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–+ servings
Dump Cake
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 360 kcal

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 9x13-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
Keyword comfort food, easy baking, fruit dessert, pantry staple recipe, potluck favorite, retro baking, vintage dessert
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