Name: Dump Cake Recipe: Easy and Gooey
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 can of pineapple; 1 can cherry filling; 1 box cake mix; ¾ cup butter; ½ cup pecans; Optional: Ice cream; Suggested Pairings: Coffee (milk)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Dump Cake is an easy, gooey dessert, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or last-minute treats. This no-mix recipe, featuring fruit filling topped with cake mix and butter, delivers a cobbler-like texture with minimal effort. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with powdered sugar and fresh berries, this Dump Cake offers a rustic, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple oven method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to dessert that brings effortless, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dump Cake:

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For Serving:

Optional: Powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream
Suggested Accompaniments: Whipped cream, coffee
Suggested Pairings: Milk, hot tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving. Place the dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any overflow during baking.
Dump Pineapple Base: Open the can of crushed pineapple (do not drain). Pour the entire contents—juice and fruit—evenly into the prepared dish. Spread with a spatula to cover the bottom completely. The juice is crucial: it moistens the cake mix and creates a gooey, cobbler-like layer.
Add Cherry Filling: Open the cherry pie filling. Spoon it evenly over the pineapple layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread gently without mixing the layers—this preserves distinct fruit flavors. The cherries sink slightly into the pineapple, creating pockets of tart-sweet contrast.
Sprinkle Dry Cake Mix: Open the box of yellow cake mix. Pour it directly over the fruit in an even layer. Do not stir. Tilt the dish gently to distribute any clumps. The dry mix will absorb moisture from the fruit and butter to form a golden, cakey topping.
Dot with Butter Slices: Cut cold butter into thin, even slices (about ⅛-inch thick). Place slices in a single layer over the entire surface of the cake mix, overlapping slightly if needed. Every bit of dry mix must be covered—this ensures even baking and a buttery crust. Gaps leave dry, powdery spots.
Scatter Pecans (Optional): If using, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the butter. They toast during baking, adding a nutty crunch. Press lightly so they adhere.
Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes. Rotate the dish halfway for even browning. The cake is done when the top is deep golden, the edges are bubbly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). The fruit will be thick and syrupy.
Cool slightly: Remove from oven. Cool on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner scoops while keeping it warm and gooey.
Serve: Scoop into bowls directly from the white ceramic baking dish. Dust with powdered sugar and top with ice cream.

Tips for Better Dump Cake

Do not drain pineapple juice—juice is essential
Spread fruit evenly for balanced bites
Cover every inch with butter—no dry spots
Use cold butter for a flakier topping
Present in a white ceramic baking dish to show the gooey layers
Make up to 4 hours ahead; reheat at 300°F
Freeze-baked cake up to 2 months
Enhance aesthetic: serve with colorful berries

Variations and Customization

Apple Dump Cake: Use apple pie filling + cinnamon.
Peach Cobbler Style: Peach slices + brown sugar cake mix.
Berry Dump Cake: Mixed berries + lemon zest.
Chocolate Cherry: Chocolate cake mix + cherry filling.
Gluten-Free: Use GF cake mix.
Vegan: Use plant butter and egg-free cake mix.
Pineapple Upside-Down: Add brown sugar base.
Tropical: Mango + coconut cake mix.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days.
Refrigerate up to 5 days; reheat at 300°F for 15 minutes.
Freeze baked cake up to 2 months; thaw and reheat.
Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
Pair with milk or hot tea to complement the sweetness.
Present in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for a cozy, rustic charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings:

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 38g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values with pecans (fruit or chocolate versions vary). High in ease.

Conclusion

This Dump Cake recipe delivers easy, gooey perfection with zero mixing. It transforms canned fruit and cake mix into a crowd favorite. Its dump-and-bake preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The buttery topping and fruity base delight every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its effortless, crowd-pleasing charm.