Craving a dessert that's easy, fast, and sure to impress? This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is your no-fail answer to sweet, gooey satisfaction—minus the stress of complicated baking.
With just a few pantry staples and five minutes of prep, the Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe transforms into a bubbling, golden treat. No bowls. No mixers. Just tropical magic straight from your oven.
So, what makes it stand out? The Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe brings together tangy crushed pineapple and a buttery cake topping. As it bakes, it creates a rich, caramelized layer at the bottom—soft, sticky, and totally addictive.
Making dessert for a dinner party, potluck, or unexpected guests? This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe always delivers. It’s simple, quick, and crowd-pleasing every time.
Once you take that first bite, you’ll see why the Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is a classic. Easy to make. Hard to resist. Absolutely unforgettable.
Why This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe Stands Out?
Dump cakes are a beloved Southern staple, passed down through generations as the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. They’re more than just dessert—they’re warm, nostalgic, and effortlessly welcoming.
This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe proudly carries on that tradition. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with tropical flavor in every bite.
What makes this version shine? It delivers all the sunshine-sweet goodness of pineapple, yet it’s incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof.
Unlike the classic pineapple upside-down cake that needs careful layering, this pineapple cake with yellow cake mix is refreshingly rustic. Just dump, bake, and enjoy—the oven takes care of the rest.
As it bakes, the crushed pineapple blends with the buttery topping, creating a caramelized, golden edge that’s impossible to resist.
Serve this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or alongside other tropical favorites like coconut cake or banana bread.
However you dish it up, it’s comfort food at its finest—and it always feels like home.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Crushed pineapple in juice
- Yellow cake mix
- Unsalted butter
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Get a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Open can of crushed pineapple
- Dump entire can (juice and all) into baking dish
- Spread pineapple evenly across the bottom
Add Cake Mix and Butter
- Sprinkle entire box of cake mix evenly over pineapple
- Don't mix the ingredients together
- Slice cold butter into thin pats
- Distribute butter pieces evenly across cake mix
- Add chopped nuts if using
Bake and Serve
- Bake for 45-50 minutes
- Check that top is golden brown
- Look for bubbling around edges
- Remove from oven when done
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- Prepare and Layer: Spread crushed pineapple with juice into the baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly and top with butter slices.
- Bake and Serve:Bake until golden and bubbling, let rest before serving.
Equipment For Pineapple Dump Cake
Essential:
- 9x13 inch baking dish (glass or metal)
- Can opener
- Sharp knife for slicing butter
Optional but Helpful:
- Fine-mesh strainer for even cake mix distribution
- Offset spatula for clean serving
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Use cold butter for better texture as it melts slowly during baking
- Don't drain the pineapple - you need that juice for proper cooking
- Let the cake rest for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner cuts
- Check doneness with a toothpick - it should come out with few moist crumbs
- At high altitude, reduce temperature to 325°F and add 5-10 minutes baking time
Variations
Flavor Variations:
- Hawaiian style - Add shredded coconut and mini marshmallows
- Cherry pineapple - Use half crushed pineapple, half cherry pie filling
- Tropical supreme - Mix in diced mango or papaya
- Spiced version - Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to cake mix
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-free - Use gluten-free yellow cake mix
- Dairy-free - Substitute coconut oil for butter
- Vegan - Use plant-based butter and check cake mix ingredients
- Lower sugar - Use sugar-free cake mix and pineapple in water
Storage
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cover and store up to 5 days
- Flavors improve after first day
Freezing:
- Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap
- Store in freezer-safe container up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight, reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold
The Little Pause That Transforms Your Pineapple Dump Cake
Let me tell you a quick secret I wish someone had shared with me years ago when I first made this Pineapple Dump Cake. After pulling it out of the oven, I used to dive right in—spoon in hand, ready to enjoy that golden, gooey goodness. But then, one evening at a family gathering, my aunt (the queen of Southern baking) leaned in and whispered, “Let it sit, honey. Just ten minutes. Trust me.”
So I waited. And that small pause? Game-changer. The layers settled. The juices thickened. The edges firmed up just enough for the perfect slice. Every bite had that dreamy balance of tangy pineapple, buttery cake, and caramelized bliss.
Want to take it a step further? Before baking, drizzle two tablespoons of heavy cream over the dry cake mix. It adds a rich, velvety depth that makes this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe feel downright luxurious—like something you’d serve at a celebration, even though it’s secretly easy.
FAQ
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake when making pineapple dump cake is mixing the ingredients together. Never stir or mix the cake mix with the fruit - this ruins the signature layered texture. Simply dump each ingredient in order: pineapple with juice on bottom, dry cake mix sprinkled on top, then butter pats distributed evenly. The magic happens during baking when layers naturally combine to create the perfect dump cake texture.
What is a pineapple dump cake?
A pineapple dump cake is an easy 4-ingredient dessert made by layering crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, and butter in a baking dish without mixing. This simple dump cake recipe requires no bowls or mixing - you literally "dump" ingredients into the pan. The result is a golden, cobbler-like dessert with caramelized pineapple bottom and buttery cake topping that's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Do I drain pineapple for dump cake?
No, never drain pineapple for pineapple dump cake! Use the entire can of crushed pineapple including all the juice. The pineapple juice is essential - it creates steam during baking that cooks the cake mix from below and prevents burning. The juice also adds natural sweetness and helps create the signature gooey texture. Always use pineapple packed in juice, not water, for best flavor results.
What are the 5 ingredients in pineapple cake?
Pineapple dump cake only needs 4 basic ingredients: crushed pineapple in juice, yellow cake mix, butter, and optional nuts. Some recipes add a fifth ingredient like coconut flakes or spices. The beauty of this easy pineapple dessert is its simplicity - no eggs, oil, or water needed. The pineapple juice replaces traditional wet ingredients, making this the ultimate lazy baker's dream dessert that tastes amazing every time.
Dump, Bake, Delight – and Repeat!
This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is proof that unforgettable desserts don't need hours of prep or a pantry full of ingredients. With just four simple components and minimal effort, you've got a sweet, tangy, buttery masterpiece that tastes like it came from a vintage Southern cookbook—but with modern-day convenience.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns ordinary moments into something special, whether you're feeding a crowd, making a last-minute treat, or just craving a tropical twist. The caramelized pineapple base and golden cake topping create magic in every warm, gooey bite. Trust me—this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe will become your go-to dessert in no time.
If you loved this, don’t miss my recent favorite: the Easy Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe—perfect for breakfast or brinner—and the showstopping Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake Recipe, which is always a hit at birthdays and summer parties.
Have your own spin on this Pineapple Dump Cake ? Drop your twists, results, and photos in the comments below. I absolutely love seeing how you make each recipe your own. And don’t forget to rate this recipe—your feedback helps more bakers discover the joy of quick, delicious desserts that always impress.
Ready to bake? Go ahead—dump, bake, and let the compliments roll in.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish Glass or metal
- Can opener For the canned pineapple
- Knife To slice cold butter
- Fine-mesh strainer Optional: For even cake mix distribution
- Offset spatula Optional: For clean slices when serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Crushed pineapple In juice, not drained (20 oz)
- 1 box Yellow cake mix Standard size (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup Unsalted butter Cold, sliced into thin pats
- ½ cup Chopped nuts Optional: pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoon Heavy cream Optional: for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Add pineapple with juice to baking dish
- Spread cake mix evenly on top
- Add sliced butter on top
- Add optional nuts
- Bake for 45–50 min until golden
- Let rest 10 min before serving
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