Just 4 ingredients are needed to make this easy pineapple dump cake layered with sweet crushed pineapple and fluffy yellow cake.
Why this recipe works
This pineapple dump cake is sweet and soft, similar to a cobbler with a fruity inside and tender crust on top. Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts to make. Just as the name states, all you do is “dump” the ingredients into a dish and bake until they’re a bubbly golden brown.
You can add pecans for crunch or substitute one of the cans of crushed pineapple with a different flavor like cherry as we did in our classic cherry pineapple dump cake recipe.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CAKE – You will need 1 yellow boxed cake mix. Don’t worry about the ingredients listed on the back of the box, we’ve provided all the ingredients you will need in the recipe card at the end of this post.
PINEAPPLE – If you can’t find crushed pineapple, you can use 2 (20 ounces each) cans of pineapple tidbits in pineapple juice instead. If you can only find canned crushed pineapple in heavy syrup (instead of in pineapple juice), you can use that and simply omit the brown sugar.
How to Make Pineapple Dump Cake
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Add the pineapple (with juices) to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the pineapple.
- Sprinkle the cake mix on top, spreading it around evenly.
- Pour the melted butter on top of the cake mix, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
- Bake (uncovered) until the sides are bubbling and the top is golden, about 1 hour. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or allow it to come to room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple dump cake is best served warm and fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The sweetness of the pineapple melds beautifully with the warm cake topping.
More Pineapple Recipes
- Pineapple Cake
- Pineapple Dream Dessert
- Orange Pineapple Cake
- Pineapple Yogurt Dessert
- Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
- Pineapple Sunshine Cake
- Pineapple Pound Cake
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Pineapple Dump Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 40 oz crushed pineapple in pineapple juice, undrained. 2 (20 oz) cans
- ½ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Bump up the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (drizzle it around the pineapple).
- If you can’t find crushed pineapple, you can use 2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple tidbits in pineapple juice instead. If you can only find canned crushed pineapple in heavy syrup (instead of in pineapple juice), you can use that and simply omit the brown sugar.
- If adding chopped pecans, add them in with the brown sugar in step 3.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Add the pineapple (with juices) to a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the pineapple.
- Sprinkle the cake mix on top, spreading it around evenly.
- Pour the melted butter on top of the cake mix, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
- Bake (uncovered) until the sides are bubbling and the top is golden, about 1 hour. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Sweet Potato Pie - November 18, 2024
- Roasted Turkey - November 14, 2024
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Cookies - November 11, 2024
ingrid herweyer says
Do I need to grease the pan? It didn’t say but am wondering
Amanda Davis says
Hi Ingrid, it’s not necessary to grease the pan. Just for your reference, if the pan ever needs to be greased we will always state that in the instructions :) Hope that helps!
Deb says
My aunt’s recipe calls for crushed pineapple, 1 can of angel flake coconut evenly sprinkled on the pineapple, then dry cake mix, chopped pecans, followed by sliced cold butter to cover entire cake.
So, same recipe with a layer of coconut – YUM!
Faith says
I made this for a weekly potluck to use up an absolutely giant can of pineapple tidbits I bought. I didn’t actually have box cake mix, so I had to pause and look up a recipe for homemade box cake mix. Made that, and then make dump cake as directed. I ended up mixing the butter together with the “box cake mix” but it turned out AWESOME! I made it on Friday, as our potluck was on Saturday. It was 90% devoured when I took it home, and I did not heat it up before eating!
Sharon says
Can you use pineapple cake mix instead of yellow?
Amanda Davis says
yes
Joan B Taylor says
Can I use lemon cake mix insread
Amanda Davis says
Yes
Alice Brick says
Can I make it and take to a pot luck supper
Marianne says
This sounds like my husband will love it! Today is his birthday. I have it in the oven now. I had to use a pineapple cake mix as I didn’t have a vanilla one. I put the vanilla extract in it and about 20 mar chino cherries in it. Hopefully he will love it!
PammaJoy says
Made this, broke recipe in half since I was o ly testing it on myself, added some chopped pecans as I love me some pecuns…lol…my mistake was not melting the butter. Overall it was delicious!
Linda McGinnis says
I am making it today, my edges are brown how do I know when it’s done?
Shirley King says
Can you cook it the night before
Amanda Formaro says
It is best served warm the same day, but you can bake it ahead and warm it in th microwave.
Karen says
Do I flip the dump cake over after it cools a little bit
Amanda Formaro says
No you do not flip the cake.
Becky Hairston says
I haven’t tried it yet but I’m gonna make it because I love pineapple and Graham crackers. I will come back on and rerate
it .But just from the looks of it. It delicious.
Cindy Shufelberger says
Could I make this in a Bundt pan then flip it over when partially cooled?
Kristen says
I do not suggest flipping it as is gooey all through it unlike a pineapple update down cake
Jacquelyn says
All of the expert tops should have been at the top. I would’ve added it as I went along.
Amanda Formaro says
What do you mean by “expert tops”?
Rea says
Assuming you meant “expert tips”. I’ve definitely had to learn to read the entire recipe, article, tips, AND comments/reviews thoroughly before making my first move toward actually preparing anything.
It’s never a good idea, in my opinion, to spot the recipe and just start rolling with it. There are normally some helpful and tasteful suggestions in the tips and comments/reviews. ❤️
Pamela Wright says
My 11 year old wanted to bake something so she chose this. We liked it so much we are making it again.
Doris says
1st trying. Love the easy fixngs.
Tom says
What temp should the oven be? I’m guessing it’s 350. Going back to look at article again.
Tom says
🤪 I found the temp! Right in plain sight. I should have re-read first! That’s how absolutely confident I was
it was sent there. L O L
Sam says
Are u supposed to make the cake mix? It says “pour”? I’m confused. Help.
Amanda Formaro says
I changed it to sprinkle. Sorry for the confusion.
Sharla says
No sir!😀 pour the dry cake mix over the pineapples and brown sugar then pour your melted butter over the top of dry cake mix. No mixing required
Donna says
D E L I C I O U S ! ! !
We love anything with pineapple.
Sue says
I had found a recipe for dump cake that was easier to make and less butter wondering if this would work with the drained pineapple. You make cake mix as direct on box, spread fruit in 9×13 pan pour cake batter over top and bake. we like doing with chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling with cool whip on top.
Jamie Tully says
That sounds delicious but it’s not a dump cake. The dump cake isn’t mixed previously. You literally just take the cake mix out of the box and put it over the pineapple while it is still dry.
Rea says
I wouldn’t call that easier; dump is about as easy as it gets. What you’ve described is, however, another simple dessert recipe. Sounds like a delicious alternative.