This easy, cozy Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake delivers buttery caramelized pineapple and cherries with almost no fuss — perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. For a fun party-size idea, try the mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes if you want individual portions instead of a single pan.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
- Classic caramelized pineapple flavor with sweet cherries and a crispy cake top.
- Super quick to assemble — great when you need dessert fast.
- Uses pantry staples and one baking dish for easy cleanup.
- Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly; kids love the bright fruit rings.
- Reheats well and makes tasty leftovers for several days.
Ingredients Needed
Fruit
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices
- 1 cup cherries (canned or maraschino)
Dry Mix
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Sweetener
- 1 cup brown sugar
Fat
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add the butter
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Arrange the fruit
Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the butter, and place cherries in the center of each slice.
4. Add the brown sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and cherries.
5. Top with cake mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the sugar and fruit, do not mix.
6. Drizzle remaining butter
Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the cake mix.
7. Bake until golden
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and serve
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
- Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a mint sprig for color.
- Pair with strong coffee or a tropical iced tea for a balanced meal finish.
- For a citrusy contrast try alongside a lemon-based dessert like a lemon blueberry cheesecake dump cake at a brunch buffet.
- Cut into squares and serve on a dessert platter for potlucks.
Tips for Success Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
- Use the full 20 oz can of pineapple including a bit of juice for extra caramelization.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let it rest a few minutes before slicing so the juices set up for cleaner pieces.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat briefly to refresh.
- For nutty crunch, consider adding chopped pecans on top after baking, similar to a pecan pie dump cake twist.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Tropical twist: Add diced mango or swap cherries for pineapple tidbits.
- Boozy upgrade: Mix 1–2 tbsp rum into the pineapple juice before baking.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter to make this a dairy-free dessert.
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