Effortless 4-Ingredient Pineapple Dump Cake: Your Go-To Recipe for a Sweet & Simple Dessert
Discover the ultimate easy dessert with our incredible 4-ingredient Pineapple Dump Cake recipe! This delightful treat combines the juicy sweetness of crushed pineapple with a tender, fluffy yellow cake topping, all baked to golden perfection with minimal effort. It’s the ideal solution for busy bakers who crave a warm, comforting, and fruit-filled dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. In just a few simple steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it took all day to make, but only requires you to ‘dump’ the ingredients into a baking dish and let your oven do the rest. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in, this pineapple dump cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite, offering a slice of tropical bliss in every bite.
Why This Easy Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe Works
This pineapple dump cake stands out as an incredibly simple yet satisfying dessert, reminiscent of a classic fruit cobbler or crisp but with an even easier preparation method. Its charm lies in the layering of sweet, tangy pineapple with a rich, buttery cake topping that bakes into a delightful golden crust. The beauty of a “dump cake” is truly in its name – there’s no fancy mixing, no multiple bowls, and certainly no complex techniques required. You simply ‘dump’ the ingredients into your baking dish, and the magic happens in the oven. The result is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that boasts a bubbling, fruit-filled interior and a tender, golden-brown crust on top, ready to be devoured warm. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers and a quick win for experienced cooks.
What is a Dump Cake?
For those unfamiliar, a dump cake is a quintessential easy dessert where ingredients are literally “dumped” into a baking pan without prior mixing. This style of baking is brilliant because the dry cake mix absorbs the liquid from the fruit and melted butter during baking, creating a unique, moist, and often gooey texture that’s somewhere between a cake, a cobbler, and a crisp. The minimal prep time and hands-off baking make it a favorite for busy schedules. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a homemade-tasting dessert, perfect for when you need something delicious in a hurry or simply want to avoid a pile of dirty dishes while still impressing with a warm, comforting treat.
Why Pineapple is Perfect for Dump Cakes
Pineapple is an exceptional choice for dump cakes due to its inherent sweetness, vibrant tropical flavor, and high moisture content. As the cake bakes, the pineapple juice infuses into the dry cake mix, creating an incredibly tender and flavorful cake layer directly above the fruit. The crushed pineapple provides a delightful texture and bursts of tropical flavor with every bite, making this dessert bright and refreshing. Its natural acidity also perfectly balances the sweetness, resulting in a harmoniously delicious taste profile that isn’t overly sugary. The fruit breaks down beautifully, forming a luscious, warm base that contrasts perfectly with the golden, buttery cake topping.
Simple Ingredients You Will Need
One of the most appealing aspects of this pineapple dump cake is its minimal ingredient list. You only need four core items, which are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. These simple components come together to create a complex flavor and texture that belies its easy preparation. While the full recipe card at the bottom of this post provides exact measurements, understanding the role of each ingredient will help you achieve the best results and perhaps even inspire future variations. This recipe truly proves that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create something truly delicious.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient not only helps you follow the recipe but also allows for creative substitutions if needed.
Yellow Cake Mix – The foundation of our dump cake is a standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix. You don’t need to follow the box instructions for adding eggs, oil, or water; the cake mix will combine with the other ingredients directly in the pan. Yellow cake mix provides a classic vanilla flavor and a tender crumb, making it a perfect complement to the vibrant pineapple. If you prefer, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like white cake mix, butter pecan, or even a spice cake mix for a different twist, though yellow cake is traditionally recommended for its harmonious flavor profile and beautiful golden color.
Crushed Pineapple – This recipe calls for two 20-ounce cans (totaling 40 ounces) of crushed pineapple in pineapple juice, undrained. It’s crucial to use crushed pineapple with its juices, as this liquid is essential for moistening the dry cake mix during baking and creating the signature gooey, fruity layer. If you can only find pineapple tidbits, these can be used as a substitute; just ensure they are also packed in pineapple juice. If your only option is canned crushed pineapple in heavy syrup (instead of in pineapple juice), you can still use it, but you should then omit the brown sugar from the recipe entirely to prevent the dessert from becoming overly sweet. The natural sweetness of pineapple juice is usually sufficient and offers a fresher, less cloying flavor.
Light Brown Sugar – A half-cup of lightly packed light brown sugar is sprinkled evenly over the pineapple layer. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and contributes to a slightly caramelized, richer flavor in the fruit base. It also helps create that beautiful bubbly, golden-brown crust. As mentioned, if you’re using pineapple packed in heavy syrup, you might want to skip the brown sugar, or reduce it significantly, to keep the sweetness balanced and avoid an overly sugary result. Brown sugar also adds a subtle molasses note that complements the pineapple wonderfully.
Unsalted Butter – One cup of melted unsalted butter is poured evenly over the dry cake mix layer. The butter is key to creating the delightful, tender, and somewhat crispy topping. As it melts and permeates the cake mix during baking, it transforms the dry powder into a rich, golden, and delicious crust. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of the dessert. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but be mindful that the flavor might be slightly different. Ensure the butter is fully melted for easy and even distribution.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your dish goes in, promoting a consistent cook and a perfectly golden crust.
- Take a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish (a versatile rectangular baking pan works best for this quantity). Add both cans of crushed pineapple, including all of their luscious juices, directly into the dish. Spread the pineapple out evenly across the entire bottom of the pan using a spoon or spatula. This forms the sweet, juicy foundation of your dump cake.
- Next, evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar on top of the pineapple layer. Distribute it as uniformly as possible. This sugar will caramelize slightly during baking, intensifying the pineapple’s sweetness and creating a richer, deeper flavor profile for the fruit base.
- Now, take the entire box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the brown sugar and pineapple layers. Aim to cover the fruit completely with the dry mix. It’s important not to stir or mix the layers at this stage; just a light, even sprinkle is all you need for the “dump” cake magic to happen.
- Carefully pour the melted unsalted butter over the dry cake mix layer. Try to distribute the butter as evenly as possible across the entire surface. Don’t worry if there are a few small dry spots; the cake will still bake beautifully as the butter permeates the mix, turning it into a rich, golden, and delicious crust.
- Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake until the sides are visibly bubbling and the top has transformed into a gorgeous golden-brown color. This typically takes about 1 hour. The golden top indicates a perfectly cooked, tender crust, and the bubbling sides mean the fruit mixture is warm and flavorful. Serve this delightful dessert warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Tips for a Perfect Pineapple Dump Cake Every Time
Even though dump cakes are incredibly forgiving, a few simple tips can help ensure your pineapple dump cake is absolutely perfect every time:
- Even Layers: While it’s a “dump” cake, aim for relatively even layers when adding the pineapple, brown sugar, and cake mix. This ensures consistent baking and a balanced flavor in every delicious bite.
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir or mix the ingredients once they are layered in the baking dish. The magic of a dump cake happens as the dry mix slowly absorbs the wet ingredients (pineapple juice and melted butter) during the baking process, creating distinct yet blended layers.
- Visual Cues for Doneness: Pay close attention to the visual cues for doneness: the sides should be actively bubbling, and the top should be a beautiful golden-brown color. Oven temperatures can vary, so while an hour is a good general guide, adjust the baking time by a few minutes if needed to achieve this perfect look.
- Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve your pineapple dump cake warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, to enjoy the contrast of hot and cold, and the melting goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Mastering this pineapple dump cake is incredibly easy, but a few common questions and expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time. Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with leftovers, we’ve got you covered with practical advice.
Any leftover pineapple dump cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
You have a couple of convenient options for reheating your dump cake. For a quick reheat, individual servings can be warmed in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through to your liking. If you’re reheating a larger portion or prefer to restore some of that fresh-baked crispiness to the topping, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout and the edges are bubbling again.
Absolutely! This pineapple dump cake recipe is incredibly versatile and serves as a fantastic base for customization.
- Pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle about ½ to 1 cup of chopped pecans (or walnuts) over the pineapple and brown sugar layer before adding the cake mix. This adds a wonderful textural contrast.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract, drizzled over the pineapple before adding the cake mix, can deepen the overall flavor profile and add a comforting aroma.
- Shredded Coconut: To enhance the tropical theme, consider sprinkling ½ cup of shredded or flaked coconut over the pineapple or with the cake mix. Toasted coconut adds an even richer flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of allspice can add a subtle warmth, particularly if you’re serving this dessert during colder months or for holiday gatherings.
- Other Fruits: While this is a dedicated pineapple dump cake, you can easily substitute one of the cans of crushed pineapple with another fruit, like cherry pie filling for a classic cherry pineapple dump cake, or peach pie filling for a tropical peach twist. Just ensure the total fruit volume remains consistent with the recipe’s liquid requirements.
- Too Dry: If your dump cake turns out too dry, it could be due to a few factors: not enough liquid from the pineapple (ensure you’re using undrained cans of crushed pineapple), or potentially overbaking. Make sure the melted butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix layer, as this is crucial for moisture.
- Too Wet: If it’s too wet or excessively gooey, it might be slightly underbaked, or you might have used pineapple in heavy syrup *and* added the specified brown sugar, resulting in excess liquid/sweetness. Ensure proper baking time and check for golden edges and bubbling sides to confirm it’s cooked through. Remember, a certain level of moistness in the fruit layer is characteristic and desirable for dump cakes, so it shouldn’t be completely dry like a regular cake.
Yes, you absolutely can. Dump cakes are wonderful make-ahead desserts, making them perfect for parties or busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire cake in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting colder.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple dump cake is a truly versatile dessert that shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, enhancing its comforting qualities. It’s most delightful when served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the sweet, bubbling fruit and tender cake to create an incredibly comforting and aromatic experience. The warmth of the cake against a cool topping is a textural and temperature contrast that is simply heavenly and elevates the entire dessert.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential choice! A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting gloriously over the warm pineapple dump cake is an irresistible combination. The rich, cool vanilla notes perfectly complement the warm tropical sweetness of the pineapple.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, either homemade or from a can, adds a light, airy, and fluffy touch, beautifully cutting through the richness of the cake without adding too much sweetness.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: For an extra tropical flair and a delightful crunch, sprinkle some lightly toasted coconut flakes over each serving. The nutty, sweet flavor of coconut is a natural partner to pineapple.
- Caramel Sauce: A delicate drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add a decadent layer of sweetness and a hint of buttery richness, creating a more indulgent experience.
- Maraschino Cherries: A few bright red maraschino cherries on top not only add a pop of festive color but also a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Extra Nutty Crunch: If you’ve added pecans or walnuts into the cake, a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts on top before serving can provide an additional satisfying crunch.
This delightful dessert is perfect for nearly any occasion, from casual weeknight family dinners to larger gatherings. Serve it at summer BBQs, potlucks, holiday meals, or simply as a comforting treat on a chilly evening. Its effortless preparation makes it an ideal last-minute dessert that still feels incredibly special and homemade, proving that simplicity can be truly extraordinary.
More Delightful Pineapple Recipes to Try
If you love the tropical taste of pineapple, you’re in luck! There are so many fantastic ways to incorporate this juicy fruit into your desserts. After enjoying this easy dump cake, be sure to explore more of our favorite pineapple-infused treats. Each recipe brings out a unique aspect of pineapple’s versatile flavor, from rich cakes to refreshing desserts.
- Classic Pineapple Cake
- Creamy Pineapple Dream Dessert
- Zesty Orange Pineapple Cake
- Light Pineapple Yogurt Dessert
- Charming Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
- Bright Pineapple Sunshine Cake
- Rich Pineapple Pound Cake
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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!
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Ingredients
- 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
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13×9 baking dish
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
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Preheat the oven to 350F.
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Add the pineapple (with juices) to a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the pineapple.
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Sprinkle the cake mix on top, spreading it around evenly.
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Pour the melted butter on top of the cake mix, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
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Bake (uncovered) until the sides are bubbling and the top is golden, about 1 hour. Serve warm.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.