Print

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 59 reviews

This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with maraschino cherries layered under a buttery, golden cake. Using a boxed cake mix and canned fruit, it’s a simple recipe perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or an effortless weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Fruit Layer

  • 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 1 (16 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained

Sugar Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar

Cake Layer

  • 1 (15.25 oz) box pineapple cake mix
  • ¾ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit Layer: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the pineapple tidbits thoroughly and also drain the maraschino cherries to remove excess syrup. Spread the pineapple evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Distribute the drained cherries evenly over the pineapple layer.
  2. Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle ½ cup of brown sugar evenly over the fruit layer. This sugar will caramelize during baking, adding a rich, sweet flavor to the base of your cake.
  3. Apply Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry pineapple cake mix over the brown sugar and fruit layers, covering it completely but without mixing the layers.
  4. Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle or gently pour the ¾ cup of melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This will moisten the mix, allowing it to bake into a tender, golden crust.
  5. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. The cake is traditionally served upside down, so invert onto a large serving platter carefully to reveal the caramelized fruit topping.

Notes

  • Ensure the fruit is well drained to prevent a soggy cake.
  • Use a baking dish approximately 9×13 inches for best results.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping to avoid breaking.
  • Optional: add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
  • This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.