Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by Allison Lancaster
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a simple and tasty dessert made with sweet pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and a buttery pineapple cake mix. It bakes into a moist, caramelized cake with a golden, crispy top that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
As a busy mom, I often need quick yet delicious homemade treat ideas. One of the favorites in our house is Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake.
This cake is a simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of a traditional pineapple upside-down cake without spending too much time in the kitchen. The best part is how easy it is to prepare and the kids love helping with the sweet pineapple and cherries. The pineapple-flavored cake mix, topped with melted butter, turns into a moist, buttery, golden brown dessert that everyone loves.
This cake is a hit at family gatherings and church potlucks. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a comforting dessert, this Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a great choice!
What ingredients do I need to make this Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake recipe?
Pineapple Tidbits: provide a sweet and tangy flavor and are easy to distribute throughout the cake.
Maraschino Cherries: add a splash of color and sweetness, creating a bright and flavorful cake. You can leave these out if you prefer to do so.
Brown Sugar: creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness and adds to the cake’s caramelized texture.
Pineapple Cake Mix: makes baking easy, and the cake have a consistent pineapple flavor that pairs well with the tidbits. You can also substitute for a white or yellow cake mix if you don’t have pineapple cake mix on hand or want to dial down the pineapple flavor a bit.
Melted Butter: is necessary for a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture. It also combines the ingredients and creates a golden and crispy top layer. I prefer to use Aldi’s brand of butter but you can use any brand you have available.
How do I make this delicious Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake?
- Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Open and drain the liquid from the cans of pineapple. This is very important.
- Arrange the bright red cherries over the pineapple.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the pineapple and cherries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top of everything.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl and pour over the cake mix.
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 55 minutes, until golden.
- Enjoy!
What is a Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake?
A Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the classic flavors of a pineapple upside-down cake with the simplicity of a dump cake. Unlike traditional cakes that require precise mixing and layering, a dump cake involves simply “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. The result is a moist, flavorful cake with caramelized pineapple and cherries on top, providing a delicious contrast to the buttery, cake-like bottom layer.
What can I top my Pineapple Upside Down Cake with?
- Pineapple Slices
- Chopped Pecans
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
Can I use fresh pineapple for this pineapple upside-down cake?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple. Peel and core the pineapple, then cut it into thin slices or small chunks. Fresh pineapple can be very juicy, so dry the slices or chunks with paper towels to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. Using fresh pineapple can give the cake a more vibrant and slightly tangier flavor compared to canned pineapple.
Can I add other fruits to my cake?
Of course! This recipe can work with different types of fruits. You can use fresh or drained canned peaches. Fresh or frozen blueberries will add both color and flavor. If using frozen, add them without thawing. A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries will give you a variety of flavors. Thinly sliced apples will add a nice texture. When using other fruits, consider their sweetness and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
Can I make this pineapple dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake ahead of time. Assemble the cake a few hours before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, bake it just before serving. Alternatively, you can bake the cake, let it cool, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350 degrees F oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Experimenting with different boxed cake mix flavors can give a unique twist to the traditional recipe. White or yellow cake mix provides a lighter, more delicate flavor. Butter pecan cake mix adds a rich, nutty flavor that compliments the pineapple. Spice cake mix adds warmth and depth with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Feel free to try different flavors to find your favorite combination.
How do I store leftovers?
When storing leftover Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake, keep it fresh by placing it in an airtight container or covering it with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, microwave individual servings for 30 seconds to one minute or heat in an oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes for a crisper topping.
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a simple and tasty dessert made with sweet pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and a buttery pineapple cake mix. It bakes into a moist, caramelized cake with a golden, crispy top that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 2 - 20 oz cans pineapple tidbits
- 16 oz jar maraschino cherries
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 15.25 oz box pineapple cake mix
- ¾ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Open and drain the liquid from the cans of pineapple. Pour pineapple into the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange cherries over the pineapple.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the pineapple and cherries.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly on top of everything.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl, andpour over the cake mix.
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 55 minutes, until golden.
- Enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 211mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 3gSugar: 31gProtein: 2g
