Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

Name: Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: ½ cup light brown sugar, (tightly packed); 1½ cups salted sweet cream butter, (melted (divided into ½ cup and 1 cup)); ⅓ cup chopped pecans; 10 ounces maraschino cherries drained, (stems removed and halved); 40 ounces crushed pineapples, (very well drained); 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix; Vanilla ice cream, (optional garnish)

This easy pineapple upside down dump cake is full of sweet flavor and is simple to make.

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Table of Contents

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Recipe
How To Serve This Pineapple And Cherry Dump Cake
Storing This Pineapple Cherry Cake
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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You might wonder if pineapple upside down dump cake is a real thing, and we are here to tell you it is! All the yummy sweet pineapple, cherries, and brown sugar form the bottom of this delicious dessert, just like an upside down cake, which is topped with fluffy cake for a tropical treat.

close up shot of a plate of Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake topped with vanilla ice cream

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Ingredients

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake raw ingredients that are labeled

This pineapple upside-down cake offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

The brown sugar caramelizes to create a rich sweetness, while the butter contributes to the cake’s moistness and buttery undertones.

Chopped pecans add a nutty crunch, maraschino cherries bring fruity brightness, and crushed pineapple offers a tropical tang.

You’ll need:

½ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
1½ cups of salted sweet cream butter, melted (divided into ½ cup and 1 cup)
⅓ cup of chopped pecans
1 (10-ounce) jar of maraschino cherries drained, stems removed, and halved
2 (20-ounce) cans of crushed pineapples, very well drained
1 (15.25-ounce) box of yellow cake mix
Vanilla ice cream (optional garnish)

PRO TIP:

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

Substitutions And Additions

CAKE MIX: You can substitute white cake mix or even pineapple upside down boxed cake mix.

NUTS: You can substitute walnuts for the pecans, but pecans are perfect with the pineapples in this delicious dump cake.

PINEAPPLE: If you’re looking for a twist on the classic, you can experiment with different fruit options.

Sliced peaches or pears can work beautifully as substitutes for pineapple rings, providing a unique flavor profile while still maintaining the delightful upside-down cake concept.

PECANS: If nuts aren’t your thing or you have allergies, you can omit the pecans altogether.

Alternatively, you can replace them with sliced almonds or even shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor.

How To Make This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Recipe

Let’s walk through the easy step-by-step instructions for preparing this simple dump cake recipe.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can use a metal baking dish for this pineapple upside down cake, but it can sometimes transfer an odd metallic tinge due to the acid in the pineapple. A glass baking dish will not cause the same type of reaction.

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

PRO TIP:

You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency of this pineapple dump cake recipe 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.

STEP TWO: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

STEP THREE: Pour ½ cup of the melted butter over the brown sugar layer. Use a spoon to stir and spread the brown sugar mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan.

melted butter drizzled over the brown sugar mixture in the baking dish

STEP FOUR: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans and halved cherries on top of the brown sugar layer.

STEP FIVE: Spread the two cans of drained crushed pineapples over the pecan and cherry layer.

PRO TIP:

It is very important to completely drain the crushed pineapple. If possible, use a fine mesh strainer to remove as much pineapple juice as possible.

crushed pineapples placed on top of the pecans and cherries in the baking dish

STEP SIX: Sprinkle the dry cake mix over top of the pineapple layer.

STEP SEVEN: Pour the remaining one cup of butter over the top of the cake mix. Use a spoon to smooth the melted butter layer.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the cake comes away clean.

Allow the cake to rest for five minutes, and serve with vanilla ice cream.

PRO TIP:

Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.

melted butter poured over the cake mix in the baking dish then the cake after being baked

How To Serve This Pineapple And Cherry Dump Cake

This quick dessert would be even more delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream on top.

This impressive dessert is fancy enough to make for special occasions but simple enough for an everyday treat.

Enjoy it with your afternoon cup of coffee, tea, or vanilla latte for a special sweet treat.

Dump cake recipes make dessert a snap. Our peach dump cake and blueberry dump cake are two more delectable dishes.

MORE PINEAPPLE RECIPES

Cake Recipes

Upside Down Pineapple Cake

No Bake Desserts

Pineapple Delight

Storing This Pineapple Cherry Cake

After enjoying your scrumptious pineapple upside-down dump cake, you might have some leftovers or want to plan ahead. Here’s how to store it:

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning to prepare this cake ahead of time, you can assemble it in the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

However, it’s best to hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve, as the cake mix may not retain its texture if it sits too long before baking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this delightful pineapple dump cake in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: If you have leftover dump cake, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months.

I would suggest thawing in the refrigerator before serving.

close up shot of Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake in a baking dish with a piece taken out of it with a spoon

Why We Love This Recipe

EASY TO MAKE: This recipe lives up to its “dump cake” name. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. You simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish, making it a hassle-free dessert option.

CLASSIC FLAVOR: It combines the timeless appeal of a pineapple upside-down cake with a modern and simplified twist. The canned pineapple and cake mix make it convenient while still delivering that classic, nostalgic taste.

LEFTOVER-FRIENDLY: If you ever have leftovers (although they’re rare with this delicious cake), they store well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy them at your own pace.

This delicious pineapple upside down dump cake is full of juicy, sweet pineapple flavor, crunchy pecans, maraschino cherries, and fluffy cake to create a sure family favorite for a weeknight treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is an easy and super moist cake in which the ingredients are simply dumped into the pan and baked. Usually, this popular recipe uses a boxed cake mix and a handful of additional simple ingredients.

Can you make pineapple dump cake ahead of time?

This is a great dessert to make ahead. You can make this easy pineapple dump cake up to two days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Can I use a different cake mix?

You can substitute white cake mix or another flavorful cake mix in this easy recipe.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

5 from 7 votes

This easy pineapple upside down dump cake is full of sweet flavor and is simple to make.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Total Time 40

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
1½ cups salted sweet cream butter, melted (divided into ½ cup and 1 cup)
⅓ cup chopped pecans
10 ounces maraschino cherries drained, stems removed and halved
40 ounces crushed pineapples, very well drained
15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
Vanilla ice cream, optional garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Pour ½ cup of the melted butter over the brown sugar layer. Use a spoon to stir and spread the brown sugar mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans and halved cherries on top of the brown sugar layer.
Spread the two cans of drained crushed pineapples over the pecan and cherry layer.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pineapple layer.
Pour the remaining 1 cup of melted butter over the dry cake mix. Use a spoon to smooth the melted butter layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes away clean. Allow the cake to rest for 5 minutes, and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

When buying the cake mix at the grocery store, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.
You can use a metal baking dish for this pineapple upside down cake, but it can sometimes transfer an odd metallic tinge due to the acid in the pineapple. A glass baking dish will not cause the same type of reaction.
You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency of this pineapple dump cake recipe 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.
It is very important to completely drain the crushed pineapple. If possible, use a fine mesh strainer to remove as much pineapple juice as possible.
Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.

Nutrition

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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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Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Recipe

How To Serve This Pineapple And Cherry Dump Cake

Upside Down Pineapple Cake

Pineapple Delight

Storing This Pineapple Cherry Cake

Why We Love This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You’ll Love