Christmas Dump Cake

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This Christmas Dump Cake is the ultimate easy holiday dessert. Imagine layers of sweet cherry pie filling, pineapple chunks, buttery cake mix, and a golden, crunchy crumble topped with festive sprinkles. It looks like a party on a plate and tastes like the holidays wrapped in a warm, sweet hug. Best part? It takes just minutes to prep and is completely fuss-free.

Whether you’re baking with kids, need a last-minute dessert for a holiday potluck, or just want something low-effort but crowd-pleasing, this dump cake is a lifesaver. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s destined to be a go-to throughout the season.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

Yellow cake mix is the traditional base for a dump cake like this—it offers a buttery flavor that balances the tart fruit perfectly. However, you can easily swap in white cake mix for a slightly lighter taste, or even spice cake mix for a warm, seasonal twist. Just be sure it’s a dry cake mix, not a prepared batter.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Dump Cake

Cherry Pie Filling – These bright, sweet-tart cherries give the cake its signature color and flavor, making it perfect for Christmas. They also add that jammy, gooey layer everyone loves.

Crushed Pineapple – Adds juicy contrast and tropical sweetness. Don’t drain it! You want all the syrupy goodness.

Yellow Cake Mix – The dry mix creates a rich, crumbly topping that binds beautifully with the butter and juices from the fruit.

Unsalted Butter – Sliced thin and laid on top of the cake mix, it melts into the dry ingredients to create that golden, buttery crust.

Holiday Sprinkles – Optional but encouraged! Red, green, and white sprinkles give the dessert a festive look with zero effort.

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional) – For extra crunch and a nutty touch, toss some over the top before baking.

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How To Make the Christmas Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 2: Layer the Fruit

Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon the crushed pineapple (with juice!) over the cherries. Don’t stir—just layer.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Use your hands or a spoon to gently spread it out into a uniform layer, but again—no mixing!

Step 4: Top with Butter

Slice your butter into thin pats and place them all across the surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much as possible for even browning.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake

Add festive holiday sprinkles and nuts (if using) on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Dump Cake

This cake is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the hot, bubbly fruit and the cold cream is pure holiday magic.

To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the cake to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s just as comforting the next day—maybe even better!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

You can, but the result may be slightly drier. If using fresh fruit, consider adding a bit of sugar and juice to mimic the syrupy texture of the canned version.

Do I need to stir the layers together?

Nope! That’s the magic of dump cake. Just layer everything and let the oven do the work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the layers a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. For best texture, bake just before serving.

What if I don’t have sprinkles?

No problem. They’re just for holiday flair. You can skip them or swap in shredded coconut, cinnamon sugar, or even chocolate chips.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Yes, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What can I serve this with?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce make perfect pairings.

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Want More Dessert Ideas for the Holidays?

If you enjoyed this Christmas Dump Cake, you’ll love these other festive and flavorful treats:

• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a bright and tangy finish.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when you want creamy, chewy indulgence.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth simplicity.
• Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for a crunchy, snackable twist.
• Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for those who love creamy classics.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 try a different cake mix? Add chopped nuts or extra sprinkles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter!

👉 For more festive sweets and everyday favorites, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Jam

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