Pineapple Dump Cake : A Sweet & Easy Dessert Everyone Will Love

If you’re craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert with just a handful of ingredients, this Pineapple Dump Cake is your answer. It’s sweet, gooey, buttery, and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dessert, a last-minute potluck contribution, or looking for recipes with cake mixes easy enough for kids to help, this dish delivers every time.

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its name — you literally “dump” the ingredients into the pan and bake. No mixing bowls, no electric mixers, and barely any cleanup. With the juicy tang of pineapple and the richness of cake mix, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. Looking to get fancy? You can easily turn this into a Pineapple Cream Cheese Dump Cake, a fruity Apple Pineapple Dump Cake, or even a Pineapple Dump Cake Cobbler.

This cake has it all: flavor, texture, ease, and adaptability. Let’s dive into why it deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.

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🍰 What is a Dump Cake? (And Why It’s So Easy!)

Dump cakes are one of the most popular forms of no mix cake recipes. The name comes from the process: you simply dump canned fruit or pie filling into a baking dish, sprinkle dry cake mix on top, add slices of butter (and optional toppings), and bake until golden and bubbly.

There’s no need to stir or prep — it’s the ultimate “lazy day” dessert with the payoff of a homemade cake. While traditional dump cakes often use cherry or peach, dump cake with pineapple brings a tropical twist that’s light, bright, and refreshing.

If you enjoy quick, foolproof desserts, you might also love baked treats like Pumpkin Dump Cake or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies — both packed with seasonal flavor and just as easy to make.

🍍 Why Pineapple Dump Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

Here’s why pineapple dump cake is a total winner:

• Only 4–5 ingredients and one baking dish
• A perfect combination of sweet and tart
• Crispy, golden topping with soft, juicy fruit beneath
• Takes under 10 minutes to prep
• Easily customizable — perfect for adding cream cheese, coconut, or apples
• Ideal for feeding a crowd or satisfying a late-night craving

This recipe also works beautifully as a base for flavor experiments like French vanilla dump cake recipes or white cake dump cake versions.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Pineapple Dump Cake

To keep it simple and delicious, here’s what you need:

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained
• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (French vanilla works great too)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced thin
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans, coconut flakes, or a few dabs of cream cheese

Ingredient Notes:

• You can swap the white cake mix for French vanilla for extra depth.
• Want a tropical twist? Add a layer of shredded coconut before the cake mix.
• For a richer texture, try using pineapple tidbits + cream cheese for a luscious variation.

This cake is just as flexible as other quick bakes like Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups — simple at the core but easy to elevate.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pineapple Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Fruit

Dump the crushed pineapple (with juice) and pineapple chunks (drained) into the dish. Spread evenly with a spatula or spoon.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer. Do not stir.

Step 4: Add Butter

Slice the butter into thin pats and place them evenly across the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface as possible for even browning.

Step 5: Optional Additions

Want to jazz things up? Add dollops of cream cheese across the top or sprinkle with chopped pecans or coconut.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Want to serve this alongside a full meal? Pair it with cozy dinner favorites like Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or a Vegetarian Baked Ziti.

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🔧 Kitchen Tools Needed

You won’t need anything fancy to make this dessert dump cake:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Can opener
• Spatula or spoon
• Knife for slicing butter
• Oven mitts
• Optional: parchment paper (for easier cleanup)

If you love no-fuss kitchen work, you might also enjoy easy-prep meals like Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches or Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

🍦 French Vanilla Dump Cake & Other Flavor Variations

Ready to experiment? Try these delicious dump cake spin-offs:

• French Vanilla Dump Cake – Swap white cake mix for French vanilla for an elegant, creamy twist.
• White Cake Dump Cake – Lighter in color and slightly less sweet, this version lets the pineapple shine.
• Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake – Add ½ cup coconut flakes before the cake mix for tropical flair.
• Pineapple Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Add spoonfuls of cream cheese before baking for richness.

You can also fold in mini marshmallows, chopped dried fruit, or a cinnamon-sugar topping for added layers of flavor.

🍏 Apple Pineapple Dump Cake: A Fruity Twist

Love a good fruit combo? Try this delicious variation:

• Use 1 can pineapple + 1 can apple pie filling for a balanced sweet-tart blend
• Top with white or spice cake mix
• Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy fall dessert vibe
• Bake the same way — about 45–50 minutes until golden

Serve with Apple Crisp with Oatmeal on the side for a dessert duo that celebrates fruit at its finest.

🥄 Pineapple Dump Cake Cobbler-Style: What’s the Difference?

People often ask: is this a dump cake or a cobbler?

Dump Cake:

• Uses cake mix
• Minimal mixing
• Topped with butter only
• Crispy and crumbly texture on top

Cobbler-Style Dump Cake:

• Uses added flour or oats
• May include a streusel topping
• Can be stirred slightly for a cake-meets-crumble effect

Try sprinkling oats and brown sugar on top of your pineapple dump cake before baking for a cobbler twist.

🧁 Tips to Perfect Your Dessert Dump Cake Every Time

• Don’t stir! The layers should stay separated.
• Slice butter thinly and space evenly to ensure full coverage.
• Use room-temp ingredients for more even baking.
• Check at 40 minutes — ovens vary, and some may brown quicker.
• Let it rest before serving so the layers set properly.

Need more dessert inspiration? Try Chocolate Pumpkin Butter Cups for another easy, satisfying sweet.

🍨 How to Serve Pineapple Dump Cake

This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven. Top it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream and a cherry
• Toasted coconut flakes
• A drizzle of caramel or honey

It’s the perfect ending to a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight treat alongside Cucumber Dill Salad or Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese.

🧊 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Store in individual portions for easy access

Reheating:

• Microwave: 30–45 seconds per serving
• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10 minutes for a crispy top

You can also freeze baked dump cake in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

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❓ FAQs About Pineapple Dump Cake

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and bake, then reheat before serving.

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but make sure to add some juice or syrup to mimic canned texture.

Do I have to use butter?
Yes, or a butter alternative. It helps brown the top and adds flavor.

What if my cake mix is still powdery after baking?
Add more butter or gently press the cake mix into the fruit before baking to help it absorb moisture.

Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cake mix and plant-based butter.

🎉 Final Thoughts + Share the Sweetness

This Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate in easy comfort desserts — sweet, gooey, buttery, and bursting with bright tropical flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just to satisfy a weeknight craving, it’s a sure-fire hit.

Give it a try, snap a pic, and share the sweetness with friends. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more dump cake recipes, seasonal desserts, and easy baking ideas. If you loved this, you’ll also want to check out Pumpkin Truffles or Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles next!

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