry Pineapple Cake Delight

A delightful and easy dessert combining cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple topped with a buttery cake mix.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (15 oz), undrained
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • Take a 9x13 inch baking pan and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the pan.
  • Next, pour the can of crushed pineapple (juices included) over the cherry filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, stirring gently.
  • Carefully sprinkle the dry cake mixture evenly over the fruity layers in the pan.
  • Drizzle the melted butter generously over the cake mix without stirring.
  • If you choose to include them, scatter the chopped pecans on top of the butter layer.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Keyword cake, cherry, dessert, pineapple