Description
This Cherry Pineapple Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect solution for when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort. It combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the classic brightness of maraschino cherries, all tucked under a buttery, golden cake crust. Featuring a soft, fruity base and a slightly crunchy, caramelized topping, this dessert is a warm and comforting treat that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 40 oz pineapple tidbits (or a combination of tidbits and crushed pineapple), reserve juice from one can
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, without tails
- 15.25 oz yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Spread the drained pineapple tidbits evenly across the bottom of the pan. Follow this with an even layer of maraschino cherries.
Step 3: Add the Cake Layer
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Pour the reserved pineapple juice over the dry mix, followed by the melted butter.
Step 4: The Sugar Finish
Sprinkle the light brown sugar across the top of the butter/mix layer to help create a signature caramelized crust.
Step 5: Bake in Two Stages
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to trap steam and hydrate the cake mix. Remove the foil and bake for a final 15 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to sit for 10-15 minutes to set before serving warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Preventing Dry Spots: When drizzling the reserved juice and melted butter, aim for maximum coverage over the dry cake mix. This ensures a uniform, cake-like texture and prevents powdery patches.
Variation – Tropical Twist: For a ‘Piña Colada’ flavor profile, stir 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the pineapple layer before adding the cake mix.
Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore the soft, gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cherry pineapple dump cake, easy fruit dessert, cake mix recipes, 5 ingredient dessert, pineapple cherry cobbler, quick family dessert