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If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’ve just found it with this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a brilliantly simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines juicy, tangy pineapple with a sweet, buttery crunchy topping. Imagine a dessert where all the hard work is dumped into a pan, baked, and emerges golden and irresistible. Perfectly gooey and fruit-forward, it’s a nostalgic classic that never fails to bring smiles at any gathering or even just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is a breeze because each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that complement each other beautifully.
- 2 20-ounce cans crushed pineapple (undrained): This juicy pineapple base adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the cake delightfully tender.
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: Acts as the sweet, fluffy layer that bakes into a golden, cakey crust—no mixing required!
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel sweetness that balances the pineapple’s acidity and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted): Creates that luscious golden topping that crisps up beautifully, bringing moistness and richness to the cake.
How to Make Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Pour the crushed pineapple with all its juice evenly into the baking dish. This juicy layer is the dessert’s heart and makes every bite refreshingly sweet and tangy.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer, covering all the fruit completely. This dry layer will bake into a soft, cake-like crust soaking up the pineapple juices.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Brown Sugar
Evenly distribute the brown sugar over the cake mix—the sugar melts into the cake, adding delightful caramel notes and sweetness throughout.
Step 5: Drizzle the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, making sure you cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This step is what transforms the dry topping into a crisp, golden, buttery crust that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake it to Perfection
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye out for a bubbly top with a beautiful golden brown color—it’s your sign that the magic has happened.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
After baking, let your pineapple dump cake rest for 10-15 minutes to thicken and set. This tiny wait helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm for maximum comfort—top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a maraschino cherry, if you like. It’s the perfect sweet ending that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Serve Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Vanilla ice cream is the classic partner for pineapple dump cake, adding creamy coolness against the warm, spiced cake. Fresh mint leaves or a maraschino cherry can add a pop of color and a touch of elegance, making your dessert look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and flavorful on its own, but if you want to create a more festive spread, pair it with lightly whipped cream or a simple fruit salad with berries for a fresh contrast. A cup of strong coffee or herbal tea also complements the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini mason jars – this makes it perfect for parties or picnics. You can also layer the cake with whipped cream and fresh pineapple chunks in a trifle bowl for a stunning visual presentation that tastes fantastic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the pineapple dump cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days—with each bite tasting just as lovely as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or warm the whole pan in a 325°F oven until heated through. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream after reheating makes it sing even more!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Fresh pineapple can work, but it’s best to finely chop it and use some juice or a little added liquid to maintain moisture. Canned crushed pineapple with juice is preferred because it delivers consistent sweetness and moisture every time.
Do I need to mix the ingredients before baking?
No mixing is required at all! That’s what makes this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe so wonderfully easy. You simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish, and the oven does the rest of the work for you.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another cake flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic here, vanilla or even spice cake mixes can add different flavor profiles. Avoid chocolate as it might overpower the pineapple, but feel free to experiment to suit your taste.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Traditional yellow cake mixes do contain gluten. To make this cake gluten-free, select a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify that other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Why do I drizzle melted butter instead of mixing it in?
Drizzling melted butter on top allows it to melt slowly and soak through the dry ingredients, creating that signature crispy, golden crust with a tender crumb underneath. Mixing it in would create more of a batter, changing the cake’s texture entirely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about a dessert that feels effortless yet tastes like it was made with the greatest care. This Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is exactly that: simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just wanting a cozy treat, it’s bound to become one of your favorites. So go ahead, try it out, and get ready to share smiles and sweet memories!
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Print
Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Dump Cake is a wonderfully simple and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of crushed pineapple with a buttery cake topping. Perfect for a quick and effortless treat, it bakes into a golden, bubbly delight that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream and a maraschino cherry for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 (20-ounce) cans crushed pineapple, undrained
Topping
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (dry)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Add pineapple: Pour the crushed pineapple along with its juice evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly cover the pineapple layer with the dry yellow cake mix, ensuring all the fruit is covered.
- Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the dry cake mix layer for added sweetness and caramelization.
- Drizzle butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top, covering as much of the dry ingredients as possible to create a moist, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cake topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes; this helps the dessert set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a maraschino cherry for a classic and indulgent finish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use undrained crushed pineapple to ensure the cake is moist and flavorful.
- Butter can be salted or unsalted, but adjust salt in other dishes accordingly if using salted butter.
- Substitute yellow cake mix with white or spice cake mix for a different twist.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
