Looking for a tropical dessert that’s quick, easy, and perfect for the whole family? This Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake delivers just that! With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, it’s a family-friendly treat that’s comfortable, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy a balanced, one-pot dessert packed with sweet pineapple and coconut flavors—guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate go-to dessert for anyone who loves simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipes. One of the best things about this cake is how quick and easy it is to make—no complicated techniques or fancy tools required. Just layer a few ingredients, bake, and you have a tropical, sweet treat ready to enjoy.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly. Kids love the sweet pineapple and coconut flavors, while adults appreciate a dessert that’s not overly complicated or fussy. The recipe is highly customizable, too—swap out ingredients, add a layer of chocolate, or even mix in some extra fruit to suit your taste.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or special occasions, this dump cake combines convenience with deliciousness. With its gooey pineapple, tender coconut topping, and buttery cake base, it’s a dessert that hits all the right notes. Once you try this Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Making this Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is delightfully simple, thanks to just a handful of pantry staples. Start with 2 cans (20 oz each) of crushed pineapple, undrained, which create the juicy, tropical base for this dessert. A box of yellow or white cake mix (15 oz) forms the fluffy, golden topping, while ½ cup (1 stick) of melted unsalted butter, or thin slices of butter, adds richness and helps create that signature “dump cake” texture.
For a sweet, tropical crunch, 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut is sprinkled over the top, giving each bite a perfect coconut flavor. Optional ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans adds a delightful texture contrast, ideal for nut lovers.
Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience. These simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake perfect for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make treat.
How to Make This Recipe
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. - Layer the Pineapple
Pour the undrained crushed pineapple evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it gently with a spatula so every corner has pineapple. - Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer. Don’t stir—this is what makes it a “dump cake.” - Add Butter and Coconut
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Then, sprinkle the shredded sweetened coconut on top. Optional: add chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for crunch. - Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. - Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making a flawless Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is easier than you think, but a few expert tips can elevate it from good to irresistible. First, use undrained crushed pineapple to keep the cake moist and bubbly—draining it can result in a dry dessert. When sprinkling the cake mix over the pineapple, resist the urge to stir; the “dump” method creates the signature layered texture with a gooey bottom and fluffy top.
For an extra tropical flavor, don’t skip the shredded sweetened coconut—toasting it lightly in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before topping adds a golden crunch. If you’re adding nuts like macadamia or pecans, chop them evenly so every bite has a hint of crunch without overpowering the cake.
Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be bubbly and golden. After baking, let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish. Following these tips ensures your Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is always moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
FAQs
What is a Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake?
A dump cake is an easy, layered dessert where you literally “dump” ingredients into a baking dish. This version combines pineapple, coconut, cake mix, and butter for a tropical, gooey treat.
Can I make this cake with fewer ingredients?
Yes! You can make a 3-ingredient version using pineapple, cake mix, and butter. Adding coconut or nuts enhances flavor and texture but is optional.
Can I make this Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake from scratch?
Absolutely! Replace the boxed cake mix with a homemade yellow or white cake batter. Layer it with pineapple and coconut for a classic, old-fashioned taste.
How should I serve and store it?
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving to enjoy that freshly baked texture.
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This Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert. With just a few pantry staples—crushed pineapple, cake mix, butter, and shredded coconut—you can have a tropical, gooey cake ready in under an hour. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or special occasions.
The recipe is highly customizable. You can add nuts for crunch, layer chocolate for richness, or even try a from-scratch cake mix for a more “old-fashioned” version. Served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth in your family.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake is designed to be forgiving, fun, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to dessert in your recipe collection. Your family and guests will love it!
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Coconut Pineapple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This coconut pineapple dump cake brings the flavors of a pina colada into a simple, comforting dessert. Juicy pineapple, sweet coconut, and a buttery cake topping bake together to create a tropical treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a sunny dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or thin slices)
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Pineapple: Pour crushed pineapple (with juice) into the dish evenly.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pineapple. Do not stir.
- Top with Butter & Coconut: Drizzle melted butter (or dot with butter slices) over the cake mix. Sprinkle shredded coconut and nuts on top if using.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a tropical indulgence.
Notes
- Extra Coconut Flavor: Mix ½ cup coconut milk into the pineapple layer before adding cake mix for a creamier texture.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts for a simpler version.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American