Tropical Cherry Dump Cake
Tropical Cherry Dump Cake is a vibrant, easy-to-make dessert combining sweet cherry pie filling with pineapple, topped with cake mix, coconut, and pecans. Baked to golden perfection, it's perfect for family gatherings or casual parties, offering a delightful mix of fruity, nutty, and buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Mix together and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Pat down lightly to distribute the cake mix.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix layer.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, as thick as you like.
- Add shredded coconut on top, as thick as you like.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a layer of chopped bananas or using different fruit fillings like blueberries or peaches. If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the pecans before adding them. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to avoid dry patches. This cake is also great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a perfect dessert to accompany Fudge Four O'Clocks.
Serving Suggestions
This Tropical Cherry Dump Cake is best served warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads or a scoop of sorbet for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Carrot Cake (Family Favorite!) at gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. If reheating the entire dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Cherry Dump Cake contains roughly 558 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use other types of fruit filling?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute cherry pie filling with any fruit filling you prefer, such as peach or blueberry. Just ensure you maintain a similar quantity to keep the texture balanced.
What if I don't have shredded coconut?
If you don't have shredded coconut, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with crushed graham crackers or oats for added texture. Both options will give a unique flavor profile to the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake up to the point of baking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it overnight and bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).