Christmas Dump Cake

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If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that delivers cozy nostalgia with minimal effort, Christmas Dump Cake is your answer. It’s warm, gooey, buttery, and brimming with classic festive flavors. Just like its name suggests, everything gets “dumped” into a baking dish, layered, and baked into a beautifully comforting sweet treat.

This is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from grandma. With juicy cherries, crushed pineapple, and a buttery cake topping that turns golden and crisp, it’s impossible to resist a second helping. Perfect for last-minute guests or a Christmas potluck, it comes together in minutes and disappears just as fast.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Dump Cake

Christmas Dump Cake is one of those magical recipes that require zero culinary skills yet yields an unforgettable dessert. It checks all the boxes: minimal prep, maximum flavor, and classic holiday comfort. The vibrant red from the cherries adds a festive touch, and the rich flavor balance between tart fruit and buttery cake mix is just perfect. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell like Christmas while it bakes.

Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is the most traditional for this recipe, you can switch it up with a spice cake for a warmer, cozier flavor, or even a white cake mix for a more delicate sweetness. Just be sure not to stir the layers—that classic “dump and bake” method is what gives the cake its deliciously uneven, crispy topping.

Ingredients for the Christmas Dump Cake

This dessert is a great example of how a few pantry staples can turn into something spectacular. All of the ingredients come together in one dish, no mixing bowls required. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cherry pie filling brings that vibrant red color and sweet-tart flavor that screams holiday.

Crushed pineapple adds juicy brightness that balances out the richness of the cake and cherries.

Yellow cake mix forms the buttery, golden topping. It’s a shortcut that makes this dessert effortless.

Salted butter is essential to melt into the cake mix and create that crisp, rich topping.

Chopped pecans (optional) add crunch and a warm, nutty finish if you want extra texture.

How To Make the Christmas Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

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

Step 2: Layer the Fruit

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then pour the crushed pineapple (juice and all) over the cherries. Use a spoon to gently spread it out, but don’t mix.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface without stirring.

Step 4: Butter It Up

Slice the butter into thin pieces and arrange them all across the top of the dry cake mix. This will melt into the mix as it bakes, creating a golden crust. You can also melt the butter and drizzle it evenly if you prefer.

Step 5: Optional Pecans

If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them across the top before baking for added crunch.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly at the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Christmas Dump Cake

This recipe easily feeds 10 to 12 people, making it ideal for holiday parties or family dinners. Serve it warm for the best flavor and texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to another level.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave to revive that gooey goodness.

What to Serve With Christmas Dump Cake?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The contrast of cold ice cream with the warm cake is unbeatable.

Homemade Whipped Cream

A light and fluffy topping that doesn’t overpower the dessert.

Hot Chocolate

Pair this cake with a mug of cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo.

Peppermint Coffee

A festive drink with a refreshing twist to balance the sweetness.

Christmas Ham

If you’re serving this at a holiday meal, it makes a perfect sweet finish after a savory main course.

Brunch Spread

Serve it as a dessert for a holiday brunch with quiches and fruit salad.

Mulled Wine

This spiced drink pairs beautifully with the fruity warmth of the cake.

Cheese Board

Oddly enough, the sweetness of this cake contrasts nicely with salty cheeses for a unique experience.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If this Christmas Dump Cake has you dreaming of sugar and spice, don’t stop here. Check out these other festive favorites:

• Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe for a creamy, old-fashioned dessert.
• Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls for indulgent holiday mornings.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for fruity decadence.
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies if you want something no-bake and crunchy.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread for the ultimate chocolaty comfort.

Save This Recipe 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 go with pecans or skip them? Did you try a different cake mix?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes their holiday baking. Feel free to share your tips or questions below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Christmas Dump Cake is the ultimate stress-free dessert for your holiday table. With just a few pantry staples, you can bake up something that’s warm, cheerful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a little messy, a lot delicious, and completely magical when shared with loved ones.

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