Cherry Pineapple Pantry Cake

A simple oven cake made with everyday pantry staples!

This Cherry Pineapple Pantry Cake is one of those recipes you make when you want something sweet without pulling out a mixing bowl. You just layer everything in the pan, slide it into the oven, and let it do its thing. The cherries bake down into a soft fruit layer, the pineapple keeps everything moist, and the top turns golden and buttery. It’s the kind of dessert you bring along to a church supper or school party and know it’ll be gone by the time you go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy oven dessert with no mixing required.
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Sweet fruit filling with a golden, buttery cake topping.
• Feeds a crowd and travels well for gatherings.
• Reliable, classic flavors everyone recognizes.

Ingredient Notes

• Crushed pineapple:
  Use crushed pineapple packed in juice and do not drain it. The liquid is needed to help the cake mix bake properly.
• Cherry pie filling:
  Standard canned cherry pie filling works best. Spread it gently so the layers stay distinct while baking.
• Yellow cake mix:
  Use a standard-size box. Sprinkle it evenly over the fruit without stirring for the best texture.
• Butter:
  Browning the butter adds a deeper, richer flavor, but melted butter can be used if preferred.
• Shredded coconut:
  Adds a lightly toasted finish. Sweetened or unsweetened both work depending on taste.

Quick Prep Notes

Do I drain the pineapple?
No. Use the crushed pineapple with all of its juice. The liquid is needed to help the cake mix bake evenly.

Do I mix the cake batter?
No mixing is needed. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit and let the butter and juices do the work in the oven.

Can I skip browning the butter?
Yes. Browning adds extra flavor, but melted butter works just fine if you prefer to keep it simple.

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FAQ

Why is my cake mix still powdery in spots?
Try drizzling the butter more evenly next time, especially toward the edges, so all of the cake mix gets moistened.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it earlier in the day and loosely cover. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat individual servings if desired.

Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes. Peach, blueberry, or apple pie filling all work well with crushed pineapple.

Should this be served warm or cold?
Either works, but it’s especially good served warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

Sprinkle of Fun

This is the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a long folding table at a church supper or school event. Bake it in a disposable pan, serve it warm with a big spoon, and let people help themselves. It’s the sort of recipe someone will ask you for before the night is over.