Need a last-minute dessert idea? This Microwave Dump Cake is the perfect recipe. It's the same yummy Cherry Pineapple flavor as the original recipe. But this one cooks up in under 20 minutes!
I've made tons of different Dump Cake Recipes and using the microwave really speeds up the process. It was so quick and easy that it made me want to figure out how to cook all my recipes in the microwave!
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Microwave Dump Cake
I don't understand when people don't own a microwave. Like, how do you reheat your coffee? Or heat up leftovers?
Growing up, my mom always made a Microwave Chili recipe. So I knew that you could utilize the microwave for more than just reheating.
But I've never really set out to cook using that method.
But I was curious. You know I love dump cakes and think they are such an awesome dessert idea for so many things (potlucks, parties, inexpensive ingredients, perfect for a crowd).
So I needed to see how it would turn out when made in the microwave.
Spoiler. It's delish! And while I used cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, you can basically make any flavor you want. (Browse my site - I have a ton of variations!)
Not interested in dump cake? Make a Pumpkin Mug Cake or a large but single-serving of Microwave Bread Pudding!
Why Use the Microwave?
Using the microwave really speeds up the cooking process. While most dump cakes (like the original Cherry Pineapple recipe) usually take about an hour to cook up in the oven, this microwave dump cake recipe is ready in about 20 minutes.
The crazy part is, that you are making basically the same amount as you do in a standard recipe, but you make this in a smaller pan.
I love that you can make this yummy dessert without using the oven. Which makes this great for summer so you don't heat up your kitchen.
And it's also great for the holidays when the rest of your meal takes up all the open space. (Although I will say I think my Eggnog Dump Cake would be best made in the oven).
How to Make Microwave Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (not drained)
- 1 can (20 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 stick butter, melted (½ cup)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
The Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is my all-time favorite. So, of course, I wanted to test out that recipe in the microwave.
I've also tested them out as Dump Cake Cupcakes too.
While I don't add coconut to the top of my classic recipe, I decided to add it to make sure that there was texture in case it didn't crisp up.
I also went with one stick of butter instead of two due to the size of the dish.
Directions
Spray a microwave-safe dish (I used a 9 x 9 glass baking dish) with cooking spray.
Add cherry pie filling to the dish.
Top with crushed pineapple.
Sprinkle cake mix on top of the cherries and pineapple.
Drizzle melted butter on top.
Sprinkle coconut on top.
Microwave for 15-20 minutes on high.
Turn halfway through if you don't have a rotating plate.
Since you are using a smaller dish, this dessert becomes taller than usual. You can see the layers through the side of the dish in the photo above.
I placed the baking dish on a plate (not pictured) in the microwave to catch any overflow while it was cooking. There was only a tiny bit.
I'm lazy and like to think ahead to the possible clean up situation. So you do you. You can absolutely skip the extra plate.
The pan was very hot when it was done so you will need a kitchen mitt for each hand. Just have them ready.
I was worried that this Microwave Cherry Dump Cake wouldn't have that same crunchy crust on top like when you bake it in the oven.
But it was there! While the top didn't get golden brown, it did get a nice crust.
The flavor was all there although the ratio of fruit to crust is different. Not bad, just different than the original.
I usually let my dump cakes speak for themselves but you can always serve them with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or even Cool Whip.
I love these easy treats because you can add or take away any ingredient that you don't love. Hate coconut? Skip it! Want more texture? Add pecans!
Swap in another flavor of pie filling to make a different flavor of quick dump cake in the microwave.
This Microwave Cherry Dump Cake is so quick and easy you'll be wondering if you can cook all your desserts this way!
Related Posts
- My favorite Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert is a recipe everyone should have!
- The best Caramel Corn is super easy to make and is a great edible gift idea.
- Cinnamon Walnuts are my favorite easy dessert treat to make when I need something sweet!
- If you're a fan of Dump Cakes, you need to check out all my delicious and super easy recipes!
- You can make a Cherry Dump Cake in the Crockpot!
- You can't go wrong with a Pumpkin Dump Cake no matter what time of year it is.
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Microwave Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 15 ounce Yellow Cake Mix
- 20 ounce crushed pineapple, not drained
- 20 ounce cherry pie filling
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Spray a microwave-safe dish (I used a 9 x 9 glass baking dish) with cooking spray.
- Add cherry pie filling to the dish.
- Top with crushed pineapple.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top of the cherries and pineapple. (I used all of it less about ¼ cup which I was worried wouldn't fit).
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Sprinkle coconut on top.
- Microwave for 15-20 minutes on high.
- Turn halfway through if you don't have a rotating plate.
Beverly Williams says
This is really easy and delicious I used a 3qt baking dish and used all the cake mix and cut the butter up on top but think I will melt it next time but it is delicious my whole family liked it. Thank you for sharing
Lans says
Absolutely quick and delicious! Thank you. Never tried microwave before.