Pineapple Butter Dump Cake Recipe

This Pineapple Butter Dump Cake is one of those incredibly easy desserts that delivers amazing flavor with very little effort. Made with sweet pineapple, buttery cake mix, and a few simple ingredients, this easy pineapple dessert comes together quickly and bakes into a golden, buttery cake with a soft, fruity center and deliciously crisp edges.

If you love easy dump cake recipes, pineapple desserts, or simple cake mix desserts, this recipe deserves a place in your baking collection. There is no complicated batter to prepare and no need for multiple mixing bowls. The ingredients are layered directly into the baking dish, making this a convenient dessert for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and last-minute entertaining.

The combination of juicy pineapple and rich butter creates a delicious sweet-and-tropical flavor. As the cake bakes, the butter melts through the dry cake mix, creating golden, tender areas throughout the dessert while the pineapple bubbles underneath.

This pineapple dump cake is especially delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pineapple cake and cold, creamy ice cream makes every bite incredibly comforting.

You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, shredded coconut for a tropical twist, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.

Because this recipe uses a boxed cake mix, it is an excellent option when you want a homemade-style dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It is simple enough for beginner bakers and convenient enough to prepare whenever a dessert craving strikes.

Whether you call it Pineapple Butter Dump Cake, pineapple dump cake, pineapple cake mix dessert, or easy pineapple cake, this recipe is a sweet, buttery, fruity dessert that is perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, optional

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Toasted coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Maraschino cherries

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.

Step 2: Add the Pineapple

Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread the pineapple into an even layer with a spatula.

Do not drain the pineapple because the juice provides important moisture during baking.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer.

Try to distribute the cake mix as evenly as possible.

Do not stir the cake mix into the pineapple.

Keeping the ingredients layered is what gives a dump cake its characteristic texture.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible with the melted butter.

Some dry spots are normal, but distributing the butter evenly helps create a more consistent golden crust.

Step 5: Add Pecans and Coconut

If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top.

Add shredded coconut for an extra tropical flavor.

You can use either one or both depending on your preference.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pineapple filling is bubbling around the edges.

The center should be set and the topping should have a beautiful golden color.

Step 7: Rest the Cake

Remove the Pineapple Butter Dump Cake from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10–15 minutes.

This allows the pineapple filling to settle and thicken slightly while the buttery topping becomes easier to serve.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Spoon portions of the warm pineapple dump cake into dessert bowls.

For the ultimate dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

The warm cake will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a delicious combination of buttery cake, sweet pineapple, and creamy vanilla.

Variation

Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake

Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut over the pineapple before sprinkling on the cake mix. The coconut adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture.

Pineapple Pecan Dump Cake

Add ½–1 cup chopped pecans to the top before baking. Toasted pecans provide a delicious buttery crunch.

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Add a layer of cherry pie filling over the pineapple before adding the cake mix. Pineapple and cherries create a classic sweet-tart combination.

Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

Add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the cake mix for a fun twist inspired by pineapple upside-down cake.

Tropical Pineapple Dump Cake

Add shredded coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, and a small amount of coconut extract for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Add small pieces of softened cream cheese over the pineapple before adding the cake mix for a creamy cheesecake-style variation.

Pineapple Caramel Dump Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake and sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Pineapple Butter Pecan Cake

Use butter pecan cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even richer nutty flavor.

Lemon Pineapple Dump Cake

Use lemon cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a bright citrus-pineapple combination.

White Chocolate Pineapple Dump Cake

Add white chocolate chips before baking for creamy pockets of melted white chocolate.

COOKING Note :

The most important thing to remember when making a Pineapple Butter Dump Cake is not to mix the layers.

Dump cakes are designed to be layered directly in the baking dish. The pineapple provides moisture from underneath while the butter works its way through the cake mix as everything bakes.

Make sure the pineapple is not drained. The pineapple juice is necessary to help hydrate the dry cake mix.

When adding the melted butter, drizzle it as evenly as possible across the entire surface.

If some small areas of dry cake mix remain, don’t worry. However, large dry patches may indicate that the butter wasn’t distributed evenly.

For an even more buttery topping, you can arrange thin slices of cold butter over the dry cake mix instead of using melted butter. Make sure the butter is distributed evenly across the entire surface.

The baking time can vary depending on your oven and baking dish. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling pineapple around the edges.

Allowing the cake to rest before serving helps the filling become thicker and makes the dessert easier to scoop.

Serving Suggestions :

With Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic way to serve warm pineapple dump cake.

With Whipped Cream

Top each serving with whipped cream and a little toasted coconut.

With Caramel Sauce

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for a richer dessert.

With Toasted Coconut

Sprinkle toasted coconut over each serving for extra tropical flavor.

With Pecans

Add chopped toasted pecans for crunch and a buttery nutty flavor.

With Fresh Pineapple

Serve with a small amount of fresh pineapple for an extra fruity presentation.

With Coffee

The sweet buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with hot coffee.

With Tea

Serve small portions with black tea, herbal tea, or iced tea.

Holiday Dessert Table

Serve the cake in small bowls topped with whipped cream, cherries, toasted coconut, or pecans.

Tips :

• Do not drain the crushed pineapple.
• Spread the pineapple evenly across the bottom of the pan.
• Do not mix the cake mix into the pineapple.
• Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly.
• Drizzle melted butter across as much of the cake mix as possible.
• Use real butter for the richest flavor.
• Add pecans for extra crunch.
• Add coconut for a tropical variation.
• Don’t overbake the cake.
• Look for golden-brown edges and bubbling pineapple.
• Let the cake rest before serving.
• Serve warm for the best texture.
• Vanilla ice cream is an excellent topping.
• Toast pecans before adding them for deeper flavor.
• Use a yellow, white, lemon, or butter pecan cake mix.
• For a richer flavor, use butter pecan cake mix.
• Store leftovers in a covered container.
• Refrigerate leftovers for longer storage.
• Reheat individual servings gently before serving.
• Add caramel sauce just before serving.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

40–50 minutes

Resting Time:

10–15 minutes

Total Time:

Approximately 55–70 minutes

Nutritional Information :

Approximate values per serving, based on 12 servings and the basic recipe without optional nuts, coconut, ice cream, or caramel sauce.

Calories: Approximately 390
Protein: Approximately 3 g
Sodium: Approximately 350 mg

Actual nutritional values will vary depending on the cake mix, butter, pineapple, serving size, and optional toppings used.

FAQs

What is Pineapple Butter Dump Cake?

Pineapple Butter Dump Cake is an easy cake mix dessert made by layering crushed pineapple, dry cake mix, and butter directly in a baking dish. The ingredients bake together into a golden, buttery dessert with a juicy pineapple filling.

Do I need to drain the pineapple?

No. Do not drain the pineapple. The pineapple juice provides moisture that helps the cake mix cook properly.

Do I mix the ingredients together?

No. The ingredients should be layered rather than mixed. This is what makes a dump cake so easy.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, but canned crushed pineapple is convenient and provides consistent moisture. If using fresh pineapple, you may need additional liquid to achieve the proper texture.

Can I use pineapple chunks?

Yes. Pineapple chunks can be used, although crushed pineapple creates a more evenly distributed filling.

Can I use pineapple rings?

Yes. Pineapple rings can be used for a more decorative pineapple upside-down-style presentation.

What cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is a classic choice, but white, butter pecan, vanilla, or lemon cake mix can also work beautifully.

Can I use butter pecan cake mix?

Absolutely. Butter pecan cake mix adds extra nutty, buttery flavor and pairs especially well with pineapple and pecans.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. Salted butter can be used. It adds a subtle salty contrast to the sweetness.

Can I use melted butter?

Yes. Melted butter is one of the easiest ways to distribute the butter across the cake mix.

Can I use cold butter instead?

Yes. Thinly slice cold butter and distribute the pieces evenly across the dry cake mix.

Why is my dump cake dry?

Large areas of dry cake mix can occur if the butter is not distributed evenly. Make sure the melted butter covers as much of the surface as possible.

Why is my dump cake too wet?

The dessert may need additional baking time. The amount of liquid in the pineapple and the specific cake mix can affect the final consistency.

Can I add pecans?

Yes. Pecans are an excellent addition and provide a delicious crunchy contrast to the soft pineapple filling.

Can I add coconut?

Yes. Shredded coconut creates a tropical pineapple-coconut dessert and works especially well with pecans.

Can I add cherries?

Yes. Cherry pie filling or maraschino cherries can be added for a pineapple-cherry variation.

Can I add cream cheese?

Yes. Small pieces of softened cream cheese can be layered over the pineapple for a creamy cheesecake-inspired variation.

Can I add caramel?

Absolutely. Caramel sauce can be drizzled over the finished dessert.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and bake the cake ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it. Reheat individual portions before serving.

How should I store Pineapple Butter Dump Cake?

Cover the leftovers tightly and refrigerate them.

How long does pineapple dump cake last?

For best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within several days.

Can I freeze pineapple dump cake?

Yes. Allow the cake to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze portions for convenient future desserts.

How do I reheat pineapple dump cake?

Warm individual portions in the microwave or place the baking dish in a low oven until heated through.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix and verify that the canned pineapple and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A dairy-free cake mix and dairy-free butter alternative may be used, although the flavor and texture can differ from the traditional version.

Why is my cake mix still powdery?

This usually means the butter wasn’t distributed evenly. Make sure the melted butter is drizzled over the entire surface before baking.

Can I use a different baking dish?

A similar-sized baking dish can be used, but changing the size or depth may change the baking time.

What is the best way to serve pineapple dump cake?

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, toasted coconut, or chopped pecans.

Is pineapple dump cake served hot or cold?

It can be served either way, but it is especially delicious warm when the buttery topping and pineapple filling are soft and fragrant.

Can I make a lemon pineapple dump cake?

Yes. Use lemon cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a bright lemon-pineapple combination.

Can I make a tropical version?

Yes. Add shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, and coconut extract for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Can I make this dessert without nuts?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Butter Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something sweet, buttery, fruity, and incredibly easy to prepare.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade-style dessert without making a traditional cake batter. Crushed pineapple creates a juicy, flavorful base while the yellow cake mix and butter bake together into a golden, buttery topping.

The beauty of this easy pineapple dump cake is its simplicity. There is no complicated mixing, no special decorating skills, and very little preparation. Simply layer the ingredients, bake until golden and bubbling, let it rest, and serve.

For the ultimate dessert, serve a warm scoop of pineapple dump cake with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Toasted pecans or shredded coconut can add extra crunch and tropical flavor.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, summer gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, bake sales, parties, and last-minute desserts.

You can easily customize it with coconut, pecans, cherries, cream cheese, caramel, lemon cake mix, or butter pecan cake mix.

If you’re looking for an easy pineapple dessert recipe, a simple cake mix dessert, or a buttery fruit dump cake that requires minimal effort, this Pineapple Butter Dump Cake is a delicious recipe to keep on hand.

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