Traditional Cherry Pineapple Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Traditional Cherry Pineapple Delight is a sweet, fruity dessert that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Combining the tartness of cherries with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, it's a match made in dessert heaven.

Ingredients for Traditional Cherry Pineapple Delight

Cherry pie filling brings that classic, tart cherry flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet pineapple. Crushed pineapple adds a juicy, tropical kick while also moistening the cake mix to create that perfect crumbly topping. Yellow cake mix serves as the base that ties the flavors together, providing a subtle sweetness and structure. Unsalted butter is key here for richness, making sure the cake mix bakes to a golden perfection. Finally, chopped pecans are optional but add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to balance the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If using salted butter, you might want to reduce any additional salt elsewhere in the recipe.
  • For a slightly firmer topping, try using half melted butter and half cold butter cut into small cubes.
  • Toasting the pecans beforehand boosts their flavor and adds extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is delightful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The cool, creamy texture complements the warm, fruity filling beautifully. You can also pair it with a glass of chilled sweet wine for a more sophisticated touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
Yes, but you'll need to sweeten them and cook them down a bit first to mimic the consistency of the canned filling.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor?
Absolutely! White or even a spice cake mix can offer a different twist on the traditional flavors.
Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter.

Traditional Cherry Pineapple Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it'll be ready to go once you're done assembling everything. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure it's distributed well so every bite has a bit of that tangy cherry goodness.

Next, take your can of crushed pineapple — no need to drain it! Pour it over the cherries, spreading it out carefully to ensure an even layer. The juice from the pineapple is important as it helps moisten the cake mix on top.

Now, it's time for the yellow cake mix. Open up the box and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the fruit layers. You want to cover it completely, which will help form a lovely crust as it bakes.

Then, take your melted butter and drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. This will help the topping become that beautiful golden brown. If you like, you can gently shake the pan to make sure the butter seeps into all parts of the cake mix.

Lastly, scatter the chopped pecans over the top. These are optional, but they add such a nice texture and flavor. Once everything is in place, pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to assemble and perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
  • Offers a delightful contrast of textures — from juicy fruit to crunchy pecans.
  • With minimal prep, it's a low-effort, high-reward treat.

Ingredients

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, evenly spread the cherry pie filling.
3. Pour the crushed pineapple with its juice over the cherries, spreading evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Scatter chopped pecans on top, if desired.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!