Easter is just around the corner, and you know what that means—time for all things sweet and colorful! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert for the occasion: the Easter Dump Cake. I can still remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. My niece squealed in delight when she saw the colorful candy eggs adorning the top, and frankly, I was just as excited. This delightful treat not only looks festive but also comes together in a flash. It’s like a celebration in a 9×13 pan!
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You really can’t mess it up. Just layer, bake, and voilà—dessert is served! Plus, it’s a sweet and gooey combination of pineapple and cherry pie filling, topped with a golden, buttery crumb. It’s a nostalgic throwback to those carefree days of childhood baking with family, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. So without further ado, let’s jump in!
What’s in Easter Dump Cake?
Canned Pineapple: This tropical fruit adds a juicy, sweet layer at the bottom of the cake. I prefer using crushed pineapple for a nice, even distribution.
Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tart, this fruit topping marries perfectly with the pineapple and adds a burst of color to the cake. You can use store-bought to save time, but homemade pie filling adds a special touch.
Dry Cake Mix: A classic yellow or white cake mix will do the trick! This is what creates that deliciously crumbly topping. I love using a brand that’s dense and rich for the best results.
Butter: Melted butter is our secret weapon here, pouring it over the cake mix to create an irresistible, golden crust. The butter helps the cake mix bake into a crisp topping full of flavor.
Candy Eggs: These colorful treats are the finishing touch that brings a festive flair to your Easter celebration. I like to use chocolate eggs or the classic candy-coated variety – it’s all about your personal preference!
Is Easter Dump Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s break it down a bit. While we can’t call this dessert “health food” by any stretch of the imagination, it has a few fun attributes.
Pineapple provides a vitamin C boost and has some antioxidants to boot. However, it is canned in syrup, so you might want to rinse it to cut down on sugar.
Cherry Pie Filling generally has a lot of sugar, but it also gives us those delightful fruity flavors that keep us coming back for more. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own filling for a fresher alternative.
On the other hand, the cake mix and butter are certainly indulgent, so it’s best to consider this a special treat rather than an everyday dessert!
Ingredients List
– 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
– 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow or white cake mix
– 1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup colorful candy eggs for decoration
This recipe serves about 12 people, depending on your serving size!
How to Make Easter Dump Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that warmth going!
2. Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer the cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple, making sure to spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit layer. Don’t worry about mixing—just sprinkle it and let it do its thing!
5. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will help create that wonderful crumbly topping.
6. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Once it’s out, let it cool a bit before decorating with the colorful candy eggs on top.
Delightful Extras to Consider!
– For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before pouring the butter!
– Pair your dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast.
– Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings! Blueberry or raspberry could be fun alternatives.
Putting this Easter Dump Cake together is such a breeze, and it always has everyone asking for more. I absolutely adore seeing everyone’s faces light up when they take their first bite, and I promise it will become a beloved tradition for your gatherings too! Give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking, friends!
