Dump cake is a classic American dessert known for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. Popularized in the mid-20th century when boxed cake mixes became household staples, it requires no traditional mixing—ingredients are simply layered and baked. This version combines crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling for a sweet-tart fruit base, topped with yellow cake mix, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. As it bakes, the cake mix transforms into a buttery, golden crust over bubbling fruit. It’s a nostalgic, easy dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime a quick baked treat is needed.
Ingredients
- 20 oz crushed pineapple (1 can, undrained)
- 21 oz cherry pie filling (1 can)
- 15 ¼ oz yellow cake mix (1 box)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped )
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add Pineapple
- Spread the entire can of crushed pineapple (with juice) evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 3: Add Cherry Filling
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Gently spread without mixing.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer.
- Do not stir.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon
- Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the cake mix.
Step 6: Add Walnuts
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly across the top.
Step 7: Add Butter
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the entire surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Step 9: Cool Slightly
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Substitute apple pie filling for cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a Southern twist.
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Add ½ tsp almond extract for enhanced cherry flavor.
- Try spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Make it nut-free by omitting walnuts.
- Use salted butter for a sweet-salty contrast.
Nutrition
Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.5mg
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