Heavenly Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet & Effortless Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through this effortless pineapple dump cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss.

Simple ingredients tumble together in a magical culinary symphony.

Tropical flavors burst from each golden, crumbly bite of this ultra-easy treat.

The cake emerges from the oven with a perfect golden-brown crust that beckons hungry dessert lovers.

Moist, buttery layers meld with tangy pineapple chunks for an irresistible combination.

Minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together faster than you can say “delectable.” One spoonful will transport you to a sunshine-filled paradise of sweet, caramelized perfection.

Ingredients for Pineapple Dump Cake

• Pineapple: Juicy tropical fruit that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, choose ripe and golden pineapple for maximum flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create a rich, gooey bottom layer, select dark brown sugar for more intense taste.

• Dry Cake Mix: Convenient base that creates a tender, crumbly topping, opt for vanilla or yellow cake mix for classic results.

• Butter: Provides luxurious richness and helps create a golden, crispy top, use unsalted butter for better control of overall sweetness and ensure it's cold for easier grating.

Equipment Needed to Assemble Pineapple Dump Cake

• 13×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect dump cake base.
• Grater: Crucial for evenly distributing butter across the cake mixture.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the cake to golden perfection.
• Measuring tools: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for spreading ingredients evenly.

Baking Method for Pineapple Dump Cake

• Tropical Dessert Prep

Grab a spacious baking dish and get ready for a sweet adventure. This simple dessert combines the sunny flavors of pineapple with a rustic cake topping that’ll make everyone smile.

• Pineapple Foundation

Open your canned pineapple and spread it generously across the bottom of the baking pan. The juicy fruit will create a delicious base for our cake.

• Sweet Sugar Layer

Sprinkle brown sugar over the pineapple, creating a caramel-like blanket that will add depth and richness to the dessert.

• Cake Mix Magic

Gently scatter dry cake mix across the entire surface, covering the pineapple and sugar completely. This will transform into a golden, crumbly topping.

• Buttery Goodness

Slice cold butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a crispy, rich crust.

• Oven Transformation

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crispy.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm for a gooey, comforting dessert that celebrates tropical flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 13

Customization Tips for Dump Cake Flavors

• Add toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts on top for a tropical twist that enhances texture and flavor.
• Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake mix to create a deeper, warmer dessert profile that complements the pineapple's sweetness.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or margarine for a completely dairy-free version that maintains the cake's rich moisture.
• Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate this simple dump cake into a decadent dessert experience.

Serving Ideas for Pineapple Cake

• Sweet Tropical Garnish: Top with fresh pineapple chunks or mint leaves for a vibrant, refreshing presentation that enhances the cake's tropical essence.
• Creamy Companion: Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the cake's rich, buttery texture and add a cool contrast.
• Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy a slice alongside morning coffee or as a decadent breakfast treat, pairing perfectly with a light yogurt or fruit compote for added complexity.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts over the cake to introduce a delightful crunch and elevate the pineapple's sweet flavor profile.

Best Way to Handle Pineapple Dump Cake

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pineapple dump cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, to freeze for a delightful dessert emergency backup lasting 2-3 weeks.
• Room Temperature Caution: Keep cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste quality.
• Reheating Brilliance: Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's original delicious texture and warmth.

Tantalizing Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pineapple dump cake brings tropical sweetness to dessert tables with minimal effort. Effortless preparation and rich caramelized flavors make this classic American treat irresistible for those craving simple, delightful comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 20 oz (567 grams) cans crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 15.25 oz (432 grams) yellow cake mix
• 1 stick (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, frozen for easy grating
• Maraschino cherries
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Foundation Layer: Spread entire pineapple and its juice across the pan bottom, creating a vibrant fruity base.
3. Sweet Enhancement: Uniformly sprinkle brown sugar over pineapple, ensuring complete and even coverage for caramelization.
4. Cake Distribution: Evenly scatter dry cake mix across the pineapple-sugar layer, creating a smooth and consistent surface.
5. Butter Integration: Grate three-quarters of butter strategically over the dry cake mix, allowing it to melt and infuse rich flavor during baking.
6. Initial Baking: Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform cooking and golden coloration.
7. Final Moisture: Grate remaining butter over any dry cake mix areas during midpoint, promoting complete moisture and preventing potential dryness.
8. Completion: Continue baking until top achieves a golden-brown hue and edges become delicately crisp.
9. Cooling Process: Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely, enabling layers to set and facilitating easier serving.
10. Serving Suggestion: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, savoring the caramelized pineapple and tender cake texture.

Notes

• Butter Trick: Grate cold butter directly over the cake mix for even distribution and better melting, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.
• Pan Preparation Tip: Thoroughly butter the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
• Baking Watch: Check the cake at the 35-minute mark to avoid over-browning, as oven temperatures can vary slightly.
• Cooling Technique: Let the dump cake rest for at least 15-20 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg