Hey foodies! Are you ready for a dessert that's ridiculously easy, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than the pineapple upside down dump cake! This delightful treat combines the classic flavors of a pineapple upside-down cake with the simplicity of a dump cake. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet. So, grab your ingredients and let's get baking! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a pineapple upside down dump cake recipe that will have everyone begging for more.

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

First off, guys, this recipe is a total breeze. Seriously, it's called a “dump cake” for a reason! You literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do its magic. No complicated steps, no fussy techniques – just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Secondly, this pineapple upside down dump cake is a flavor explosion! The sweetness of the pineapple, the buttery richness of the cake, and the optional touch of brown sugar and cinnamon create a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. And finally, it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm, cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream. It's the kind of dessert that works for any season and any mood. Let me tell you, it is an easy bake that is ready to eat and share.

So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is for you. It's a guaranteed success, and it's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a sweet, nostalgic treat for all, with a golden, bubbly top. Ready to dive into the world of pineapple upside down dump cakes? Let's go!

Ingredients You'll Need for the Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

Alright, let's talk about the essentials. You don’t need a ton of ingredients, and most likely, you’ll have many of these in your pantry already. Here's what you'll need to create this pineapple upside down dump cake recipe:

• Canned Pineapple: You'll need one (20 ounce) can of pineapple rings in juice or syrup. Make sure to drain the pineapple, but reserve the juice. You can also use crushed pineapple if you prefer a different texture. The pineapple is the star of the show, providing that signature tangy sweetness that makes this cake so irresistible. The juice is so tasty; if you have a lot of juice left over, you can always make a juice smoothie.
• Butter: About 1/2 cup of melted butter. This is crucial for creating that golden, buttery crust that we all crave. You can use unsalted butter or salted butter, depending on your preference. If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.
• Yellow Cake Mix: One box (15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix. This serves as the base of the cake. You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or even a spice cake, to add a unique twist to your pineapple upside down dump cake. The cake mix gives that quick shortcut to baking.
• Brown Sugar: About 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. This adds a depth of flavor and helps create a caramel-like sauce. Light brown sugar is a classic choice, but you can also use dark brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-y flavor. Brown sugar is the main ingredient to give a hint of caramel.
• Maraschino Cherries: About 1 jar (10 ounces) of maraschino cherries, drained. These are optional, but they add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that complements the pineapple beautifully. Make sure to drain them well so they don't make the cake soggy. Some people may even prefer to cut them in halves to put them neatly on top.
• Optional Spices: A dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to the flavors.

That's it, guys! See? Simple ingredients, maximum flavor. Now let's move on to the fun part!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

Okay, buckle up, because this is where the magic happens! Here's how to whip up this pineapple upside down dump cake masterpiece:

1. Prep the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to flip over later.
2. Arrange the Pineapple and Cherries: Evenly arrange the drained pineapple rings in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you're using maraschino cherries, place them in the center of the pineapple rings or around the edges. If you're using crushed pineapple, simply spread it evenly over the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle with Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and cherries. This will create a delicious caramel sauce as it bakes. This is where the magic happens; as the brown sugar mixes with the juices of the pineapple, it gets a caramelized flavor that tastes so good.
4. Pour on the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the pineapple, cherries, and brown sugar. Make sure to get it all over to ensure everything gets a nice, golden crust. This is also important to help keep the cake moist.
5. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple and butter. Do not stir! This is a