Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this easy Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake.

Canned Pineapple Chunks in Juice: Drain the pineapple and reserve 1/2 cup of the juice. You can use pineapple tidbits if you prefer smaller bites of pineapple.

Maraschino Cherries: These add sweet flavor and a pop of color. Maraschino cherries are classic, but you could also try using frozen or even fresh cherries.

Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar lends a deeper caramelized flavor than white sugar when combined with the pineapple juice and butter while baking.

Melted Butter: Butter is poured right on top of the dry mix in this recipe. It seeps down through the cake mix and blends with the pineapple, cherries, and sugar to create a rich, saucy fruit layer.

Cornstarch: Just a little bit of cornstarch helps thicken the juices and keeps this dump cake from being watery.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix and salt.

How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

Follow these tips for making this easy Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake. See the recipe for full instructions and details.

1. Drain the Fruit

Drain the pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. Drain the maraschino cherries. Removing excess juices will keep the finished dump cake from being watery.

2. Mix

Mix the pineapple, reserved juice, and maraschino cherries right in the baking dish. Add the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well to coat the pineapple and cherries in the sugar mixture.

3. Top and Bake

Scatter the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit, creating a thick layer of mix that completely covers the fruit. Drizzle the butter on top and bake.

4. “Chop” in the Dry Mix

Halfway through baking, pull the dump cake from the oven and use a spoon in a chopping or cutting motion to sink any dry spots into the batter and fruit. Return to the oven and finish baking. Use caution as the pan and cake mixture will be hot.

5. Cool Slightly, Serve Warm

The cake will be golden and bubbling throughout when it is done. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving, as the cake is very hot. Serve warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

How to Store (and Reheat) Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

Follow these tips for storing Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Freezer Storage

Freezer storage is not recommended for this recipe, as the texture will be compromised.

Reheating

Microwave portions of dump cake in a microwavable bowl on Medium-High (70%) for about 1 minute or until warm.