It’s not often that a dessert can speak for itself. But this Pineapple Dump Cake doesn’t need a fancy name, or a complicated backstory to shine. It’s like asking ‘what’s for dinner?’ And suddenly, it becomes the sweetest surprise of your day.
You know the kind of baking that requires zero effort but somehow leaves you looking like a genius? Yeah, that’s this cake. You toss some pineapple, a box of cake mix, and a little butter together, and the oven does the rest. No whisking, no folding, no delicate techniques, just pure, unadulterated comfort food.
The Best Things About This Cake
It’s a last-minute hero: Friends just dropped by? Craving dessert on a whim? Got five minutes? Consider this cake your delicious day-saver. Just dump, bake, and serve.
Fail-proof dessert: You can’t mess this up. Delivers flawless results, no matter what.
Tropical vibes: It’s like taking a bite of a sunny beach day, pineapple, butter, and cake in every forkful.
Perfect for sharing: Big enough to serve a crowd, and everyone will want a second slice.
Here’s What You’ll Need to Make It
- Pineapple Tidbits – The juicy little bites that bring all the tropical sweetness and make your cake super moist and flavorful.
- Pineapple Chunks – Bigger pieces of pineapple that add texture and soak up all that buttery goodness while baking.
- White Cake Mix – The quick and easy base that makes the cake fluffy and soft without all the mixing hassle.
- Butter – The magic ingredient that gives the cake its rich, golden crust and adds that perfect buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar – The secret to a sweet, caramelized topping that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Your Pineapple Dump Cake
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan. A little butter or cooking spray works wonders here, you don’t want your cake to stick!
Now, grab those two cans of pineapple (yep, keep the juice in there!) and pour them right into the dish. This is where the magic begins, all that juicy sweetness soaking into the cake.
Next, take your cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pineapple. Don’t stress about spreading it out perfectly, just make sure it’s mostly even.
The cake mix will do its thing as it bakes, trust me!
Here’s where the extra magic happens: sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the top. It’s what creates that golden, sweet crunch on top of the cake.
Cut your butter into little slices and scatter them all over the top. The butter’s going to melt and make everything golden, gooey, and delicious. This is the part where you’ll start getting hungry from the smell alone!
Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for around 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s finished when the edges are bubbling and the top is perfectly golden.
When it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes (though, let’s be real, it’s hard not to dive right in).
Check out my blueberry dump cake next; I’m sure you’ll love it.
Keep It Perfect: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Drain the Pineapple!
Keep that juice in there! It’s the pineapple liquid that locks in moisture and brings a burst of sweetness to the cake. If you drain it, you’ll miss out on all that tropical goodness!
Don’t Over-Bake
Ovens can differ, so check your cake as it finishes; you’re aiming for golden and bubbly, not burnt. If you see the top turning too dark before the baking time is up, just cover it loosely with foil and finish baking.
Don’t Skip the Greasing Step!
It’s tempting to skip greasing the pan, but trust me, without it, you’ll be scraping your cake out of the dish. A quick spray or buttering the pan makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cake doesn’t stick.
My Tips for the Best Pineapple Dump Cake
Add Spices: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix for a cozy, warm flavor boost.
Personalize the Cake Mix: Add a dash of vanilla extract or some chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Let it Cool: Give it 5-10 minutes to set before serving for a cleaner slice and better flavor.
Use Fresh Pineapple: If you want an extra fresh touch, swap canned for fresh pineapple chunks, just be sure to keep the juice!
What to Serve with Your Pineapple Dump Cake
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm cake.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, coconut whipped cream is a must-try!
Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.
Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent finish, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake.
Got Leftovers? Here’s What to Do!
Chill and Reheat: Store leftovers in the fridge and just warm a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. It’s like fresh-from-the-oven all over again!
Freeze for Later: Pop individual portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. A sweet surprise for your future self!
FAQs
Is this recipe good for a crowd?
Yes, 100%! Pineapple Dump Cake is made in a big 9x13u0022 dish, so it’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or weekend get-togethers. It serves easily, and people always go back for seconds.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Definitely. Just swap the butter for a vegan alternative (like plant-based buttery sticks), and double-check your cake mix ingredients. The result will still be deliciously golden and fruity!
Can pineapple rings work in place of tidbits or chunks?
You could, but you’ll want to chop them up first. Smaller pieces spread more evenly and make each bite a balanced mix of fruit and cake, plus, it just bakes better that way.
How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can pineapple tidbits 20 ounces, undrained
- 1 can pineapple chunks 20 ounces, drained slightly but still juicy
- ¼ cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 stick ½ cup salted butter, sliced.
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick spray. This keeps everything from sticking once it’s baked and golden.
- Add the pineapple from both cans, juice included, and spread it evenly in the dish. The juice adds that extra moisture and sweetness that makes this cake so irresistibly gooey.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the layer of fruit. No mixing needed, just try to cover everything in an even layer. Then, add a light sprinkle of brown sugar across the surface for a sweet, caramelized twist.
- Cut the butter into slices and place them evenly over the top. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix and creates a buttery, crisp topping.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Let it cool just a bit before serving, then grab a spoon and enjoy the warm, tropical magic.
Notes
- Don’t forget the brown sugar, it’s the secret to that sweet, caramelized top.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon over the cake mix will give it a warm, spiced flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly.
