Tropical Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that screams sunshine and good vibes, this Tropical Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is it. No mixing bowls needed — just layer, bake, and enjoy a warm, fruity delight that feels like a mini vacation.

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Crushed pineapple is the juicy base of our cake, providing both sweetness and moisture. The juice is essential, so don’t drain it! Cherry pie filling adds a tart contrast to the sweet pineapple, creating an irresistible blend of flavors. Yellow cake mix forms the golden, crumbly top layer without any hassle. Melted butter soaks into the cake mix, ensuring a rich, buttery crust. Sweetened shredded coconut offers a touch of tropical flair and a bit of chewiness. Finally, chopped pecans bring a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the soft fruit beneath.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra tropical twist, add a teaspoon of rum extract to the pineapple mixture.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, opt for unsweetened shredded coconut instead.
  • Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even baking and easy cleanup.
  • Let the cake sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce. It’s also delightful with a side of fresh pineapple slices for an extra burst of tropical flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but you’ll need to add some pineapple juice to ensure the cake stays moist.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance. Just cover and store at room temperature. Reheat before serving for the best experience.
What if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work as great substitutes.

Tropical Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when your cake is ready to go in. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish — this size is just right for the amount of fruit and cake mix we’re using.

Start by spreading the crushed pineapple (juice and all) evenly across the bottom of your dish. This layer acts as the moist foundation of your cake. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple. Spread it gently to cover evenly but don’t stress about perfection — it’ll all meld together beautifully during baking.

Now, it’s time for the dry yellow cake mix. Just sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layers. No mixing required! Once the cake mix is in place, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. The buttery goodness will soak through the cake mix as it bakes, creating a rich, golden crust.

Top everything with a layer of shredded coconut and a generous sprinkle of chopped pecans. These will toast up nicely in the oven, adding that lovely texture we love.

Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top with bubbly fruit peeking through around the edges. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal prep, maximum flavor — perfect for busy days.
  • Combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the tartness of cherries.
  • Crunchy coconut and pecans add a delightful texture.
  • Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or any casual get-together.

Ingredients

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the crushed pineapple evenly, including the juice.
3. Add the cherry pie filling over the pineapple, spreading it gently to cover evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Top with shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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