Pineapple Dump Cake

Name: Pineapple Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 20 ounces crushed pineapple, ( with juice (567-gram)); 20 ounces pineapple tidbits, ( with juice (567-gram)); ½ cup light brown sugar, (packed); 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, (your favorite brand (432-gram)); ¾ cup cold salted butter

Our pineapple dump cake is an irresistible dessert featuring crushed pineapple, cake mix, brown sugar, and butter, all baked together to create a deliciously sweet treat.

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Table of Contents

Pineapple Dump Cake Ingredients
Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Pineapple Dump Cake
How To Serve This Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
When To Serve Dump Cake with Cake Mix
Dump Cake with Pineapple Storage Tips
Why This is the Best Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Dump Cake Recipes
JUMP TO RECIPE
More Recipes to Try

Indulge in the simplicity of our pineapple dump cake. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

close up shot of a slice of Pineapple Dump Cake on a plate

Pineapple Dump Cake Ingredients

Pineapple Dump Cake raw ingredients that are labeled

In this easiest cake recipe, crushed pineapple with its juice bursts with tropical flavor and moisture.

Light brown sugar adds a caramel richness, balancing sweetness, while a yellow cake mix provides a soft base.

Thin slices of butter on top create a golden, buttery crust during baking, making for a delicious dump cake.

You’ll need these simple ingredients:

1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, with juice
1 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, with juice
½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
1 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix
¾ cup of cold salted butter

PRO TIP:

When buying the cake mix, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.

Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Substitutions and Additions

CRUSHED PINEAPPLE: You can use fresh pineapple chunks if you prefer a more intense pineapple flavor.

BROWN SUGAR: Swap out the brown sugar for white sugar if you want a slightly different sweetness profile.

CAKE MIX: Experiment with different cake mix flavors, like white cake mix, vanilla or even chocolate, for a unique twist on this delicious dessert. For even more tropical taste, use a pineapple cake mix.

NUTS: For a little crunch, add a half cup of walnuts or pecans to the pineapple before topping with cake mix.

BUTTER: If you use unsalted butter, be sure to add a ⅛ teaspoon of salt to your cake mix.

How To Make Pineapple Dump Cake

Dump cakes are some of the easiest desserts to make. As the name suggests, the ingredients get dumped into the pan and topped with cake mix before being baked.

If you’d like to add some cherry pie filling, be sure to try our cherry pineapple dump cake recipe as well.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch baking dish for the consistency. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.

STEP TWO: Spread the crushed pineapple with juice and the canned pineapple tidbits with pineapple juice into the bottom of the sprayed baking pan.

crushed pineapple spread with juice as well as pineapple tidbits with juice spread into a baking dish

STEP THREE: Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the top of the pineapple and juice layer.

brown sugar sprinkled over the pineapple and juice layer

STEP FOUR: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the brown sugar layer.

STEP FIVE: Slice the cold butter into very thin pats. Cover the entire cake surface with the thin pats by adding them to the top of the cake mix.

We prefer using these thin pats, but some people like using shredded butter or melted butter for this sweet treat.

thin sliced butter pats placed on top of the cake

STEP SIX: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow the cake to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.

How To Serve This Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Pineapple dump cake is an impressive dessert. Serve it warm on its own, or get creative:

Top a serving of cake with a big scoop of ice cream for a family favorite of hot and cold. Add maraschino cherries for a fun pop of color.

Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for an added layer of sweetness.

Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut to enhance the tropical flavor.

Add a handful of fresh blueberries or other fresh fruit before serving.

If you are looking for even more dump cake recipes, try our strawberry dump cake recipe, too.

MORE DUMP CAKE RECIPES

Dump Cakes

Chocolate Dump Cake

Dump Cakes

Lemon Dump Cake

When To Serve Dump Cake with Cake Mix

FAMILY GATHERINGS: Perfect for casual get-togethers, this dessert is sure to please all generations.

POTLUCK PARTIES: Bring this easy-to-share dish and watch it disappear in no time.

PICNICS: Pack it in your basket for a sweet surprise amidst nature.

HOLIDAY DESSERT: Impress your guests with this effortless yet impressive treat.

WEEKNIGHT TREAT: Satisfy your sweet cravings on any ordinary evening with a quick dessert.

Dump Cake with Pineapple Storage Tips

Whether you are planning ahead or have leftovers, here are a few handy storage tips.

MAKE AHEAD: You can assemble the cake up to the point of adding the butter, covering it, and refrigerating it. Add the butter and bake when ready.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a warm, fresh taste.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to two to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat as desired.

REHEATING: Reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.

Why This is the Best Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

SIMPLICITY: You can create a mouthwatering dessert with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

FLAVOR: The combination of pineapple and cake mix results in a tasty tropical treat.

VERSATILITY: Serve it warm with various accompaniments or incorporate it into other meal types.

CROWD-PLEASER: Whether it’s a family gathering or potluck, this simple dessert recipe always receives rave reviews.

close up shot of a spoon with a piece of Pineapple Dump Cake

Our pineapple dump cake is one of our favorite desserts that combines the tropical goodness of pineapple with the convenience of a cake mix. Its simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing nature make it perfect for various occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple chunks.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Experiment with different cake mix flavors for unique variations.

Can I add nuts or coconut to the cake?

Certainly! Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Do I have to let it rest after baking?

Allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes helps the cake set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Can I serve this easy dump cake recipe with other fruits?

While pineapple is classic, you can experiment with other fruits like cherries or peaches for different flavors.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, look for a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

More Dump Cake Recipes

Pineapple Dump Cake

5 from 1 vote

Our pineapple dump cake is an irresistible dessert featuring crushed pineapple, cake mix, brown sugar, and butter, all baked together to create a deliciously sweet treat.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 5

Servings

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Ingredients

20 ounces crushed pineapple, with juice (567-gram)
20 ounces pineapple tidbits, with juice (567-gram)
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, your favorite brand (432-gram)
¾ cup cold salted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread the crushed pineapple with juice and the pineapple tidbits with juice into the bottom of the sprayed baking dish.
Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the pineapple and juice layer.
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the brown sugar layer.
Slice the cold butter into very thin pats. Cover the entire cake surface with the thin pats.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow the cake to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch baking dish so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Layne Kangas Marketing
Rhadonda Sedgwick Creative Director
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Pineapple Dump Cake

Pineapple Dump Cake Ingredients

Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Substitutions and Additions

How To Make Pineapple Dump Cake

How To Serve This Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe