Tropical Cherry-Pineapple Delight Cake
Indulge in this Tropical Cherry-Pineapple Delight Cake, a delightful dessert that brings a burst of fruity flavor to your table. With its easy-to-follow layers of sweet cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, topped with a golden cake mix, toasted coconut, and optional nuts, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Simply toss it in the oven before dinner, and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen, culminating in a warm, comforting treat that's perfect served with a dollop of Cool Whip or a scoop of ice cream!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry Pie Filling
16 ounces (canned)
Crushed Pineapple
16 ounces (canned and drained)
Yellow Cake Mix
1 box (dry)
Coconut
1 cup (shredded or flaked)
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
1 cup (optional, chopped)
Margarine
1/2 cup (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, evenly spread the cherry pie filling at the bottom.
3
Layer the crushed pineapple over the cherry pie filling, making sure it is evenly distributed.
4
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer, covering it completely.
5
Next, add a generous layer of shredded coconut, and if using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
6
Cut the margarine into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the top layer of nuts and coconut.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
9
Serve warm with Cool Whip or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Cherry-Pineapple Delight Cake?
It is a fruit-based dessert featuring layers of cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, coconut, and nuts, baked to a golden finish.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients are cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts or pecans, and margarine.
How long does it take to bake this cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven for approximately one hour until the top is golden and bubbly.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake.
Should I mix the ingredients together before baking?
No, this is a layered or 'dump' style cake. You should spread the ingredients in layers as specified in the instructions without stirring.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 9 x 13 inch baking pan for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 16 ounces of canned crushed pineapple that has been drained.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of butter for the margarine by cutting it into small pieces and scattering it over the top.
What type of cake mix is best for this recipe?
A standard box of dry yellow cake mix is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Are the walnuts or pecans mandatory?
No, the nuts are optional. You can leave them out if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free dessert.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is best served warm, topped with a dollop of Cool Whip or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What kind of coconut should I use?
You can use one cup of either shredded or flaked coconut.
Is the cake mix prepared with water and eggs first?
No, the yellow cake mix should be applied to the cake dry, straight from the box.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the coconut and cake mix top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
While you can use fresh cherries, you would need to cook them down into a thickened sauce first to mimic the consistency of pie filling.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, white cake mix or even a spice cake mix would offer a different but delicious flavor profile.
How should I store leftover Tropical Cherry-Pineapple Delight Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is this recipe considered a 'dump cake'?
Yes, this recipe falls into the 'dump cake' category because you layer the ingredients without mixing them.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can bake it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
It has a soft, cobbler-like fruit bottom with a slightly crunchy and buttery toasted coconut and nut topping.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, as long as it is finely crushed or chopped and you account for the moisture levels typically found in canned pineapple.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Absolutely, it requires no mixing or complicated techniques, making it perfect for novice bakers.
Can I use melted margarine instead of pieces?
The recipe calls for scattering small pieces to ensure even browning, but drizzling melted margarine is a common alternative for dump cakes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include dessert, easy recipe, cake, dump cake, cherry, pineapple, tropical flavors, and sweet.
How much margarine is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of margarine.
Can I use almonds instead of walnuts?
Yes, sliced or slivered almonds would be a great substitute for walnuts or pecans.
Should I grease the baking pan?
While the fruit filling provides moisture, lightly greasing the sides of the pan can help prevent sticking.
Can this recipe be halved?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use an 8x8 inch pan, though you will have half a box of cake mix left over.
Is this cake served cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is most delicious and comforting when served warm.