Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Tropical Bliss: Effortless Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet summer vibes burst through this incredible pineapple dump cake that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tropical sunshine dances across each delectable layer of this simple dessert.

Mixing just a few pantry staples creates a magical treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Buttery crumbles melt into golden-brown perfection, creating a rustic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Soft pineapple chunks nestle beneath a crispy, golden topping that adds irresistible texture to every single bite.

This no-fuss recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that screams comfort and joy.

Prepare to fall in love with the easiest, most delicious cake you’ll ever make.

Pineapple Dump Cake Dessert Charm

  • Dump cake technique eliminates complex mixing and measuring, making this recipe perfect for novice bakers or anyone wanting a simple dessert.
  • Combines sweet pineapple, rich coconut, and buttery cake mix for a crowd-favorite dessert that transports taste buds to a tropical paradise.
  • Works wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, summer parties, or casual weekend treats with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.
  • Requires just a few ingredients and basic kitchen skills, allowing anyone to create a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pineapple Dump Cake Ingredient Rundown

Fruit Base:
  • Crushed Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that provides the primary moisture and flavor foundation for the dump cake.
Cake Layer:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient dry mix that creates the cake's tender and fluffy structure.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds sweetness and helps create a gooey texture.
Topping:
  • Shredded Coconut: A tropical garnish that adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert.
Moisture and Binding:
  • Unsalted Butter: A rich ingredient that helps bind the cake and provides a golden, crispy surface.

Tools for Pineapple Dump Cake Success

  • 9×13 Baking Pan: Essential for layering and baking the entire dessert.
  • Measuring Cups: Perfect for accurately measuring cake mix and condensed milk.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for spreading pineapple and cake mix evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Useful for melting butter and preparing ingredients.
  • Can Opener: Needed to open pineapple cans.
  • Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking pan.

How to Prepare Pineapple Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This ensures your baking environment is perfectly ready for creating a delicious dessert.

Step 2: Create Pineapple Base

Pour both cans of crushed pineapple directly into a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Spread the pineapple evenly across the bottom, making sure the juice covers the entire surface.

Step 3: Build Cake Layer

  • Dry cake mix
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Melted butter

Sprinkle the dry cake mix uniformly over the pineapple layer.

Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the cake mix.

Follow by pouring melted butter in a smooth stream over the entire surface.

Step 4: Add Tropical Topping

Generously scatter coconut flakes across the top of the cake, creating a delightful golden-brown finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals your cake is ready.

The edges will look slightly crispy and the center will be bubbling with tropical goodness.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and creamy dessert.

Cake Tips for Juicy Pineapple Goodness

  • Pour entire can of pineapple juice to ensure the cake stays incredibly moist and prevents dry texture.
  • Swap coconut with chopped pecans or sliced almonds for different crunch and flavor profiles.
  • Insert toothpick in center to verify cake is fully baked, looking for minimal crumbs when removed.
  • Top warm cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra decadent dessert experience.
  • Cover leftover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld together.

Pineapple Dump Cake Versions You’ll Love

  • Tropical Berry Bliss: Replace crushed pineapple with mixed berry preserves and use yellow cake mix for a fruity summer dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Paradise: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix, keeping all other ingredients the same for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Nutty Coconut Crunch: Add chopped macadamia nuts or sliced almonds alongside coconut for extra texture and nutty flavor profile.
  • Vegan Pineapple Dream: Use dairy-free butter alternative, coconut condensed milk, and vegan yellow cake mix to create a plant-based version of the classic dump cake.

Serving Up Pineapple Dump Cake with Flair

  • Tropical Paradise Plating: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creamy texture contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.
  • Coconut Lover's Dream: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra texture and elegant presentation.
  • Fresh Fruit Finale: Top with fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries to enhance the tropical flavor profile and add a burst of color to the dessert.
  • Breakfast Twist: Pair a slice with morning coffee or as a decadent brunch accompaniment, transforming this dessert into a versatile treat.

Pineapple Dump Cake Storage Guidelines

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain the cake's soft texture.
  • Warm slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve the cake's delicious flavor.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this Pineapple Dump Cake?

The key ingredients are crushed pineapple, dry cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and shredded coconut. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the cake’s unique texture and flavor.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

This recipe is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. You simply dump and layer ingredients without complex mixing or special techniques. It’s a foolproof dessert that requires minimal baking skills.

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Canned crushed pineapple works best for this recipe because it has the right consistency and juice level. Fresh pineapple might make the cake too watery and change the texture. Stick to canned pineapple for the best results.

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Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Tropical pineapple dump cake brings island flavors to dessert tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients create a luscious, golden-brown treat that delights guests and satisfies sweet cravings effortlessly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (20 ounces/567 grams each) crushed pineapple
  • 1 box (15.75 ounces/446 grams) yellow cake mix
  • 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) coconut

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even baking.
  2. Pour both cans of crushed pineapple, including their juice, directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even fruity base.
  3. Uniformly distribute the dry cake mix over the pineapple layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  4. Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface of the dry cake mix.
  5. Carefully pour melted butter over the condensed milk, allowing it to seep through the layers.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded coconut over the top, creating a textured and golden-brown finish.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden color and the edges become slightly crispy.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • Swap cake mix for gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the dessert celiac-friendly.
  • Toast coconut before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch that elevates the overall texture.
  • Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant, less processed taste and potentially lower sugar content.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before serving to help it set and achieve a more stable, sliceable consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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