Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake (Vegan) – Quick & Delicious Dessert

This Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert that captures all the tropical flavor of a classic pineapple upside-down cake with a plant-based twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this comforting one-pot recipe delivers a soft, buttery texture without dairy or eggs—making it a delicious, customizable treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake because it combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the simplicity of a dump cake—no mixing bowls or fancy steps required. This easy pineapple upside-down dump cake is soft, buttery, and perfectly caramelized, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern. Every bite brings the classic flavor of pineapple upside-down cake, but in a vegan, dairy-free version that’s kinder to your body and the planet.

Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this pineapple upside-down dump cake recipe takes just minutes to prep and always impresses guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers gooey pineapple, golden cake, and a touch of indulgence in every forkful. Plus, you can easily customize it—add cherries, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of vegan caramel for extra flair.

Whether you’re vegan, hosting friends, or simply craving a simple tropical dessert, this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake is your new go-to for comfort, convenience, and flavor.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake works together to create a moist, golden, and flavorful dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. The sweetness of the pineapple balances perfectly with the brown sugar’s caramel tones, while the buttery cake mix brings that soft, comforting texture everyone loves. The cherries add a pop of color and sweetness, giving your pineapple upside-down dump cake its signature old-fashioned charm. A splash of pineapple juice enhances the tropical flavor, while melted vegan butter ensures a golden, crisp top layer. Whether you serve it warm with vegan whipped cream or chilled with dairy-free ice cream, every bite delivers pure, tropical bliss.

Ingredients for vegan pineapple upside-down dump cake
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake (Vegan) – Quick & Delicious Dessert 13

🛒 Ingredients:

1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices or chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
½ cup brown sugar
1 box yellow cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter, melted
Optional: vegan whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream for serving

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake is unbelievably simple, even for beginner bakers. This easy pineapple dump cake recipe layers juicy pineapple, sweet cherries, and buttery cake mix to create a dessert that’s rich, golden, and full of tropical flavor. The best part? There’s no mixing—just layer, pour, and bake! The pineapple and brown sugar form a gooey, caramel-like base, while the melted vegan butter and cake mix create a crisp, crumbly topping. Every bite captures the nostalgic taste of a traditional pineapple upside-down cake, reimagined in an effortless vegan version that’s both family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is as easy to make as it is to love.

🧁 How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Layer pineapple slices evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add maraschino cherries in between the pineapple rings.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the fruit.
Pour dry yellow cake mix over the top—do not stir.
Drizzle melted vegan butter evenly across the surface.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool slightly, then serve warm with vegan whipped cream or ice cream.

Baking vegan pineapple upside-down dump cake
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake (Vegan) – Quick & Delicious Dessert 14

Expert Cooking Tips

To make your Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake absolutely irresistible, follow these expert tips. First, always drain your pineapple well—too much juice can make your cake soggy. Reserve a small amount of pineapple juice to boost the tropical flavor. For a rich, buttery texture, use melted vegan butter instead of oil. This helps the cake mix bake into a golden, crisp topping that perfectly complements the caramelized fruit. Want extra flavor depth? Sprinkle a little cinnamon or coconut flakes over the pineapple before adding the cake mix.

This pineapple dump cake also tastes incredible when slightly warm—serve it with vegan whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream for a luscious finish. If you love an old-fashioned pineapple upside-down cake recipe, this vegan twist keeps the charm but makes it easier and more wholesome.

🍍 Pro Tips Recap:

Drain pineapple completely, reserve ¼ cup juice for flavor
Use melted vegan butter for golden, crisp texture
Add cinnamon or coconut flakes for extra flair
Bake until edges are bubbly and golden brown
Serve warm with vegan whipped cream or ice cream

Slices of vegan pineapple upside-down dump cake on plates
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake (Vegan) – Quick & Delicious Dessert 15

FAQs

Q1: What makes this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake different from the classic version?

This Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake uses plant-based butter and dairy-free ingredients, keeping all the sweet, caramelized flavor of the traditional pineapple upside-down cake recipe—without eggs or milk.

Q2: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh pineapple adds a bright, tangy flavor. Just make sure to drain any extra juice so your pineapple dump cake doesn’t become soggy.

Q3: Can I make this pineapple upside-down dump cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake your Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake a day early, cool it completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving for the perfect texture.

Q4: What’s the best way to serve this vegan pineapple dessert?

This pineapple upside-down dump cake tastes amazing warm, topped with vegan whipped cream, coconut cream, or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Q5: How long does this vegan pineapple upside-down cake last?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake even more delicious the next day!

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Easy Pineapple Dump Cakes: A Tropical Dessert Everyone Will Love

This Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake is more than just a quick dessert—it’s a delicious balance of tropical flavor, caramelized sweetness, and effortless baking. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving comfort food, this easy pineapple dump cake delivers every time. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a soft, golden, and perfectly gooey treat that tastes like a classic pineapple upside-down cake recipe, but completely plant-based.

The combination of pineapple, cherries, and buttery cake layers makes this vegan pineapple upside-down dump cake a showstopper without the stress. Serve it warm with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or coconut ice cream for a dreamy finish everyone will love.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly good, this Vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection—a true tropical delight made easy.

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Vegan pineapple upside-down dump cake served hot

Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This twist on the iconic pineapple upside-down cake delivers all the caramelized fruit flavor without the fuss. It layers pineapple, cherries, brown sugar, and cake mix into a gooey, buttery, golden dessert that’s simple, stunning, and totally delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices or chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)

  • 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15 oz)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Caramel Layer: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bottom of the dish.

  3. Add Fruit: Arrange pineapple slices (or chunks) on top of the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice (or scatter evenly).

  4. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.

  5. Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top, then drizzle with ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice for extra moisture.

  6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the fruit layer is bubbling.

  7. Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • For a richer caramel flavor, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking.
  • Want a nutty crunch? Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the brown sugar layer.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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