Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe: Tropical Bliss in Every Bite

My kitchen adventures recently discovered a pineapple dump cake that simplifies dessert making like magic.

Sweet tropical vibes burst through this effortless treat that requires minimal effort.

Pantry staples become a delectable masterpiece with just a few simple steps.

Mixing ingredients feels almost like cheating because the result tastes incredibly professional.

Layers of golden cake and juicy pineapple chunks create a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort.

summer gatherings or lazy weekend afternoons deserve this no-fuss dessert that everyone will devour.

You cannot resist the temptation of this ridiculously easy and delicious pineapple creation waiting to happen.

Pineapple Dump Cake That Screams Summer in Every Bite

Unlock Quick Dessert Magic: Effortlessly create a mouthwatering cake with minimal prep and maximum flavor in under an hour.

Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No fancy baking techniques needed – simply dump ingredients and let the oven work its magic, making this recipe perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.

Perfect Summer Party Pleaser: Bring a crowd-pleasing dessert that screams tropical vacation vibes, ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings with its golden, caramelized top and sweet pineapple goodness.

Versatile Comfort Treat: Customize with optional toppings like pecans and coconut, serve warm with ice cream, and enjoy as a delightful dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, irresistible sweet treat.

Pineapple Dump Cake (Golden Summer Bliss) Ingredients

Fruit Base:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that creates the juicy foundation of the cake, canned pineapple works best for consistent moisture and flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice: Natural liquid from the canned fruit that helps keep the cake moist and adds extra flavor.
Dry Mix:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Convenient base that transforms into a golden cake topping, provides structure and sweetness to the dessert.
Fat and Moisture:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a crispy, golden top layer, unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
Optional Toppings:
  • Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Crunchy nuts and tropical coconut provide texture and complementary flavors, toasted nuts enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Classic accompaniments that add creamy contrast to the warm cake, enhance the dessert's richness and temperature variation.

Pineapple Dump Cake Summer Dessert Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Spread the Tropical Goodness

Open up that can of sunshine (pineapple) and pour the entire contents into the baking dish.

Make sure the golden chunks and sweet juice are spread out evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Create a Dry Blanket

Gently rain down the dry cake mix over the pineapple layer.

Here’s a pro tip: don’t mix or stir!

Let the mix sit prettily on top of the fruity base.

Step 4: Drench with Liquid Gold

Melt the butter until it’s silky smooth.

Drizzle it generously across the entire surface of the cake mix.

The butter will help create that magical crispy top.

Step 5: Sprinkle Some Crunch

If you’re feeling fancy, scatter these delightful toppings:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Cover the cake mix with these crunchy friends for extra texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Pull the cake out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate summer treat.

Dump Cake Prep Tips For Golden Pineapple Bliss

  • Drain pineapple slightly before adding to ensure cake maintains a crisp texture and doesn't become too wet.
  • Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles or omit nuts entirely for nut-free diets.
  • Use sugar-free cake mix or reduce added sugar for a less sweet dessert that highlights the natural pineapple flavor.
  • Toast coconut flakes before sprinkling to intensify nutty, caramelized notes and add extra crunch to the cake's topping.
  • Prepare the dump cake in advance and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving to maintain its delightful texture and warmth.

Handling Leftovers from Pineapple Dump Cake

  • Store leftover Golden Pineapple Bliss Dump Cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm slices at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture.
  • Zap individual slices for 20-30 seconds. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent edges from becoming tough.

Pineapple Dump Cake Side Ideas

  • Pair Tangy Tropical Cocktails: Mix a refreshing piña colada or pineapple mojito that echoes the cake's tropical flavors, enhancing the dessert's sweet and zesty profile.
  • Complement with Creamy Vanilla Companions: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or rich whipped cream to balance the cake's warm, buttery texture and provide a cool contrast.
  • Match with Nutty Coffee Brew: Enjoy a smooth hazelnut or macadamia nut coffee that complements the cake's pecan topping and brings out the dessert's warm, caramelized notes.
  • Enhance with Coconut Liqueur Splash: Drizzle a light coconut rum or liqueur over the cake to intensify the tropical coconut element and add a sophisticated adult twist.

Pineapple Dump Cake Summer Dessert Styles

  • Gluten-Free Tropical Paradise: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the golden pineapple goodness.
  • Vegan Sunny Sensation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use vegan cake mix, and top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a plant-based summer treat.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Dream: Substitute regular cake mix with sugar-free alternative and use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned to reduce overall sweetness.
  • Nutty Coconut Crunch: Add sliced almonds alongside pecans for extra texture and replace shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes for deeper flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • What makes a dump cake different from traditional cakes?

Dump cakes are incredibly easy to prepare – you literally “dump” ingredients into a baking dish without mixing or complicated steps. Unlike traditional cakes requiring precise measurements and multiple mixing bowls, dump cakes are quick, simple, and foolproof for home bakers.

  • Can I use a different fruit instead of pineapple?

Yes, you can substitute pineapple with other fruits like cherry, peach, or apple. Just ensure the fruit is evenly spread in the baking dish and maintains similar moisture levels for the best results.

  • Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! Dump cakes are perfect for novice bakers because they require minimal baking skills. There’s no need to worry about precise mixing techniques or complicated steps – just layer ingredients and bake.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll just require a 9×13-inch baking dish, basic measuring tools, and standard kitchen tools like a spatula and oven mitts. This makes the recipe accessible for most home cooks.

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Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets dessert magic in this golden pineapple bliss dump cake that whispers sweet Hawaiian memories. Rich, caramelized flavors mingle effortlessly, promising a delightful escape with each heavenly spoonful you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fruit Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix

Topping and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (40 grams) shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light protective layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Cascade the entire pineapple mixture, ensuring its tropical juices spread uniformly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a luscious foundation.
  3. Generously distribute the powdery cake mix across the pineapple landscape, maintaining a pristine, undisturbed surface without stirring or mixing.
  4. Transform melted butter into a delicate waterfall, drizzling it methodically over the dry cake mix layer to guarantee complete coverage.
  5. Enhance the textural experience by scattering toasted pecans and delicate coconut shreds across the top, adding visual intrigue and nutty complexity.
  6. Transfer the assembled dessert into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, effervescent appearance with crispy, caramelized edges.
  7. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling interval, permitting the layers to settle and integrate their flavors, then serve while warmth remains, optionally accompanied by a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream or billowy whipped cream.

Notes

  • Swap out yellow cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this tropical dessert.
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, indulgent texture and adds an extra layer of tropical flavor.
  • Toast the pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex, roasted taste profile in the dump cake.
  • Experiment with different fruit combinations like adding fresh mango or passion fruit to elevate the summer-inspired dessert and create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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