Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe: Dump cakes might just be the easiest desserts on the planet. If you’re someone who loves the idea of baking but hates the complicated instructions, expensive ingredients, and endless cleanup—then pineapple dump cake is about to become your new best friend.
So, what exactly is a dump cake? It’s a simple dessert where you literally dump the ingredients into a pan—no mixing required—and bake until golden and bubbly. The result? A rich, gooey, buttery dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking.
Pineapple dump cake is particularly special because it combines sweet, tangy pineapple with a buttery cake topping that’s melt-in-your-mouth good. It’s a sunshine-filled treat perfect for any season. Whether you’re new to baking or just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth, this step-by-step guide will walk you through every detail.
Benefits of Making Pineapple Dump Cake
Let’s break down why this dessert is such a winner:
- Quick and Easy: 5 minutes of prep. That’s it.
- No Fancy Skills Needed: Even kids can help make this one.
- Few Ingredients: Most are pantry staples.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly but tastes gourmet.
- Customizable: Easy to change up flavors and toppings.
In short? It’s foolproof. And in a world full of complicated recipes, this one brings sweet simplicity back to the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic pineapple dump cake, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. You probably already have most of them at home.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks (optional, for texture)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (standard 15.25 oz size)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor:
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (adds warmth)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for a tropical vibe)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (adds crunch)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for extra depth)
Pro tip: Want to make it a showstopper? Add a can of cherry pie filling along with the pineapple—it’s a flavor bomb.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
You don’t need much to whip up this dessert, which is part of its charm.
Essential Tools:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Can opener
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Optional (but helpful):
- Measuring spoons (for spices or extras)
- Knife (for slicing butter evenly)
- Aluminum foil (to cover if browning too fast)
How to Choose the Best Pineapple
Let’s talk pineapple. Should you go fresh or canned? Crushed or chunks? Here’s what works best:
- Crushed pineapple is ideal for that soft, jammy base.
- Chunks add texture—use them if you like little bites of fruit.
- Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure it’s very ripe and juicy to mimic canned pineapple’s sweetness and moisture.
If using fresh, chop it finely and add 1/4 cup extra liquid like pineapple juice or sugar water to compensate.
Best Cake Mix for Dump Cakes
You can use pretty much any cake mix you like, but some work better than others.
- Yellow cake mix: Classic choice, buttery flavor.
- White cake mix: Slightly lighter, vanilla-forward taste.
- Spice cake mix: Adds a warm, autumn twist.
Gluten-free options? Totally doable! Use a gluten-free vanilla or yellow cake mix and check the canned pineapple for hidden gluten ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pineapple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the cake goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.
Step 3: Add Pineapple Layer
Pour canned crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks (with juice) evenly into the baking dish. Spread it out to create a juicy, fruity base. You can add a little sugar or cinnamon here if you like extra sweetness.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle a box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple. Do not stir. Make sure the cake mix fully covers the fruit layer for even baking.
Step 5: Add Butter (The Magic Ingredient)
Slice cold butter into thin pieces and place them evenly over the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter melts and creates a golden, crisp topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The center should be set, not powdery.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Sweet, buttery, and incredibly easy—pineapple dump cake is dessert magic with almost no effort 🍍🍰
Pro Tips for the Best Dump Cake
Want to take your pineapple dump cake from “good” to “incredible”? Here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Even Butter Distribution: Make sure the butter is spread evenly over the cake mix. Dry patches of mix are often due to uneven butter placement. You can also melt the butter and drizzle it for more consistent results.
- Don’t Mix the Layers: It might feel wrong, but resist the urge to stir. The magic of a dump cake lies in its layers. The juices from the pineapple will moisten the cake mix from the bottom up, while the butter crisps the top.
- Use Juice, Not Syrup: Always go for pineapple packed in 100% juice rather than heavy syrup. Syrup makes it overly sweet and can change the texture.
- Spice it Up: A little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger adds warmth and complexity. Just a pinch goes a long way.
- Let It Sit: Dump cake actually tastes better as it cools slightly. The flavors meld, the texture firms up, and you get that perfect balance of gooey and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
You’ve baked your dump cake, and it smells divine. Now comes the fun part: serving it up!
Here are some delicious ideas:
- A La Mode: The classic! Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping adds lightness to the rich cake.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle some on top after baking for added crunch.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light swirl of caramel sauce takes it over the top.
Want to impress guests? Layer dump cake into parfait glasses with whipped cream and a cherry on top—it’s visually stunning and just as tasty.
How to Store Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you. Dump cake stores beautifully if handled right.
Refrigeration:
- Once fully cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave (30–45 seconds per serving) or pop it back in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the top.
Avoid soggy cake by not covering while it’s still warm—steam will make it mushy.
Can You Freeze Pineapple Dump Cake?
Yes, absolutely! Dump cake is freezer-friendly.
Freezing Instructions:
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Cut into individual portions or freeze the entire dish.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm and crisp on top (about 15–20 minutes).
This makes dump cake a great make-ahead option for parties or busy weeks.
Pineapple Dump Cake Variations
You can totally remix this recipe and create endless flavor combinations.
1. Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake:
- Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut before baking.
- Use a white cake mix for a lighter flavor.
- Serve with coconut whipped cream!
2. Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake:
- Add a can of cherry pie filling with the pineapple.
- Use a yellow or vanilla cake mix.
- This version is tangy, sweet, and perfect for Valentine’s Day.
3. Tropical Fruit Medley:
- Mix pineapple with mango, papaya, or passionfruit.
- Use a coconut or butter pecan cake mix.
- Add macadamia nuts on top before baking for a tropical crunch.
Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for extra flair.
Is Pineapple Dump Cake Healthy?
Alright, let’s be honest: dump cake is a comfort dessert, not a diet food. But there are ways to make it a bit lighter.
Here’s the basic nutrition per serving (based on standard recipe):
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 |
| Fat | 16–20g |
| Sugar | 30–35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–50g |
Want a lighter version?
- Use a low-sugar cake mix or make your own with almond flour.
- Swap regular butter with a vegan or reduced-fat option.
- Use fruit canned in water or juice—not syrup.
- Add chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats.
A few tweaks can go a long way without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Occasions to Make This Dessert
This is the kind of dessert that always fits the occasion. Here are some perfect moments to whip it up:
- Family dinners – because everyone loves warm cake after a meal.
- Potlucks and parties – it travels well and disappears fast!
- Holidays – Thanksgiving, Easter, or 4th of July.
- Birthdays – especially for folks who aren’t big on frosting.
- Rainy days – because it’s warm, cozy, and takes no effort.
It’s even great for those “just because” days when you want a treat without a hassle.
FAQs about Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure it’s very ripe and juicy. Add a little extra pineapple juice or water to keep the cake moist.
2. Why is it called a “dump” cake?
Because you literally dump all the ingredients into a pan—no mixing, no fuss.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bake it a day before and reheat before serving. It tastes even better the next day.
4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter. Check that your cake mix is also dairy-free.
5. What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
Warm with vanilla ice cream is a fan favorite, but whipped cream or even yogurt works great too!
Conclusion
Pineapple dump cake is proof that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples, one baking dish, and zero mixing, you’ll have a golden, gooey, buttery dessert that people will ask for again and again.
Whether you’re making it for a party or a personal treat, this recipe always delivers. It’s simple, fast, affordable—and completely irresistible.
So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, dump it, bake it, and enjoy the pineapple perfection.
