Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake


This Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, but with a fraction of the effort. This "dump cake" version combines the rich, buttery flavors of caramelized pineapple and maraschino cherries with a simple cake mix topping for a dessert that’s gooey, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s get baking!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal Effort: Just dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy!
  • Classic Flavors: Sweet pineapple, juicy cherries, and buttery caramel create a nostalgic treat.
  • Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it plain for a quick dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit at parties or family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Topping:

  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained (optional, for decoration)

For the Cake Layer:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well, optional)
  • Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the Topping

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple (with its juice), melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. If using, place maraschino cherries evenly over the pineapple mixture for a decorative touch.

3. Add the Cake Mix

  1. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer, spreading it out gently to cover completely.
  2. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top for added texture and flavor.

4. Bake the Cake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
  2. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.