Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Cherry Delight Dump Cake?
It is a quick and easy dessert featuring a fusion of cherry pie filling, tropical fruit salad, lemon cake mix, pecans, and coconut.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan to prevent sticking?
Prepare the pan by using a light coating of cooking spray.
Should I drain the tropical fruit salad before adding it to the pan?
No, you should pour the tropical fruit salad into the pan including its liquid.
What fruits are included in the tropical fruit salad?
The recipe calls for a mix of pineapple, papaya, and guava in passion fruit juice.
Why is lemon cake mix used in this dump cake?
The lemon cake mix provides a zesty twist that complements the sweet cherry and tropical fruit flavors.
What type of lemon cake mix is best for moisture?
Using a double pudding type cake mix is recommended for added moisture.
Do I need to mix the cake mix into the fruit?
No, you should sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top of the fruit mixture without stirring.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be chopped before being sprinkled over the cake mix layer.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 ounces of butter.
Should the butter be cold or melted?
The butter should be melted and then drizzled generously over the cake mix and toppings.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with melted margarine if preferred.
What type of coconut should I use?
You can use either unsweetened or sweetened flaked coconut.
When should I add the coconut to the cake?
The coconut should be added as the final topping before the cake goes into the oven.
How long does the Tropical Cherry Delight Dump Cake take to bake?
It should bake for 50-60 minutes.
Should the cake be covered while baking?
No, the cake should be baked uncovered.
How can I tell when the dump cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Should I serve the cake hot or cold?
It is best served warm, after allowing it to cool slightly from the oven.
What is a suggested side to serve with this dessert?
Serving it with a scoop of refreshing mango sorbet is highly recommended for added tropical flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: lemon cake mix, cherry pie filling, tropical fruit salad, butter, pecans, and flaked coconut.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is a great crowd-pleaser and very easy to prepare for gatherings or last-minute events.
Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
While pecans are suggested for crunch, you could likely use walnuts or macadamia nuts as a substitute.
What size can of cherry pie filling is required?
A 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling is needed.
What size can of tropical fruit salad is needed?
A 20-ounce can of tropical fruit salad is used in this recipe.
Is the cherry pie filling cooked before adding it to the pan?
No, it is used ready to use directly from the can.
What gives this cake its crunchy texture?
The chopped pecans and flaked coconut provide the crunchy texture on top of the moist cake.
Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of lemon?
You can, but you will miss the specific zesty flavor profile provided by the lemon cake mix.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
A standard 9x13 inch dump cake typically serves 12 to 15 people depending on portion size.
What is the first step in assembling the cake?
The first assembly step is pouring the tropical fruit salad and cherry pie filling into the pan and gently mixing them.