If you’re craving a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious, the Pineapple Dump Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. This straightforward recipe combines sweet, tangy pineapple with a buttery cake topping for a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this Pineapple Dump Cake is a must-try dessert that’s sure to impress without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple preparation: The Pineapple Dump Cake requires minimal effort—just a few ingredients dumped into a pan and baked to perfection.
Delicious flavor combination: Sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery cake topping for a mouthwatering treat.
Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different fruits or toppings to suit any taste or occasion.
Great for beginners: No baking expertise needed, making it perfect for novice cooks or quick dessert fixes.
Perfect for any occasion: It’s an excellent choice for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, and more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Pineapple Dump Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to give you that classic sweet and tangy flavor, complemented by a soft, crumbly cake texture. Each component plays a crucial role in the dessert’s overall taste and mouthfeel.

Canned crushed pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cake.
Boxed yellow cake mix: Provides a buttery, crumbly topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Butter: Melted and poured over the cake mix to create a moist, flaky crust.
Optional add-ins (e.g., shredded coconut or chopped nuts): Enhance texture and introduce subtle complementary flavors.

Variations for Pineapple Dump Cake

You can easily customize your Pineapple Dump Cake to meet your flavor preferences or dietary needs, making it an adaptable dessert to keep in your recipe rotation.

Use different fruit fillings: Swap pineapple for cherry, peach, or apple pie filling for varied flavors.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Add a tropical twist: Mix in shredded coconut or macadamia nuts for a beachy vibe.
Sweeten or spice it up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla for extra warmth and depth.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives.

Why Pineapple Dump Cake Is a Must-Try Dessert

How to Make Pineapple Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the pineapple

Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This juicy base ensures the cake stays moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Sprinkle the cake mix

Evenly sift the dry yellow cake mix over the pineapple. Resist the urge to stir—this layering is what forms the signature texture of the dump cake.

Step 4: Add melted butter

Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step seals everything together and creates that irresistible golden crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake until golden and bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the pineapple bubbles around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Dump Cake

Use full juice pineapple: The juice keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
Don’t mix layers: The magic happens when ingredients are layered and baked as is.
Check your butter temperature: Melt it gently to avoid burning, but keep it warm for easy pouring.
Let it rest: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Serve warm or room temperature: Either way tastes amazing, but warm cake brings out deeper flavors.

How to Serve Pineapple Dump Cake

Garnishes

Top your Pineapple Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this dessert with fresh fruit salad or a lightly sweetened cup of tea to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve dessert, or present it family-style in the baking dish to show off its rustic appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Pineapple Dump Cake covered airtight in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, around 15 minutes.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where you literally dump fruit and other ingredients into a pan and top with cake mix and butter before baking, creating a delicious cobbler-like treat without mixing or fuss.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works great, but it’s best to use juicy, ripe pineapple and consider adding a bit of sugar to balance its tartness.

Is Pineapple Dump Cake gluten-free?

Traditional versions use regular cake mix, but you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make a gluten-free version easily.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cake mix to turn this dessert into a vegan-friendly treat.

How long does Pineapple Dump Cake keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 4 days.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility, the Pineapple Dump Cake is an absolute winner to keep in your recipe collection. It’s a sweet, comforting treat that effortlessly brings smiles to the table, whether for a holiday, potluck, or casual family night dessert. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert!

Pineapple Dump Cake

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix)

Print Recipe

Description

The Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple, no-mix dessert that layers sweet and tangy crushed pineapple with buttery yellow cake mix and melted butter to create a moist, golden, and irresistible treat. Perfect for beginners and versatile enough for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that will please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
1 box yellow cake mix (around 15.25 oz)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or macadamia nuts)
1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (for added warmth)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Add the pineapple: Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including its juice, evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This juicy base keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sift or sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pineapple layer. Do not stir; the layering is essential for the proper texture of the cake.
Add melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This step helps bind the ingredients and creates a golden, flaky crust when baked.
Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pineapple mixture bubbles around the edges.

Notes

Use canned pineapple with full juice to maintain moisture and sweetness.
Do not mix the layers; the cake’s signature texture comes from layering, not blending.
Melt butter gently to avoid burning but keep it warm for easier drizzling.
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting to allow easier slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature; warm cake enhances the flavors.
Optional add-ins like shredded coconut, nuts, or spices can be added on top of the cake mix before drizzling butter to customize flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pineapple dump cake, easy dessert, baked cake, simple pineapple dessert, gluten-free dessert, no-mix cake, quick pineapple cake