Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this delightful treat brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the comforting flavors of a cake. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it warm with ice cream and cherries for a nostalgic experience that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this indulgent dessert in no time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just five simple ingredients make it easy to prepare without a long shopping list.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, with ice cream or fresh fruit; the choices are endless!
- Kid-Friendly: This fun dessert is perfect for kids’ parties and family gatherings alike.
- Nostalgic Flavor: The combination of pineapple and cake mix creates a comforting taste that recalls childhood memories.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready makes baking more enjoyable!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9” x 13” baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- 9” x 13” baking pan: This size is perfect for making the dump cake evenly baked and easily shareable.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Ingredients
Pineapple Dump Cake has just 5 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time. Serve with ice cream and cherries for a nostalgic treat!
For the Cake
- 40 ounces Crushed pineapple (in 100% juice, no sugar added, 2 (20-ounce) cans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (2 sticks)
For Garnish
- Vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries
How to Make Pineapple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease your 9” x 13” baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine one can of crushed pineapple with the vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Pour both cans of crushed pineapple evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dark brown sugar evenly over the layer of pineapple.
- Next, evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the sugar layer.
Step 4: Pour on Butter
Evenly pour the melted butter over all layers in the pan. Ensure you cover every corner so that the cake bakes evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Place your pan in the oven uncovered. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, serve warm scoops of your delicious Pineapple Dump Cake topped with vanilla ice cream and maraschino cherries for an extra special touch!
How to Serve Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Classic Serving
- Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Top with maraschino cherries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Tropical Twist
- Add sliced fresh pineapple on top for an extra fruity flavor.
- Drizzle with coconut cream to enhance the tropical vibe.
Breakfast Delight
- Serve cold slices for breakfast with a side of yogurt.
- Pair it with freshly brewed coffee for a cozy morning treat.
Party Platter
- Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
- Garnish with whipped cream and shredded coconut for added flair.
How to Perfect Pineapple Dump Cake
Creating the perfect Pineapple Dump Cake involves a few tips that can make all the difference. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality crushed pineapple without added sugar to achieve the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the greasing: Greasing your baking pan prevents the dump cake from sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Check doneness carefully: Bake until golden brown and bubbly at the edges; every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips before baking for a unique twist.
- Serve warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, enhancing its comforting qualities.
Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Dump Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Pineapple Dump Cake can create an enjoyable meal experience. These options complement the sweetness beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: A light and fluffy coconut-infused rice that adds tropical flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Savory grilled chicken provides a savory balance to the dessert’s sweetness.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the tropical theme.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, this parfait is a refreshing accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: The savory taste of roasted vegetables contrasts nicely with the sweet dump cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert pairs well with the fruity flavors of pineapple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pineapple Dump Cake, even small errors can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can lead to the cake sticking. Always grease your pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
Using sweetened pineapple: Using crushed pineapple with added sugar alters the cake’s sweetness and texture. Opt for 100% juice, no sugar added pineapple for the best results.
Uneven ingredient layering: Failing to layer ingredients evenly can cause parts of the cake to cook differently. Take your time to spread each layer evenly for a consistent bake.
Not checking doneness: Baking times can vary; not checking for doneness might leave you with an undercooked or overdone cake. Look for a golden top and bubbling edges as indicators of readiness.
Serving too cold: Serving Pineapple Dump Cake straight from the fridge takes away its warm, comforting appeal. Always serve it warm, topped with ice cream and cherries for best taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing Pineapple Dump Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Pineapple Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and warm covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pineapple Dump Cake?
Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple dessert made by layering crushed pineapple, cake mix, and melted butter. It’s known for its deliciously sweet flavor and easy preparation.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure it is crushed and that you add some juice to maintain moisture in the cake.
How do I customize my Pineapple Dump Cake?
You can customize it by adding nuts, coconut flakes, or even different flavored cake mixes. Feel free to experiment!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version available at your local grocery store.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Dump Cake is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for gatherings or a quick dessert. You can easily customize this treat with your favorite toppings or flavors. Try it today—it’s sure to be a hit!
Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the comforting flavors of cake. This easy-to-make treat requires just five simple ingredients and only ten minutes of prep time, making it ideal for gatherings or a sweet craving at home. Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream and maraschino cherries or enjoyed cold, this nostalgic dessert is sure to impress friends and family alike. With its delightful taste and minimal effort required, Pineapple Dump Cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
- Total Time: 44 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 portions 1x
Ingredients
- 40 ounces crushed pineapple (in 100% juice, no sugar added)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (2 sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9” x 13” baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine one can of crushed pineapple with vanilla extract; pour both cans evenly into the baking pan.
- Sprinkle dark brown sugar over the pineapple layer followed by an even layer of yellow cake mix.
- Drizzle melted butter over all layers to ensure even baking.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream and maraschino cherries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in coconut flakes or nuts before baking. You can substitute fresh crushed pineapple for canned if desired—just include some juice for moisture.
