Old-Fashioned Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the kind of easy, comforting dessert that brings together simple pantry ingredients and turns them into something wonderfully rich and irresistible. Sweet crushed pineapple creates a juicy, fruity base, while creamy pockets of vanilla-scented cream cheese and crunchy pecans add delicious texture in every bite.
A layer of yellow cake mix and melted butter bakes into a golden, buttery topping, while optional shredded coconut adds an extra tropical touch. This simple dump cake requires very little preparation, making it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need an easy dessert that tastes like an old-fashioned favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple, 20 ounces, undrained
- 1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded coconut, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the undrained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. The pineapple juice will help keep the cake moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the pineapple layer.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. It does not need to completely cover the pineapple, since the creamy pockets are part of what makes this dessert so delicious.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and pineapple layers, covering the surface as evenly as possible.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the top if using.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before dusting the top with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra-special dessert.
Variations
- Add a coconut pecan topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut and a few extra chopped pecans over the cake before baking. The coconut becomes lightly toasted while the pecans add even more crunch, creating a delicious tropical-inspired topping.
- Use pineapple tidbits for more texture: Replace part or all of the crushed pineapple with well-drained pineapple tidbits. This variation gives the dessert larger, juicy pieces of pineapple in every serving while still keeping the cake moist.
- Try a different cake mix: Yellow cake mix gives the dessert its classic buttery flavor, but butter pecan, white, or vanilla cake mix can also be used. Butter pecan cake mix is especially delicious if you want to emphasize the rich, nutty flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Do not drain the crushed pineapple. The pineapple juice is important because it provides moisture for the dry cake mix and helps create the soft, tender fruit layer underneath.
- Use properly softened cream cheese. Soft cream cheese is easier to beat until smooth and will blend more evenly with the pecans and vanilla.
- Drizzle the butter slowly and evenly. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. Areas that receive enough butter will bake into the best golden, buttery topping.
- Allow the cake to rest before serving. Letting it cool for about 10–15 minutes helps the creamy pineapple filling settle slightly and makes the dessert easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream: A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm pineapple and cream cheese filling creates a wonderful combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors.
- Top with whipped cream and extra pecans: Add a generous spoonful of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for an easy but beautiful presentation.
- Serve chilled for a firmer dessert: Refrigerating leftovers creates a slightly firmer, cheesecake-like texture. Serve chilled or allow individual portions to return to room temperature before enjoying.
Tips
- Spread the cake mix evenly: An even layer of dry cake mix helps the dessert bake consistently and prevents some areas from becoming too thick or powdery.
- Toast the pecans for extra flavor: Toasting the chopped pecans for a few minutes before adding them brings out their natural nutty flavor and gives the finished dessert an even richer taste.
- Check for dry spots near the end of baking: If you notice large patches of dry cake mix during the final part of baking, carefully drizzle a small amount of additional melted butter over those areas.
- Do not overbake: The dump cake is ready when the top is golden and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Overbaking can make the topping too dry.
- Store leftovers properly: Cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate because the dessert contains cream cheese.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 4 g
- Sodium: Approximately 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pineapple dump cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the dump cake several hours ahead of serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator once cooled. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven before serving.
2. Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
No. Keep the pineapple undrained. The juice provides important moisture that helps the cake mix bake properly and creates the soft, juicy pineapple layer underneath.
3. Can I leave out the coconut?
Absolutely. The shredded coconut is completely optional. The cake will still be rich, buttery, and delicious with just the pineapple, cream cheese, pecans, and cake topping.
4. How should I store leftover dump cake?
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate them for up to 3–4 days. Because the recipe contains cream cheese, it should not be stored at room temperature for extended periods.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert filled with everything you could want in a comforting sweet treat. Juicy pineapple, creamy cheese pockets, crunchy pecans, and a golden buttery topping come together with very little effort.
Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, or enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator, this simple dump cake is perfect for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. It is an easy recipe with nostalgic flavor that is sure to have everyone coming back for another serving.
