Pineapple Bake

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted pineapple bake at my aunt’s summer potluck. That golden, buttery topping with juicy pineapple underneath? Absolute magic. Now, after years of baking (and maybe a few happy accidents), I’ve perfected my own version, simple enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations.

This pineapple bake is what I call a “hug in a dish.” It’s got that tropical sweetness that instantly transports you somewhere sunny, plus that irresistible crumble we all love. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now. No fancy techniques, no fussy steps, just dump, bake, and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Trust me, this dessert has saved me countless times when unexpected guests showed up or when I needed a quick treat for school bake sales. The smell alone, that caramelizing brown sugar mingling with pineapple, will have your kitchen smelling like a beachside bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Bake

Let me tell you why this pineapple bake has become my go-to dessert for every occasion, and why it’ll be yours too:

• Effortless magic: Seriously, it’s just dump-and-bake. No mixer, no fancy skills, just layer, sprinkle, and let the oven do the work.
• Tropical vacation in every bite: That sweet-tangy pineapple with buttery crumble? It’s like sunshine on a spoon.
• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s asked, “Wait, this only has five ingredients?!” before going back for seconds.
• Perfect for lazy bakers (like me): The pineapple bake forgives all sins, forgot to soften butter? Toss it in the melted. No brown sugar? White works in a pinch.

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for it to cool enough not to burn your tongue. (But no judgment if you sneak a bite early, I always do.)

Ingredients for Pineapple Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sunshine-filled dessert, and trust me, the simplicity is half the magic:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices: Don’t drain it! We’ll use ½ cup of that golden juice later
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: The kind you’d use for a 9×13 cake
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted (I usually nuke it for 30 seconds)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Dark or light works, but dark gives more caramel flavor
• Optional goodies: Chopped pecans for crunch, shredded coconut for tropical vibes, or maraschino cherries for that retro touch

See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Pineapple Bake

Alright, let’s get baking! This pineapple bake comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a golden, bubbly dessert ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

First things first – fire up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, here’s my little secret: I like to line mine with parchment paper (just hanging over the sides a bit) for super easy cleanup. But if you’re out of parchment, a quick grease with butter or cooking spray works just fine.

Step 2: Layer Pineapple and Topping

Drain your pineapple slices, but don’t toss that juice! Keep aside about ½ cup; we’ll use it later. Now arrange those beautiful golden rings in your prepared dish. Want to make it extra pretty? Pop a maraschino cherry right in the center of each slice.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry cake mix and brown sugar until they’re best friends. Drizzle in your melted butter and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs; some pea-sized lumps are perfect! If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to fold in those optional nuts or coconut.

Sprinkle this crumbly goodness evenly over your pineapple layer. Then take that reserved pineapple juice and drizzle it all over the top. This is the magic that makes everything caramelize beautifully.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pineapple bake into the oven and let it work its magic for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see those irresistible bubbles around the edges.

Quick tip: If your topping starts getting too dark before the center’s done (oven temperatures can be sneaky!), just loosely tent some foil over the top for the last 10 minutes or so.

Resist the urge to dive right in; let it cool for about 10 minutes. Trust me, those few minutes make all the difference between “delicious” and “molten lava pineapple bake”!

Tips for the Best Pineapple Bake

After making this dessert more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to oh-my-goodness amazing:

• Butter temperature matters: For extra crispy crumbles, use cold butter cut into small cubes instead of melted. Just work it into the dry mix with your fingers until it looks like coarse sand.
• The ice cream rule: Always, and I mean always, serve this warm with vanilla ice cream. That hot-cold, crunchy-creamy combo? Absolute perfection.
• Juice distribution: When drizzling the pineapple juice, go slow and move around the pan so every bit of topping gets some love.
• Make it ahead: Assemble everything but wait to add the juice until right before baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Oh, and keep napkins handy, people tend to get a little overenthusiastic with this one!

Pineapple Bake Variations

One of my favorite things about this pineapple bake is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years:

• Crushed pineapple: Swap the rings for crushed pineapple if you prefer more even fruit distribution (and less fussy arranging!). Just make sure to still reserve that juice.
• Spice it up: Try using spice cake mix instead of yellow – that warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with the tropical fruit.
• Citrus zing: Add a teaspoon of lime or orange zest to the crumble topping for a bright, fresh kick.
• Nutty delight: Mix chopped macadamias into the topping instead of pecans for an extra tropical crunch.

Really, the pineapple bake welcomes creativity, just don’t skimp on the butter or that golden juice drizzle!

Serving and Storing Pineapple Bake

Oh, the serving possibilities! My favorite way to enjoy pineapple bake? Still warm from the oven with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into all those golden cracks. The contrast of temperatures and textures is just magical. For breakfast (don’t judge), I’ll sometimes dollop on some Greek yogurt and fresh berries.

Leftovers? Just cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for a day, or refrigerated for up to 3 days. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that just-baked warmth perfectly.

Pineapple Bake Nutrition Information

Now, let’s be real, we’re not eating pineapple bake for its health benefits! But since you asked (or maybe just feel curious), here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving.

These numbers are estimates based on the basic recipe; add-ins like nuts or coconut will change things slightly.

A typical slice has about 320 calories, with 25g of that sweet, sweet sugar (mostly from the pineapple and brown sugar). You’re looking at 12g fat, 50g carbs, and a happy little 2g protein. It’s definitely a “sometimes treat,” but oh, what a glorious treat it is!

FAQs About Pineapple Bake

Tropical and Sweet Treats to Try Next

If you enjoyed this warm and fruity Pineapple Bake, here are more bright and creamy desserts perfect for sunshine-sweet cravings.

• Enjoy a creamy and fruity bite in this dreamy Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie for a delicious tropical treat.
• Try a soft and festive swirl in this light Easter Cake Roll that makes every slice feel special.
• Treat yourself to a rich and elegant White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with a creamy berry finish.
• Enjoy a fun and fluffy treat with these easy Mini Doughnuts, perfect for sweet snacking.

These delightful recipes are perfect when you want something sweet, soft, and full of flavor. Save your favorites and try them soon!

Ready to Bake? Pineapple Bake

What are you waiting for? Grab that can of pineapple and let’s get baking! I can’t wait for you to experience that first magical bite, that perfect crunch giving way to juicy pineapple goodness. Snap a pic when you make it and tell me how it turns out. Tag me on Instagram. Happy baking, my friend!

Print