Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake (Easy Six Layer Cake Recipe)

If you grew up going to church potlucks, you probably remember this cake. It was always sitting on the dessert table, usually in a well-worn 9×13 pan, and it was always gone before the coffee was poured.

This pineapple cherry dump cake goes by a few names. In some old community cookbooks, it’s called Six Layer Cake, like in the ‘Treasured Recipes’ book I found this recipe in form the Lincoln District Women’s Institutes. Whatever you call it, it’s one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make.

Jump to:

• Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is just what it sounds like. You “dump” the ingredients into a pan in layers, and the oven does the rest. There’s no mixing bowl, no mixer, and no batter to stir.

The dry cake mix soaks up the juices from the fruit and the melted butter as it bakes. You end up with a soft, fruity bottom and a golden, buttery top. It’s pure old-fashioned comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pineapple Cake

Here’s why this one has been a favorite for decades:

• It uses just six simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• It takes about five minutes to put together
• There’s no mixing, which means very little cleanup
• It feeds a crowd, so it’s perfect for potlucks and family dinners

It’s also one of those recipes that tastes like it took much more work than it did. Your family will never know.

Ingredients for Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

You probably have most of these in your pantry already.

• 1 (19 oz.) can crushed pineapple
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1 box white cake mix, dry
• 12 tablespoons butter, melted (that’s 1½ sticks)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Whipped cream or Cool Whip, for serving

A quick note on the pineapple: Don’t drain it! That juice helps moisten the cake mix as it bakes.

How to Make Six Layer Cake

Ready? This won’t take long.

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spray a round cake pan with non-stick spray.
3. Layer the first five ingredients in the pan, in the order listed: pineapple, cherry pie filling, dry cake mix, melted butter, and nuts.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan.
6. Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip to serve.

Why Is It Called a Six Layer Cake?

Count them up. Pineapple, cherry pie filling, cake mix, butter, and nuts make five layers. The whipped topping you add at the end makes six. I decided to dollop the cream into individual bowls instead of speading it all over the entire cake.

It’s a fun bit of old cookbook charm. Recipes like this were often named for how they looked in the pan, not for any fancy technique.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

A few little things make a big difference:

• Spread the dry cake mix evenly. Sprinkle it right over the fruit, but don’t press it down or stir it.
• Cover the whole surface with butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix so there are no dry spots. This helps the top turn golden and crisp.
• Let it cool before serving. The cake sets up as it cools, so it’s easier to scoop and tastes even better.

Can I Use Different Nuts or Skip Them?

Yes! Pecans and walnuts are the classic choices, and both taste wonderful with cherry and pineapple. If someone at your table has a nut allergy, you can leave them out and the cake will still turn out great.

Can I Make It Ahead?

You sure can. This cake is delicious served warm, but it’s also good at room temperature. Just wait to add the whipped topping until right before you serve it.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover leftover cake and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then add a fresh dollop of whipped cream. If you have any leftovers, that is!

More Vintage Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this one, you might like some of my other nostalgic recipes from old church and community cookbook. This Impossible Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Apple Cake are two of my Fall favourties!

If you make this six layer cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and let me know or share your baking on If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Share it on Instagram!