Name: Christmas Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional); 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (optional)

Soft, festive, and bursting with the sweet warmth of the holidays, this Christmas Dump Cake is as easy as it is delicious. Imagine layers of juicy cherries, crushed pineapples, and golden cake mix coming together in a buttery, crumbly hug of holiday cheer. Each bite tastes like Christmas morning in dessert form — bright, cozy, and just a bit indulgent.

This is the dessert you whip up when you want something impressive but effortless. No need to stir, mix, or fuss. Just layer, bake, and serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a cookie swap, or looking for a sweet treat while watching Christmas movies, this dump cake will quickly become a December tradition.

What Kind of Cake Mix Works Best?

Yellow cake mix is the gold standard here, giving a rich, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the fruit. But feel free to switch it up — white cake mix for a lighter touch, or spice cake mix for an extra layer of holiday warmth. The key is to use a dry mix, not prepared batter. If you’re in the mood to add some crunch, a handful of chopped pecans on top before baking is a total game-changer.

Ingredients for the Christmas Dump Cake

Cherry pie filling – Adds that vibrant red, sweet-tart flavor that screams holiday spirit.

Crushed pineapple – Brings brightness and moisture, helping the cake stay juicy and flavorful.

Yellow cake mix – Acts as the sweet, buttery base that ties all the layers together.

Butter – Melted and drizzled on top, it ensures that iconic crisp and golden top.

Holiday sprinkles (optional) – Because why not make it extra festive?

Chopped nuts (optional) – Pecans or walnuts give it a satisfying crunch.

How To Make the Christmas Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Fruits

Pour the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread evenly. Then spoon the crushed pineapple (with juice) over the cherries, spreading it out gently.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Do not stir.

Step 4: Add Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible for even browning.

Step 5: Optional Festive Touches

Top with chopped nuts and colorful holiday sprinkles.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. It’s fantastic warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Serving and Storing Christmas Dump Cake

This cake is best served warm straight out of the oven, but it also holds up well for leftovers. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven.

What to Serve With Christmas Dump Cake?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The ultimate pairing. Melts into the warm cake for a creamy contrast.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream makes every bite feel like a snowflake landing on your tongue.

Hot Cocoa

Sip on something chocolaty while enjoying this fruity dessert.

Peppermint Coffee

The perfect drink companion for the richness of the cake.

Eggnog

Talk about holiday overload — in the best way.

Gingerbread Cookies

Serve a cookie on the side or crumble it on top for a spiced crunch.

Festive Fruit Salad

Lighten things up with a bowl of citrus and berries.

Want More Dessert Ideas That Spark Holiday Joy?

If this Christmas Dump Cake got you in a festive mood, you’ll love these other cozy and crowd-pleasing treats:

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for a silky, fruit-forward twist.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake that doubles down on indulgence.
Twix Cookie Cups when you want something bite-sized and buttery.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies for a festive cookie jar staple.
No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake for a nostalgic and effortless treat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra nuts or go heavy on the sprinkles? Did you serve it cold or warm it up with a scoop of ice cream?

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Christmas Dump Cake

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to cozy up to the holidays with this Christmas Dump Cake—a no-fuss, flavor-packed dessert that layers cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, buttery cake mix, and festive toppings for a warm, gooey, and golden treat. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday desserts, quick Christmas baking, easy party food ideas, or even dessert potluck recipes. It’s one of the best quick holiday dessert ideas that will wow guests with minimal effort.