Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is so simple to make, yet it’s packed with rich, delicious flavors. The best part? You don’t need to turn on the oven! The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a warm, gooey, and perfectly baked dessert. It’s the perfect combination of sweet fruit and buttery cake mix, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—serve it as-is, or top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple – do not drain
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 box pineapple cake mix
- 1 cup butter, sliced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. - Layer the Ingredients:
Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple—don’t stir, just let them layer on top of each other. - Add the Cake Mix:
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. Make sure it covers everything completely. - Add the Butter:
Slice the butter into pieces and place the slices all over the top of the cake mix. Try to distribute them fairly evenly for the best results. - Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about 2 hours. Check the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean, and the top should be golden and set. - Serve:
Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then scoop and serve! This cake is especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Different Fruit Filling: Try swapping out the cherry pie filling with blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for a different flavor combination.
- Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
- Add Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake mix before cooking for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds, or reheat the whole cake in the slow cooker for about 10-15 minutes on low.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like, though pineapple or yellow cake mix works best for this recipe. You can also use a gluten-free cake mix if you need a gluten-free option.
2. Can I make this cake in the oven?
Yes! If you prefer to use the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is cooked through.
3. How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s still gooey or batter-coated, let it cook a bit longer.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve more people, but make sure to use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches. You may need to adjust the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour.
5. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, this cake is delicious with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
6. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
For the best results, use canned pie filling and canned crushed pineapple because they provide the moisture needed for this recipe. Fresh fruit could make the cake less moist.
7. How do I make it less sweet?
If you find the cake too sweet, try using a reduced-sugar pie filling or cutting back on the butter to reduce the sweetness.
8. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Once the cake has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.
9. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake in the slow cooker and keep it on the “keep warm” setting for up to an hour after it’s done cooking. However, the texture is best when served immediately.
10. Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains butter, but you can use a dairy-free butter substitute to make it dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert, packed with sweet and fruity flavors, and it couldn’t be easier to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a family meal, or craving a quick treat, this dump cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth every time!
Crockpot Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a super easy, warm dessert made with just four ingredients! Layered with pineapple, cherry pie filling, and a buttery cake topping, it’s the perfect no-fuss treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple – do not drain
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
1 box pineapple cake mix
1 cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the cherry pie filling on top—don’t stir, just layer them.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering everything completely.
- Add the Butter: Slice the butter and place it evenly over the cake mix.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. The cake should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before scooping and serving. Optional: serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes
For different flavors, you can swap cherry pie filling with blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling.
If you want a crunchy texture, top with nuts or coconut before cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the slow cooker on low or microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
