Fresh or Frozen Pineapple

• Fresh or frozen pineapple chunks contain enzymes that denature the proteins in gelatin. Adding fresh or frozen pineapple to any cake mix that contains gelatin or using them in a filling that contains instant pudding or nondairy whipped topping that contains gelatin creates a runny mess. Canning the pineapple destroys those enzymes. Check the ingredients in your cake mix and recipe for gelatin or choose canned pineapple chunks if you're not sure.

Dump Cake

• The term "dump cake" refers to a recipe that uses cake mix and other ingredients to create a dessert similar to a cobbler, traditionally served with ice cream. All the ingredients are simply dumped into cake pan and baked without mixing. For a tropical dump cake, combine lemon cake mix with undrained canned pineapple chunks in juice. Add pie filling in a flavor of choice and some flaked coconut or chopped pecans. Top with sliced sticks of butter before baking to keep the mixture moist and allow it to brown on top.

Traditional Cakes

• When adding pineapple chunks to a traditional lemon cake mix, drain the pineapple first, or account for the added liquid and adjust the recipe accordingly. Because the pineapple juice around the chunks adds flavor, you can reduce the amount of water the box calls for by the amount of pineapple juice added to preserve that flavor. Adding pineapple chunks to the cake batter may increase the cooking time because the total volume of cake has increased. Check the cake frequently for doneness and take care not to poke your tester into a chunk of pineapple for the most accurate results.

Poke Cake

• Add pineapple chunks to an already-baked lemon cake mix for a twist on a traditional poke cake. Bake the lemon cake in a single layer casserole pan, then poke holes every few inches with a straw. Boil the pineapple chunks in juice with sugar to create a thin syrup and pour it over the cake while still warm. As the pineapple mixture soaks into the lemon cake through the holes, the cake absorbs the flavor and moisture. Top the cake with whipped topping or frosting mixed with crushed pineapple and lemon extract.