Pineapple Dump Cake is an easy, tropical-inspired dessert made with canned pineapple, cake mix, and butter. Quick to prepare and bursting with sweet, fruity flavor, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.
Pineapple Dump Cake is an effortless dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a buttery cake topping. With just a few simple ingredients, it bakes up into a moist, golden treat that’s perfect for sharing at holidays, potlucks, or casual family dinners. It is one of my go-to desserts.
This dessert is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for busy cooks or beginners. You can serve it warm straight from the oven or let it cool slightly for easier slicing. Add a big scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream for an extra-special touch that everyone will love.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make – With just a few pantry staples, this quick dessert comes together in minutes.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor – The combination of pineapple, cake mix, and butter creates a sweet, tropical treat with little effort.
- Golden and Gooey – Bakes into a bubbly, golden dessert with a soft, moist texture that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable – Add shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a personalized twist.
- Kid-Friendly – The sweet, fruity flavors make this a hit with children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Crushed Pineapple, Undrained – Provides juicy sweetness and a tropical flavor while keeping the cake moist.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the pineapple and balances the dessert.
- Yellow Cake Mix – Creates a buttery, tender topping that bakes up golden and slightly crisp. You can also use a butter cake mix.
- Butter, Thinly Sliced – Distributes evenly over the cake mix to melt into a rich, gooey topping as it bakes.
Variations
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake – Add 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling along with the pineapple for a sweet and fruity twist that adds beautiful color and flavor.
- Walnut Crunch – Sprinkle ½ cup chopped walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Pineapple Coconut – Stir ½–1 cup shredded coconut into the pineapple layer for a tropical-inspired dessert.
- Pineapple Cherry Walnut – Combine cherry pie filling and chopped walnuts with the pineapple for a richer, more textured version of the classic dump cake.
- Pineapple Pecan Cake – Swap the walnuts for chopped pecans for a slightly sweeter, buttery nut flavor.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Go ahead and preheat the oven. Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2. Add the pineapple including the juice into the dish and spread evenly.
Step 3. Next, sprinkle brown sugar over the pineapple.
Step 4. Spread the cake mix evenly on top but do not mix.
Step 5. Place the butter slices all over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much cake mix as possible.
Step 6. Then bake for 45–50 minutes in the preheated oven. The top should be golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7. Allow to cool 10–15 minutes before serving and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Do Not Drain the Pineapple – The pineapple juice is essential because it helps hydrate the cake mix and allows the dessert to bake properly.
- Spread Ingredients Evenly – Try to distribute the pineapple and cake mix in even layers so the cake cooks consistently and has a balanced texture.
- Cover the Cake Mix with Butter – Make sure the butter slices are spread across the entire surface. This helps the dry cake mix absorb moisture and prevents dry patches.
- Do Not Stir the Layers – Dump cakes work best when the ingredients stay layered. Mixing them together will change the texture and the final result.
- Break Up Large Cake Mix Clumps – If you notice any thick clumps of dry cake mix, gently break them apart before baking so the topping cooks evenly.
- Watch the Top While Baking – If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking so it can set slightly and be easier to serve.
- Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave if you prefer it warm.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pineapple dump cake covered tightly or in an airtight container with lid in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds if you prefer the cake warm.
Freezing: You can freeze pineapple dump cake for up to 2 months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
Thawing: Allow frozen cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat if desired before serving.
More Dump Cake Recipes
Give this easy Pineapple Dump Cake a try and see just how easy and delicious homemade dessert can be! If you make it, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment to share how it turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll love this simple, sweet treat too.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 20 oz cans crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 15.25 oz box yellow cake mix
- 1½ sticks butter thinly sliced
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour pineapple (with juice) into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the pineapple.
- Evenly cover with dry cake mix (do not mix).
- Arrange butter slices across the top, covering as much cake mix as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
