German Chocolate Dump Cake
The Ultimate Gooey Pineapple Coconut Pecan Dessert
If you're looking for the easiest German Chocolate Dump Cake recipe, this buttery, caramelized dessert is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Made with sweet crushed pineapple, rich coconut-pecan frosting, yellow cake mix, crunchy pecans, shredded coconut, and melted butter, every bite is warm, gooey, and irresistibly comforting.
This easy dump cake recipe requires almost no mixing and delivers bakery-worthy results with pantry staples. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, family dinners, or whenever you're craving a warm homemade dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 6 simple ingredients
- No mixing bowls required
- Perfect beginner-friendly dessert
- Gooey pineapple filling
- Buttery golden topping
- Rich coconut and pecan flavor
- Great for potlucks and holidays
- Delicious with ice cream
Why This Recipe Works
The crushed pineapple releases moisture as it bakes, creating a naturally sweet and juicy base that keeps the cake incredibly moist.
The coconut-pecan frosting melts into the fruit while the dry cake mix absorbs the buttery juices, forming a tender cake with crispy golden edges. Pecans add crunch, shredded coconut provides texture, and melted butter creates a beautifully caramelized topping.
The result is a dessert that's part cobbler, part cake, and completely irresistible.
Equipment Needed
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 (12 oz) can coconut-pecan frosting (or German chocolate frosting)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate drizzle
- Toasted coconut
- Extra chopped pecans
- Caramel sauce
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Pineapple
Spread the undrained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
The juice is essential for creating the cake's gooey texture.
Step 3: Add the Frosting
Drop spoonfuls of coconut-pecan frosting over the pineapple.
There's no need to spread it perfectly—it will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the entire surface.
Do not stir.
Keeping the layers separate is what creates the classic dump cake texture.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle:
- Chopped pecans
- Shredded coconut
evenly across the top.
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
This helps create a beautifully crisp golden topping.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until:
- The top is deep golden brown
- The edges are bubbling
- The coconut is lightly toasted
- The center is hot and gooey
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Expert Tips
Don't Stir
Layering the ingredients without mixing is the secret to achieving the perfect dump cake texture.
Use Real Butter
Real butter creates a richer flavor and more even browning than margarine.
Toast the Pecans
Toast pecans for 5 minutes before adding them for deeper nutty flavor.
Cover Dry Spots
If you notice dry cake mix before baking, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those areas.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Lover's Version
Add:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
before baking for extra richness.
Cherry German Chocolate Dump Cake
Replace pineapple with cherry pie filling for a fruity twist.
Caramel Coconut Version
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake before serving.
Tropical Dump Cake
Add:
- Chopped macadamia nuts
- Extra toasted coconut
for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this warm dessert with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Coconut ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Hot coffee
- Espresso
- Cold milk
- Salted caramel sauce
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat individual servings for 20–30 seconds until warm.
Oven
Bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate cake mix?
Yes.
Chocolate or German chocolate cake mix creates an even richer dessert.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely.
Bake earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving.
Why is my topping dry?
Some cake mix areas may not receive enough butter.
Simply drizzle extra melted butter over any dry spots before baking.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes.
Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra gooey finish.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the layers several hours ahead.
- Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Bake fresh for the best texture and aroma.
German Chocolate Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread undrained crushed pineapple evenly into the dish.
- Spoon coconut-pecan frosting over the pineapple.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top without stirring.
- Add chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Real butter produces the best golden crust.
Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition (Per Serving)