If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dessert that will wow your family and friends, look no further than this Pineapple Dump Cake.
This recipe comes together in a snap and is bursting with tropical flavors that remind you of sunny days and warm beaches.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home with a scoop of ice cream.
Say goodbye to complicated baking and hello to this delightful, sweet treat!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Pineapple Dump Cake is not just any cake—it’s super easy to make and requires minimal prep work.
You literally dump all the ingredients in a pan, bake, and voilà! No mixing, no fussing, just deliciousness in every bite.
The combination of crushed pineapple and a buttery yellow cake mix creates a moist and flavorful dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Plus, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a winner for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious Pineapple Dump Cake:
- 2 20 oz cans (1134 g) crushed pineapple with juice
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- 1 15.25 oz package (432 g) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup (156 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (115 g) raw pecans, chopped
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, as this will make the process flow smoothly!
How To Make Pineapple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
This will help ensure your cake releases easily once it’s baked.
Step 3: Dump in the Pineapple
Open your cans of crushed pineapple and pour them, juice included, directly into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly so every bite has that delicious pineapple goodness.
Step 4: Add the Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the crushed pineapple.
This will add a nice depth of sweetness and complement the tanginess of the pineapple.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix
Now it’s time to dump the yellow cake mix on top of the pineapple and brown sugar.
Spread it evenly over the top.
No need to mix; just let the oven do all the work!
Step 6: Pour the Butter
Carefully drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix.
Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible to create that beautiful golden crust.
Step 7: Add the Pecans
Lastly, sprinkle the chopped raw pecans over the top.
This adds a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the soft cake.
Step 8: Bake
Now, pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly, and you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that perfect sweet and creamy contrast.
Expert Tips
- Don’t drain the pineapple! The juice helps keep the cake moist and adds to the overall flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Feel free to add some shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor!
- If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or even almonds can work perfectly as a substitute.
Variations and Customizations
- For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or diced mango on top of the pineapples.
- You can swap out yellow cake mix for white or even chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Top it with whipped cream instead of ice cream for a lighter option.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is pretty rare!), let them cool completely to room temperature.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat!
FAQ
Can I make Pineapple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and store them separately.
When you’re ready to bake, just combine the layers and follow the baking instructions.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead?
Yes! You can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to crush it and include some juice or a little sugar to mimic the texture and moisture of canned pineapple.
Is this cake gluten-free?
You can easily make this cake gluten-free by swapping the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.
Just check the pack to ensure it fits your dietary needs.
How can I make this dessert more decadent?
To make it even richer, try adding mini chocolate chips or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
It’s guaranteed to take this dessert to the next level of deliciousness!
Conclusion
Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that anyone can make.
With its layers of crushed pineapple, a sweet crust, and the crunchy pecans, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself to a slice of sunshine today! Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy.
Happy baking!

Pineapple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans Crushed Pineapple with Juice 20 oz each
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 package Yellow Cake Mix 15.25 oz
- ¾ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Raw Pecans, chopped
- to taste Vanilla Ice Cream for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 3: Pour the crushed pineapple with juice into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the pineapple.
- Step 5: Dump the yellow cake mix on top of the pineapple and brown sugar, spreading it evenly.
- Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 9: Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.