Pineapple Dump Cake
There are desserts that require precision, multiple bowls, careful mixing, and exact timing—and then there is Pineapple Dump Cake. This wonderfully simple, almost magical dessert proves that sometimes the easiest recipes deliver the biggest rewards. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a warm, golden, bubbling dessert that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
What makes this cake special is not only its tropical sweetness but also its effortless preparation. There’s no mixer required. No complicated steps. No layering techniques beyond a simple “dump and bake” method. The pineapple provides bright, juicy flavor while the cake mix and butter transform in the oven into a crisp, buttery topping with a soft, fruity base underneath.
Whether you’re preparing dessert for a family dinner, a potluck, a holiday gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, Pineapple Dump Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Introduction
If you’ve never made a dump cake before, you’re in for a treat. The name may sound humble, but the results are anything but ordinary. Pineapple Dump Cake combines crushed pineapple, dry cake mix, and butter into a dessert that feels nostalgic, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrast of textures. The bottom layer is soft, juicy, and slightly tangy from the pineapple. The top becomes golden and crisp as the butter melts into the cake mix. Each spoonful delivers warm fruit, buttery crumble, and rich sweetness all at once.
Best of all, this dessert requires almost no skill to execute. If you can layer ingredients in a baking dish, you can make this cake.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Why This Recipe Works
There is a reason Pineapple Dump Cake has stood the test of time. Each ingredient plays an important role.
1. Pineapple with Juice
Using crushed pineapple in juice (not drained) provides moisture and natural sweetness. The juice activates the cake mix during baking.
2. Dry Cake Mix
The dry cake mix forms the topping. It absorbs moisture from the fruit and butter, creating a crumbly, golden crust.
3. Butter Distribution
Thin pats of butter melt evenly, saturating the cake mix and ensuring crisp edges without dry patches.
4. No Mixing Required
Not stirring allows the layers to form naturally during baking, creating a distinct fruit base and crumb topping.
5. Balanced Sweetness
The slight tang from pineapple keeps the dessert from being overly sweet.
All these factors combine to make Pineapple Dump Cake nearly foolproof.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only four main ingredients
No mixing bowls required
Ready in under an hour
Perfect for beginners
Easy to customize
Crowd-pleasing flavor
This dessert delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Pineapple Dump Cake
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Ingredients
2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced thin
Optional: 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
The simplicity of this ingredient list is part of the charm of Pineapple Dump Cake.
Pineapple Dump Cake
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Pour both cans of crushed pineapple with juice into the dish. Spread evenly.
Step 3: Add Optional Ingredients
Sprinkle coconut or nuts evenly over pineapple if using.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not stir.
Step 5: Add Butter
Arrange thin slices of butter evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool
Let rest 15–20 minutes before serving.
That’s it—Pineapple Dump Cake truly lives up to its name.
Pineapple Dump Cake
The Pineapple Question
Choosing the right pineapple matters.
Crushed Pineapple – Classic choice; even distribution.
Pineapple Chunks – Adds texture; crush slightly before using.
Heavy Syrup – Sweeter; consider slightly reducing butter.
Fresh Pineapple – Chop finely and add ½ cup juice or water.
The moisture from pineapple is essential to the structure of Pineapple Dump Cake.
Pineapple Dump Cake
The Cake Mix Selection
While yellow cake mix is traditional, there are fun options.
Yellow Cake Mix – Classic vanilla flavor.
White Cake Mix – Lighter flavor.
Butter Cake Mix – Extra richness.
Lemon Cake Mix – Bright citrus pairing.
Pineapple Cake Mix – Doubles tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free Mix – Works well with slight texture variation.
Each variation gives Pineapple Dump Cake a new personality.
Pineapple Dump Cake
The Butter Debate
Butter is not optional here—it is essential.
Unsalted or salted both work.
Use real butter, not margarine.
One cup ensures full coverage and crisp topping.
Cold butter slices more evenly.
Reducing butter can lead to dry spots, so stick with the full amount for the best Pineapple Dump Cake texture.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Spread cake mix evenly to avoid dry patches.
Slice butter thinly for better coverage.
Rotate pan halfway through baking.
Bake until edges bubble vigorously.
Let cool before scooping for cleaner servings.
These small steps elevate your final result.
Pineapple Dump Cake
How To Serve
Serve warm in bowls for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. The contrast between warm cake and cool toppings makes every bite memorable.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Serving Suggestions
With vanilla ice cream
With whipped cream
With toasted coconut on top
With caramel drizzle
With a sprinkle of powdered sugar
Pineapple Dump Cake pairs beautifully with creamy toppings that balance its sweetness.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Minimal hands-on work makes this dessert ideal for busy days.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in microwave.
Freeze up to 2 months (texture slightly softer after thawing).
It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
Pineapple Dump Cake
Final Thoughts
Few desserts offer the ease and reward of Pineapple Dump Cake. It’s warm, sweet, buttery, and endlessly adaptable. With almost no prep work and guaranteed crowd appeal, it’s the perfect recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks.
From weeknight desserts to holiday tables, this simple classic continues to win hearts. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it remains such a beloved favorite.
Now it’s your turn—grab a can opener, a cake mix, and some butter, and enjoy the magic of homemade Pineapple Dump Cake.