Crock Pot Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Looking for a ridiculously easy dessert that requires minimal prep yet delivers big on flavor? Look no further than Crock Pot Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake! This delightful slow-cooker dessert brings together the tangy sweetness of cherries, the tropical freshness of pineapple, and the buttery richness of cake—all with almost no effort.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat, this dump cake is a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. The best part? No need for mixing or complicated steps. Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, turn it on, and let the magic happen. By the time you’re ready to serve, you’ll have a warm, gooey, and delicious dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Let’s dive into everything you need to make this incredible Crockpot cherry Pineapple Dump Cake at home!

slow cooker Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

1. Ingredients You'll Need

Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients. You probably already have most of these items in your pantry!

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box of white or yellow cake mix (dry, do not prepare it) – This forms the golden, crumbly crust of the cake.
• 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple (well-drained) – Adds a juicy, tropical sweetness.
• 2 (21 oz) cans of cherry pie filling – Provides a rich, tart contrast to the sweet pineapple.
• ½ cup butter (sliced thinly) – Helps create that crispy, golden-brown top layer.
• Optional Additions:
• ½ cup chopped pecans – If you love a bit of crunch in your desserts, pecans add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor.

These basic ingredients come together beautifully in the slow cooker, making a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent.

Technical Note on Acidity:

Notice that in this recipe, the fruit fillings (cherries/pineapple) are already pre-cooked and sweetened, which neutralizes their sharp acidity. This allows them to be layered first, unlike raw, highly acidic ingredients, which must adhere to the strict Acidic Load Delay Protocol to prevent flavor degradation.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Before layering the ingredients, spray the inside of your slow cooker with a food release spray or lightly grease it with butter. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

• Start by spreading the well-drained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Next, pour the cherry pie filling over the pineapple, spreading it out with a spoon to create an even layer.
• Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers—no mixing is required!
• Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts, moistening the mix and creating a golden crust.
• If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them over the top for added crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Dump Cake

Cover the slow cooker and set it according to your desired cooking time:

• High setting: Cook for 3–4 hours.
• Low setting: Cook for 4–5 hours.

For best results, stir the cake about halfway through the cooking time. This helps distribute the butter more evenly and ensures a perfectly moist cake.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Once the cake is done, you’ll notice a golden, crispy top and a bubbling fruit layer underneath. Serve it warm straight from the slow cooker! For extra indulgence, top with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated later.

3. Tips and Variations

Want to customize your dump cake? Here are some tips and fun variations:

Cake Mix Options

While white cake mix gives a lighter, vanilla flavor, you can also use:

• Use yellow cake mix for a richer taste.
• Spice cake mix for a warm, fall-inspired twist.
• Chocolate cake mix for a black forest-style dessert.

Adding Crunch

• If you love the texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before cooking.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical spin.

Stirring Tip

Stirring the cake about halfway through helps distribute the butter more evenly. If you prefer a crispy, crumbly top layer, you can skip stirring.

Substitutions & Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert celiac-friendly.
• Lower Sugar Option: Opt for a sugar-free cake mix and a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling.
• Different Fruits: While cherry and pineapple are classic, you can swap in blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for a fun variation.

4. Why This Recipe Works

What makes dump cakes so special? It all comes down to simplicity, flavor, and ease:

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Just dump the ingredients into the slow cooker—no mixing, no fuss!
• Slow Cooker Convenience: No oven is needed, making it great for summer or when you need a dessert that cooks while you prepare dinner.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet & Tangy: The combination of tart cherry pie filling and sweet crushed pineapple creates a dynamic, flavorful base.
• Golden, Buttery Crust: The dry cake mix transforms into a deliciously crispy topping thanks to the melted butter.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! White, yellow, spice, and even chocolate cake mix all work well in this recipe.

Store any leftover dump cake in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Absolutely! Simply swap in a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten-free.

Yes! To bake in an oven, follow the same layering instructions in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

You can try Cherry Dump Cake or Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake