Let me tell you about this old-fashioned pineapple dump cake cobbler – it's just about the easiest thing you'll ever bake. Been making this one since cake mixes first showed up in grocery stores, and it never fails to hit the spot.
Now, you only need three things:
- Two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple (don't drain them)
- One box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of butter (that's 2 sticks), melted
Grab yourself a 9×13-inch baking dish – nothing fancy needed. The beauty of this recipe is right in its name – you just dump everything in! Mind you, there's a little trick to getting that perfect crispy top that makes everyone come back for seconds.
The name might not be fancy, but I've been bringing this to church suppers and family gatherings for years, and the pan always comes home empty. It's one of those recipes that proves you don't need a kitchen full of fancy ingredients to make something folks will remember.
Want to hear how to put it all together? It'll take you less time to make than it does to preheat your oven.
Recipe
Pineapple dump cake cobbler combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the buttery richness of cake mix for an effortless dessert that's both comforting and delightful. This classic dump cake earned its name from the simple preparation method of dumping ingredients into a baking dish with minimal mixing required. Much like the classic American cobbler, this dessert showcases the beauty of fresh fruit paired with a rustic topping that bakes to perfection.
This dessert features layers of juicy pineapple topped with dry cake mix and butter, which transform into a golden-brown cobbler-like treat during baking. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert with a crispy top layer and a warm, gooey fruit filling that's ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the undrained crushed pineapple into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the pineapple. Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the pineapple layer, then drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
For best results, let the dump cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Avoid mixing the layers when adding ingredients, as this will affect the cobbler-like texture. The butter must cover all dry cake mix to prevent any powdery spots in the finished dessert.
A pantry-friendly twist on traditional cobbler, pineapple dump cake emerged during the convenience cooking movement of the 1960s. True to its name, this dessert requires little more than dumping ingredients into a baking dish – a method that gained popularity as busy home cooks sought quick, reliable recipes.
The combination of canned pineapple, cake mix, and butter creates a remarkably complex dessert, with layers of fruity, buttery, and caramelized flavors. While not the most sophisticated in appearance, this retro favorite continues to be a potluck staple and reliable last-minute dessert option.
Conclusion
Just wait till you try this old-fashioned pineapple dump cake cobbler – it's a real keeper. Nothing fancy here, but boy, does it deliver. The top gets all golden and crispy from the butter, while underneath you've got this wonderful warm pineapple that reminds me of summer days. Some folks call these "lazy day desserts" because you basically dump everything in the pan and let the oven do the work.
Now, if you ask me, this tastes best when it's still a bit warm with a good scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream starts melting into all those buttery crumbs – pure heaven. But honestly, it's mighty fine straight from the pan too, and I won't tell if you sneak a spoonful for breakfast. Been there myself.
This is the kind of recipe you'll want to keep handy for when company drops by or when you need something reliable that won't have you fussing in the kitchen all day. Simple ingredients, simple steps, but it never fails to make folks smile.