If you’re in the mood for something super easy yet unbelievably tasty, this Pineapple Dump Cake is your new best friend. It’s the kind of dessert that you can whip up in no time, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make this once, you’ll be hooked. So let’s dive right into this quick, no-fuss recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a crispy, golden topping that adds a delightful texture. It takes no time to prepare, and the best part? You just dump everything in the pan and let the oven work its magic. This cake is simple, comforting, and a great way to enjoy summer flavors in a flash. Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or just when you’re craving something sweet without all the effort!

Ingredients (full list below)

For this recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a preview of what you’ll need:

Pineapple (crushed, in its juice)
Cake mix
Butter
Optional: Maraschino cherries, coconut, or nuts for extra texture

You can find the full list of ingredients and their measurements below!

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Layer the Pineapple

Open your can of crushed pineapple and pour it (juice and all) into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, creating a nice layer that will form the base of your cake.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer. Don’t mix it—just spread it out so it covers the fruit. The dry cake mix will absorb the juice from the pineapple and turn into a delicious cake texture as it bakes.

Step 4: Top with Butter

Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the top of the cake mix. This will help create a golden, crispy topping as it bakes in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn’t get too dark!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and enjoy the sweet, tropical flavors.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip the juice in the can of pineapple. It adds moisture and flavor, making the cake so delicious.
If you want an extra touch of sweetness or texture, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts over the top before baking.
For a more tropical vibe, you can add a handful of maraschino cherries to the pineapple layer. They look cute and add a little extra sweetness.
Make sure to watch the cake closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. It’s an easy swap and works just as well.
Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake: Add shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist. It pairs perfectly with the pineapple flavor.
Fruit Variations: While pineapple is the star here, you can swap it for other fruits like peaches, cherries, or mixed berries to suit your taste.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Pineapple Dump Cake is a great dessert on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also fantastic with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can use fresh pineapple, but canned pineapple works best because the juice adds flavor and moisture. If you use fresh pineapple, make sure to add a bit of juice or syrup to the mix.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake ahead of time and bake it just before serving. You can also bake it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! This cake freezes well. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

4. What kind of cake mix should I use?
Any standard yellow or butter cake mix works great for this recipe. You can also try a spice cake mix for a fun twist!

Conclusion

This Quick & Delicious Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate summer dessert. It’s easy to make, perfectly sweet, and packed with tropical flavors. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a family gathering, or just looking for something sweet to enjoy on a warm evening, this cake is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Quick & Delicious Pineapple Dump Cake: A Perfect Summer Treat

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Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a buttery cake topping. This fuss-free recipe requires minimal preparation—just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cans (20 ounces each) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add Pineapple: Pour the crushed pineapple (with its juice) evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Layer Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple layer.
Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the brown sugar layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Add Nuts (Optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cake mix.
Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, covering as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Variations: For a flavor twist, consider adding a can of cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple before adding the cake mix to create a Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake.
Butter Distribution: To ensure even baking and to prevent dry spots, make sure the melted butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible. You can also slice cold butter and place the slices evenly over the top instead of using melted butter.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave before enjoying.