Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Pineapple Dump Cake is a wonderfully easy dessert that combines sweet pineapple and cherries with a buttery cake topping. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat without much fuss.

Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple (in juice, undrained)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings (drained)
- 1 jar (6 oz) maraschino cherries
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons butter (salted, melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Pour the undrained crushed pineapple into the prepared pan and drizzle evenly with the lemon juice.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Step 4: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to ensure moistness and browning.
- Step 5: Arrange the drained pineapple rings on top in rows, then scatter the maraschino cherries over the pineapple rings.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the entire top layer.
- Step 7: Bake for about 70 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try substituting half the butter with coconut oil.
- You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup or omit it altogether.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Storage
Store leftover pineapple dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh crushed pineapple and pineapple rings. Make sure to drain excess juice to avoid a soggy cake.
Is it necessary to use a boxed cake mix?
Using a boxed yellow cake mix keeps this recipe simple and consistent, but you can use homemade cake mix if you prefer.
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Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert featuring layers of juicy crushed pineapple, pineapple rings, and maraschino cherries topped with a buttery yellow cake mix. It’s effortlessly assembled in one pan, making it a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple (in juice, undrained)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings (drained)
- 1 jar (6 oz) maraschino cherries
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons butter (salted, melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Add Pineapple and Lemon Juice: Pour the undrained crushed pineapple into the prepared pan evenly, then drizzle the lemon juice over the pineapple to add brightness and balance sweetness.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pineapple layer, making sure to cover the fruit completely without mixing it in.
- Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour melted salted butter evenly over the cake mix, which will moisten the cake mix during baking and create a rich golden crust.
- Layer Pineapple Rings and Cherries: Arrange the drained pineapple rings in rows on top of the cake mix, then scatter the maraschino cherries over the pineapple rings for added color and flavor.
- Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top to enhance the sweetness and aid caramelization.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 70 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the layers to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This dump cake is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pineapple layer before topping with cake mix.
- Try serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Make sure to use salted butter as it balances the sweetness; if unsalted butter is used, add a pinch of salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pineapple dump cake, easy dessert, pineapple recipe, fruit cake, one pan cake

