Holiday Dump Cake
A deliciously easy holiday dessert combining pineapple, cherry pie filling, and a buttery cake topping, perfect for festive gatherings and sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a cake pan, pour in crushed pineapple.
- Add cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
- Pour melted margarine over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using canned peaches or blueberries instead of cherry pie filling, or opt for a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs. To enhance the crunch, toast the pecans before adding them. If you're short on time, you can skip melting the margarine and simply slice it and distribute it over the cake mix evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This dump cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Cranberry Tea Punch, making it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy topping, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Dump Cake contains roughly 266 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 20g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake before baking, and it will still taste fresh. However, for the best texture, it's ideal to bake it just before serving.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a vegan option, melted coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine will work well in this recipe.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, fresh fruit can be used, but you'll need to adjust the sweetness as fresh fruit is less sweet than canned. Consider adding a bit of sugar to the fresh fruit mixture to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).