Dorothy'S Dump Cake
A rich, fruity dump cake layered with pineapple, coconut, brown sugar, and nuts, baked to golden perfection—perfect for family gatherings and dessert lovers seeking comfort in a pan.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Oil a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Pour the can of crushed pineapple with juice into the prepared pan and spread evenly over the bottom.
- Sprinkle coconut flakes over the pineapple layer.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top of the coconut.
- Spread the yellow cake mix evenly over the brown sugar layer.
- Cut the butter into thin slices and dot them over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Cut into squares and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the chopped nuts before adding them to the cake. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. You can also try using different fruits like peaches or cherries instead of pineapple for a unique twist. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey cake. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Peg's Cake for a dessert spread that will impress your guests. You can also serve it alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be savored later as well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dorothy'S Dump Cake contains roughly 347 calories, with 2g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to chop it finely and add a bit of juice to maintain moisture. This will give your dump cake a fresher taste, but the texture may differ slightly compared to using canned crushed pineapple.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure that the cake mix you use is dairy-free, as some brands may contain milk products.
How can I make this recipe more fruity?
To enhance the fruity flavor, consider adding a layer of sliced peaches or cherries on top of the pineapple before adding the other layers. You can also mix in some berries with the pineapple for a delicious berry twist that complements the coconut and cake mix.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).