Heavenly Honeyed Fruit Dump Cake
Indulge in a delightful fusion of textures and flavors with this Heavenly Honeyed Fruit Dump Cake, a guilt-free twist on the beloved classic. Featuring luscious layers of juicy pineapple and cherry pie filling, this gluten-free dessert utilizes creamy polenta for a moist, cake-like consistency that's lower in fat. Perfectly spiced with hints of cinnamon and cardamom, this cake will captivate your taste buds whether served warm or chilled. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat. Designed for simplicity and satisfaction, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks
20 ounces (drained)
Cherry pie filling
21 ounces (canned)
Prepared polenta
18 ounces (cut into chunks)
Honey
1/4 cup (raw, thick works best)
Plain yogurt
1/8 cup (plain (e.g., Dannon))
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon (for flavor)
Salted butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a nonstick 9x9-inch baking pan, evenly spread the drained pineapple chunks at the bottom.
3
Next, gently pour the cherry pie filling over the layer of pineapple, ensuring even coverage.
4
In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the polenta chunks, honey, and plain yogurt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and cardamom, and process again until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure even mixing.
6
Add the softened salted butter to the polenta mixture, pulsing until fully blended and smooth.
7
Carefully spread the polenta mixture over the fruit layer, ensuring an even layer across the top.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm or at room temperature, with or without toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Honeyed Fruit Dump Cake?
It is a gluten-free dessert featuring layers of pineapple and cherry pie filling topped with a honey-sweetened polenta mixture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the cake uses prepared polenta instead of wheat flour, making it a gluten-free treat.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a nonstick 9x9-inch baking pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, ensure the 20 ounces of pineapple chunks are drained before spreading them in the pan.
In what order are the fruit layers added?
First spread the pineapple chunks at the bottom, then pour the cherry pie filling over them.
What kind of polenta should I use?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of prepared polenta cut into chunks.
How is the polenta topping prepared?
Combine polenta chunks, honey, and yogurt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
What spices give the cake its flavor?
Ground cinnamon and ground cardamom are used to spice the cake.
Can I substitute the honey?
The recipe suggests raw, thick honey works best for the intended flavor and texture.
What type of yogurt is recommended?
Use 1/8 cup of plain yogurt, such as Dannon brand.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of softened salted butter.
When do I add the butter to the mixture?
Add the softened butter to the polenta mixture after the spices have been incorporated, then pulse until smooth.
How do I know the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when the top is lightly golden and the mixture is set.
Should this cake be served hot or cold?
It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.
What are good serving suggestions?
Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why use polenta in a cake?
Polenta creates a moist, cake-like consistency while keeping the dessert lower in fat.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is designed for simplicity, following the 'dump cake' style of layering ingredients.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a high-powered blender can be used to combine the polenta topping ingredients.
How much cardamom is used?
The recipe requires 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Does the pan need to be greased?
The instructions recommend using a nonstick pan to prevent sticking.
How much honey is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey.
Can I use fresh fruit?
You can use fresh pineapple chunks as long as they are equivalent to 20 ounces and properly prepared.
Can I skip the cardamom?
While it adds a unique flavor, you can omit it if you do not have it on hand.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its sweet fruit layers and soft texture make it a popular choice for families.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients required for this cake.
What is the consistency of the polenta layer?
Once blended and baked, it has a moist and creamy cake-like consistency.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How do I spread the topping?
Carefully spread the smooth polenta mixture over the fruit layer to ensure even coverage before baking.