I’m about to share my absolute favorite no-fuss dessert that’ll make you look like a baking genius with practically zero effort. Who doesn’t love the magic of dumping a few ingredients together and ending up with something warm, fruity, and utterly delicious? This Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake combines sweet cherries and tangy pineapple beneath a buttery, golden crust that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. The best part? You won’t believe how simple it is to throw together.
Why You’ll Love this Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe, this fruit-layered dump cake becomes your best friend.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—just dump, layer, and bake. No mixing bowls to clean, no precise measurements to stress over.
I adore how the buttery cake mix creates a perfect golden crust while the fruit bubbles underneath, creating that irresistible contrast of textures.
Can you imagine anything more comforting? The customizable nature makes it perfect for using whatever fruit filling speaks to your mood.
Minimal effort, maximum satisfaction.
What Ingredients are in Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake?
The beauty of a dump cake is its straightforward ingredient list—nothing fancy or hard to find, just simple components that transform into something magical when layered together.
This particular recipe relies on canned fruits for convenience, boxed cake mix for simplicity, and butter to create that irresistible golden crust. You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which makes this the perfect last-minute dessert when unexpected guests arrive or when that sweet tooth demands satisfaction.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
What I love about dump cake recipes is their flexibility with ingredients.
Don’t have cherry pie filling? No problem—try blueberry, apple, or peach instead. The yellow cake mix can be swapped for white, chocolate, or even spice cake depending on your fruit pairing.
And for those with nut allergies or preferences, simply skip the nuts without compromising the delicious result. Just make sure not to drain the pineapple, as that juice helps moisten the cake mix during baking, creating the perfect texture that makes this dessert so crave-worthy.
How to Make this Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake
Making this dump cake is just as straightforward as its name suggests—you literally dump ingredients in layers and let the oven do all the work.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, an essential step that guarantees your cake bakes evenly from the moment it slides onto the rack. Next, take your 9×13 baking dish (no need to grease it—another time-saver) and pour in the entire 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, juice and all. The pineapple creates a sweet, juicy foundation that will bubble up through the cake as it bakes, infusing every bite with tropical flavor.
Layer the 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling over the pineapple, spreading it gently with a spatula to create an even surface. Now comes the most satisfying part—sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering them completely like a blanket of sweet powder that will transform in the oven.
If you’re a texture person (and who isn’t?), scatter 1 cup of chopped nuts across the top. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully here, adding a toasty crunch that complements the soft, jammy fruit below. Finally, drizzle the 1/2 cup of melted butter over everything, trying to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. Don’t worry if some spots remain dry—the fruit juices will help moisten those areas during baking, creating those beloved crispy patches that everyone fights over.
Pop your creation into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top turns gloriously golden brown and the fruit begins bubbling around the edges. You might notice some spots where the cake mix looks slightly dry—that’s actually perfect and adds wonderful texture contrast.
For consistent results with all your baked goods, consider investing in a premium cookie set that includes precise measuring tools and quality bakeware.
The hardest part of this whole recipe? Waiting for it to cool just enough so you can plunge into it without burning your tongue. Though who am I kidding? I rarely make it that long.
What to Serve with Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake
Although this dump cake is a star on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments transforms it from delicious to absolutely showstopping.
I can’t resist adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, letting it melt slightly into those warm fruit layers. Heaven in a bowl, truly.
Whipped cream works beautifully too, especially when I’m craving something lighter.
For a bit of contrast, try serving with a small dish of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt – that tangy note balances the sweetness perfectly.
And don’t forget beverages! A cup of coffee or tea makes this humble dessert feel like a proper afternoon treat.
Leftovers and Storage for this Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake
Storing leftover dump cake couldn’t be simpler, which is just another reason why I adore this recipe so much.
Cover any remaining cake with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, making day-two dump cake sometimes even better than fresh-baked, if you can believe it.
Want to extend its life? You can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave before serving.
Effortless Fruit-Layered Dump Cake Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this fruit-layered dump cake lies in its versatility and adaptability to whatever you might’ve on hand.
I can’t stress enough how forgiving this recipe truly is.
Don’t have cherry pie filling? No problem. Try blueberry, strawberry, or even apple instead.
The pineapple can be swapped for peaches or mandarin oranges, creating entirely new flavor combinations.
For the cake mix, chocolate works wonderfully with cherries, while spice cake complements apple filling perfectly.
And those nuts? Pecans, walnuts, or even coconut flakes will do the trick.
Feeling decadent? Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top.
Final Thoughts
After making this fruit-layered dump cake countless times, I’m convinced it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
This dessert truly embodies what home baking should be—simple, delicious, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
What makes this recipe special isn’t just its ease, but how it brings people together.
There’s something magical about serving a warm slice topped with melting vanilla ice cream that makes guests feel instantly at home.
Just like with apple crisp recipes, combining fruit with a sweet, crumbly topping creates that perfect comfort food sensation ideal for cozy gatherings.