If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 8 PM realizing you completely forgot about tomorrow’s office potluck, this pineapple dump cake recipe will become your new best friend! With just a handful of ingredients and practically zero baking skills required, this warm, fruity dessert is the definition of effortless indulgence.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you literally dump the ingredients in a pan, and somehow, they turn into a golden, buttery cake with pockets of juicy pineapple throughout. The combination of tender cake, warm pineapple, and crispy, buttery top creates a dessert that feels casual enough for a weeknight treat and special enough for company.
And look, I get it. The name “dump cake” is unappealing, and it seems almost too easy to be delicious. But this is one of those recipes where cutting corners doesn’t mean cutting flavor.
In fact, its straightforward preparation is precisely what makes it perfect every time. It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, you spent more time looking for your measuring cups than actually making the cake!
Let me walk you through the steps to make this simple dessert and all my best tips and tricks. My family goes crazy for this easy dessert, and yours will, too!
Reader Review
This cake was so delicious and easy to make! There were no leftovers. I used a pineapple cake mix, which made it more pineapplely, (is that a word)? I will definitely make this again.
— Alice
Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Pineapple: For this recipe, you’ll need THREE cans! Use one can of pineapple chunks, one can of crushed pineapple, and one can of sliced pineapple rings to decorate the top.
- Yellow Cake Mix: You can use other flavors like white or butter cake mix.
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Maraschino Cherries: These are optional but add a pretty pop of color.
Looking for more easy dessert recipes that start with a cake mix? Try hot chocolate poke cake, chocolate mousse cake, or homemade rum cake.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.
How to Make Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Find a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of cooking spray.
- Open your cans of crushed pineapple and pineapple chunks. Pour both cans, juice and all, into your prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly—this creates your delicious fruit base.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over everything. Don’t mix it in; just let it create a nice, even layer on top.
- Take your cold stick of butter and slice it as thinly as possible. Arrange these butter slices all over the top of the cake mix. Try covering as much of the surface as possible – this helps the cake mix turn golden and crispy.
- For that classic pineapple upside-down cake look, arrange your pineapple rings on top and pop a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
- Put the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
Do you know what makes this pineapple dump cake even more amazing? A big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! I love serving this dessert while it’s still warm – the ice cream gets all melty and mingles with the buttery, golden topping. It’s pure heaven!
For a fancy touch (though let’s be honest, this cake is deliciously unfancy!), you can add:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A sprinkle of toasted coconut
- Extra maraschino cherries (because otherwise, my kids will fight over who gets the cherries!)
This cake is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you need a quick dessert that feels special. I’ve even served it at informal parties, and it is always a hit.
How to Store
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste that makes this dump cake so irresistible!
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Don’t stir the cake mix into the fruit—just sprinkle it evenly over the top. Break up any large clumps of cake mix before sprinkling.
- Make sure your butter slices are very thin and evenly distributed.
- Do not drain the crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks. The juice helps create a moist and tender cake.
- Yellow cake is traditional, but you can use white cake or butter cake if that is what you have.
Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 20 ounces pineapple slices drained
- Cherries for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and great a 9x 13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple with all the juices into your baking dish.20 ounces pineapple chunks, 20 ounces crushed pineapple
- Top that with the brown sugar. Then sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top.⅓ cup brown sugar, 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- Thinly slice your butter and place it on top of the cake mix.8 tablespoons butter
- Add the pineapple slices and put a cherry in the middle of each one if you like.20 ounces pineapple slices, Cherries for garnish
- Place in the oven and bake for 60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- This cake is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Don’t stir the cake mix into the fruit—just sprinkle it evenly over the top. Break up any large clumps of cake mix before sprinkling.
- Make sure your butter slices are very thin and evenly distributed.
- Do not drain the crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks. The juice helps create a moist and tender cake.
- Yellow cake is traditional, but you can use white cake or butter cake if that is what you have.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
Can I omit the brown sugar? I’ve made dump cakes before using a combo of pineapple & canned cherry pie filling. Dump cakes do not have the consistency of a regular cake. It’s more of a ” use a spoon” to dish up dump cakes. This sounds delicious. Will be trying it soon.
Sure, you can omit the brown sugar. I like it because it caramelizes a bit on top of all the pineapple on the bottom of the cake. And yes, it is definitely a “serve it with a spoon” kind of cake. I usually serve it in bowls too, it is much easier.
So easy and no complicated procedures but – it all equals an awesome, fantastic flavored cake! Its always been my fave cake and now it’s gonna get made a lot more than the original recipe!
This cake was so delicious and easy to make! There were no leftovers. I used a pineapple cake mix , which made it more pineapplely, ( is that a
word)? I will definitely make this again.