Dump Cake

Introduction

Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert that layers canned fruit, dry cake mix, and butter in a single pan, then bakes into a moist, cobbler-like cake in under an hour. The pineapple juice and cherry filling keep the cake tender while the pecans add crunch on top, and you need no mixing bowls or hand mixer to make it work.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice, undrained
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 1 package yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Dutch oven method

1. Preheat Dutch oven in a 350°F oven. Grease the Dutch oven.
2. Dump in pineapple with juice and spread evenly.
3. Dump in pie filling and spread evenly over the pineapple.
4. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over cherry layer.
5. Dot with butter.
6. Bake about 50 minutes at 350°F.
7. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

Pan method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease 13×9-inch cake pan.
3. Proceed as in the Dutch oven method above, starting with step #2.
4. Preheat Dutch oven in a 350°F oven. Grease the Dutch oven.
5. Dump in pineapple with juice and spread evenly.
6. Dump in pie filling and spread evenly over the pineapple.
7. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over cherry layer.
8. Dot with butter.
9. Bake about 50 minutes at 350°F.
10. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F.
12. Grease 13×9-inch cake pan.
13. Proceed as in the Dutch oven method above, starting with step #2.

Variations

• Swap the fruit: Use canned peaches or mandarin oranges instead of pineapple, or replace the cherry filling with apple pie filling. The cake will still hydrate and bake evenly; choose fruit that pairs well with yellow cake.
• Add spice: Stir 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ½ teaspoon of nutmeg into the dry cake mix before sprinkling it over the fruit layer to add warmth without changing the texture.
• Change the nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or sliced almonds for the pecans. Toast them lightly before sprinkling on top for deeper flavor.
• Make it richer: Use coconut oil or a flavored butter in place of plain butter, or sprinkle shredded coconut mixed with the pecans for tropical notes.

Tips for Success

• Let the canned fruit juice do the work: don’t drain the pineapple. That liquid is what keeps the cake moist and tender as it bakes.
• Spread each layer evenly before moving to the next one. Gaps in coverage lead to dry patches and uneven baking.
• Dot the butter over the dry cake mix in small pieces rather than spreading it in one thick layer; it will distribute more evenly during baking and create pockets of richness.
• Add the pecans after 50 minutes of baking, not before. Adding them at the start can cause them to burn or become too dark.
• Check for doneness at 50 minutes by looking at the edges: they should pull slightly away from the pan and the center should feel set but still moist.

Storage and Reheating

FAQ

Can I make this in a Dutch oven instead of a standard cake pan?

Yes. The recipe includes instructions for both methods. A Dutch oven will distribute heat slightly differently and may bake a few minutes faster, so check for doneness at 45–50 minutes rather than waiting the full time.

What if my cake mix is a different flavor?

You can use any flavor of cake mix—chocolate, spice, or butter cake all work. The fruit will still provide moisture, though flavor combinations like chocolate cake with cherry filling taste quite different from the classic yellow-and-cherry pairing.

Can I add a topping or glaze after baking?

The cake is rich and moist as-is, but you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake if you prefer extra sweetness. Avoid adding glaze while the cake is hot, or it will run off unevenly.

Why does the recipe say to sprinkle pecans on top near the end instead of at the beginning?

Nuts added before baking can scorch or become very hard. Adding them in the last few minutes allows them to toast lightly without burning, keeping them crisp and flavorful.