This is one of those desserts I make when I don’t want to think too much.
I’ve made this Gooey Amish Pineapple Dump Cake more times than I can count. It’s the kind of recipe that feels almost too simple to work. You layer everything in the pan, put it in the oven, and somehow it turns into this warm, buttery, caramelized dessert.
If you’ve ever looked up an easy pineapple dump cake recipe or an old-fashioned Amish dump cake, this is that exact style. No mixer. No bowls. Just one baking dish.
What I Use
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, dry
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How I Make It
I preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I pour the crushed pineapple straight into the dish. I don’t drain it. The juice is what makes the bottom soft and gooey later.
Then I sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. It looks strange at this point. Powder sitting on fruit. That’s normal.
I drizzle the melted butter across the surface, trying to cover most of the dry mix. I don’t worry about making it perfect.
It bakes for about 40 to 45 minutes. I usually wait until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
What It Turns Into
The top becomes slightly crisp and buttery, almost like a thin crust. Underneath, the pineapple softens and thickens into a sweet, sticky layer.
I like serving it warm with vanilla ice cream. When the ice cream melts into the cake, it mixes with the pineapple syrup at the bottom. That’s honestly the best part.
A Small Note
If you see dry powder after baking, it usually means the butter didn’t reach that area. Next time, just spread it a little more evenly.
It keeps in the fridge for a few days, and it reheats well. Not fancy. Not complicated. Just a simple pineapple dessert that always works.
