Introduction to Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
The Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake presents a delectable fusion of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple, capped with a golden, crumbly cake layer. This effortless dessert leverages the convenience of canned fruits and boxed cake mix, making it a go-to recipe for quick, satisfying treats. Recognized for its simplicity, this cake caters to all, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs, ensuring a foolproof path to a delightful dessert.
Origin and Popularity
The concept of the dump cake might sound modern, but it’s deeply rooted in American baking traditions, gaining prominence in the last few decades. The dump cake is celebrated for its straightforward preparation method and minimal ingredient list. It has gained a following for its ability to blend rich flavors with practicality. The cake’s popularity soared as home cooks sought time-saving recipes without compromising taste. Its origins, while not precisely documented, echo the resourcefulness of home-style baking. Learn more about the history of cakes to appreciate the evolution from traditional recipes to contemporary shortcuts like the dump cake.
Why It’s Called a “Dump Cake”
The term dump cake might not evoke the most gourmet imagery, but it perfectly encapsulates the essence of this recipe’s simplicity. The name derives from the method of preparation: you dump ingredients into a baking dish without mixing. This includes layers of canned cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, topped with dry cake mix and dots of butter. The process is straightforward, eliminating the fuss of blending, beating, or stirring, ideal for quick dessert solutions or unexpected guests.
Detailed Recipe and Variations
Ingredients List
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 package (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pieces
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the crushed pineapple, with its juice, over the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer, ensuring no clumps remain.
- Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly over the cake mix.
- If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations of the Recipe
- Using Different Types of Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, spice, or white cake mix to alter the dessert’s overall flavor. Each variety brings a unique twist to the classic dump cake.
- Adding Nuts or Other Toppings: Enhance texture and taste by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. For a sweeter touch, sprinkle shredded coconut or chocolate chips before baking.
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Ensure even distribution of the cake mix and avoid large clumps to achieve a uniform crust.
- The layer of butter slices should cover as much of the cake surface as possible to prevent dry spots.
- Avoid stirring the layers; the beauty of a dump cake lies in its layered structure.
- Serve warm for the best experience, complementing the gooey fruit base with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations to find your perfect match. Learn more about pairing flavors with creative baking tips.
Adhering to these steps and tips ensures a delicious Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake that’s perfect for any occasion, whether a family dinner or a festive gathering.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Serve the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake warm to enhance its flavors and textures. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on top complements the sweet and tart fruit layers, creating a delightful contrast. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Storage Instructions Cool the dump cake completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven until heated through.
Making Ahead and Freezing The Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Bake as directed when ready to serve. To freeze, bake the cake first, cool completely, then wrap securely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations
Health Considerations While Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake offers a delicious dessert option, it’s high in sugars and fats due to the pie filling, cake mix, and butter. Enjoying it in moderation is key, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake or following a heart-healthy diet.
Modifications for Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to cater to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Vegan Adaptations: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose a vegan cake mix. Check the labels on cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple to ensure they’re free from animal-derived ingredients.
Both gluten-free and vegan options allow everyone to enjoy this delightful dessert without compromising dietary needs or preferences. For more on adapting recipes, explore Health Benefits of Pineapples for additional nutritional insights and substitution ideas.
FAQs (Based on ‘People Also Ask’)
Can you make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake in a crockpot? Yes, making Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake in a crockpot is possible and convenient for those seeking an alternative to oven baking. Layer the ingredients as you would in a baking dish, then cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. The crockpot version yields a moist cake with a slightly different texture from the oven-baked version but is equally delicious.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned? Absolutely! While canned cherries are convenient, using fresh cherries can elevate the flavor of your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake. Pit and halve the cherries, and consider adding a bit of sugar if they’re not as sweet as their canned counterparts. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh fruits can release more juice.
How do I prevent the cake from being too soggy? To prevent your dump cake from becoming too soggy, ensure that the cake mix is evenly spread over the fruit and that the butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible. This helps create a crisp topping. Also, avoid stirring the layers once they’re in the baking dish, as this can make the cake mushy.
Can I make this cake with other fruits? Yes, the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake recipe is versatile and can be made with a variety of fruits. Consider using apple pie filling, blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Summary of the Recipe’s Appeal The Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a beloved dessert for its ease of preparation, delicious blend of flavors, and comforting texture. It’s a versatile recipe that can adapt to various occasions and personal preferences, making it a staple in many households.
Encouragement to Try and Personalize the Recipe Dive into the world of dump cakes and start with this simple yet delightful Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake. Feel encouraged to personalize it by experimenting with different fruits, cake mixes, and toppings. Each variation offers a new experience, allowing you to craft the perfect dessert that caters to your taste buds. Enjoy the process and share your unique creations with friends and family.
Print
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
The Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a tantalizing dessert that combines the sweet tanginess of cherries and pineapples with a golden, buttery cake topping. It’s an effortless recipe perfect for any occasion, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple (with juice) in the dish.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over fruit. Arrange butter slices atop the cake mix.
- If desired, add chopped nuts.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Do not mix layers; just layer and bake.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added delight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving, approximate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg