Dump Cake Recipe

Cherry pie filling: A sweet and tart canned fruit filling that forms the base layer of the cake.

Crushed pineapple: Canned pineapple that adds a tropical flavor and moisture to the cake.

Yellow cake mix: A boxed cake mix that simplifies the baking process and adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Melted butter: Adds richness and helps to create a golden, crispy topping.

Chopped nuts: Optional, but adds a nice crunch and additional flavor to the cake.

When preparing this dump cake, ensure that the melted butter is evenly distributed over the yellow cake mix. This helps create a uniform, golden-brown crust. To achieve this, you can use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the butter more evenly if pouring directly from the bowl doesn't cover all areas.

• cherry pie filling - Substitute with blueberry pie filling: Blueberries provide a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.

• cherry pie filling - Substitute with apple pie filling: Apples offer a different but complementary flavor profile that works well in dump cakes.

• undrained crushed pineapple - Substitute with mandarin oranges: Mandarin oranges add a citrusy sweetness and similar moisture content.

• undrained crushed pineapple - Substitute with peach slices: Peaches bring a different but delicious fruity flavor and maintain the necessary moisture.

• yellow cake mix - Substitute with white cake mix: White cake mix has a similar base and texture, making it an easy swap.

• yellow cake mix - Substitute with spice cake mix: Spice cake mix adds a warm, spiced flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dump cake.

• melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine provides a similar fat content and moisture, making it a suitable alternative.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil offers a different but pleasant flavor and the necessary fat content.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with granola: Granola adds a crunchy texture and can include a variety of nuts and grains.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with toasted coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes provide a different but complementary crunch and flavor.

• Allow the dump cake to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• If you plan to enjoy the dump cake over a longer period, freezing is a great option. First, cut the cake into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only the amount you need.

• Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped pieces in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. This double layer of protection helps to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. The dump cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen piece, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed cake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave's power.

• If you prefer a crispier topping, you can uncover the cake during the last few minutes of reheating in the oven. This will help to restore some of the original texture.

• Enjoy your dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover dump cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the dump cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dump cake in an oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• For an indulgent twist, reheat a portion of the dump cake in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Place the cake in the skillet and heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the edges to caramelize slightly.

• Oven: Used to bake the dump cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C)

• Baking dish: The container where you will combine and bake the ingredients

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the 1 cup of melted butter and optional chopped nuts

• Microwave or stovetop: For melting the butter before pouring it over the cake mix

• Spatula or spoon: To spread the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple evenly in the baking dish

• Knife: If you need to chop the nuts before adding them as a topping

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, and melted butter ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a non-stick baking dish: This will save you time on cleanup and ensure your dump cake comes out easily.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove to save a few minutes.

Chop nuts in advance: If using chopped nuts, prepare them ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Line with parchment paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.