Homemade Dump Cake Recipe

A Dump Cake Recipe is a simple and delicious dessert that requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for anyone who loves quick, comforting sweets. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its ease – all you have to do is literally “dump” a few ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. Whether you’re craving something fruity, a little chocolatey, or a combination of both, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit any taste. It’s a great choice for beginners or anyone in need of a last-minute dessert, as it requires no mixing or complicated steps. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a warm, flavorful dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Dump Cake Recipe

Ingredients for Dump Cake Recipe

1. Canned Fruit (2 cans, 15-20 oz each)

   • Fruit Options: The most common choices are canned peaches, pineapple, or cherries, but you can also use apple, blueberry, or mixed fruit depending on your preference.
   • With Juice or Syrup: Be sure to include the juice or syrup from the canned fruit as it helps to create a moist, gooey layer that blends perfectly with the cake mix.

2. Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz)

   • Cake Mix Type: You can use a standard box of yellow cake mix, white cake mix, or even spice cake mix for a little extra flavor. The cake mix provides the crumbly, golden top of the dump cake that contrasts nicely with the juicy fruit underneath.
   • No Need to Prepare: Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit – no mixing or preparation required.

3. Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, unsalted)

   • Butter Slices or Cubes: Cut the butter into thin slices or small cubes and place them evenly on top of the cake mix. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, creating a crisp, golden top and a rich flavor that complements the fruit layer.
   • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter ensures that the sweetness of the cake is balanced and not overpowered by salt.

4. Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor and texture)

   • Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and a bit of richness to your dump cake. Scatter them on top of the cake mix before baking.
   • Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can enhance the flavor, especially if you’re using fruits like apples or berries.
   • Shredded Coconut: Coconut can add sweetness and texture, particularly if you’re making a tropical-flavored dump cake with pineapple.
   • Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cake mix for a gooey, chocolaty layer.

These simple ingredients come together to create a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort, allowing you to get creative with flavors and toppings based on what you have on hand.

Instructions for Dump Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the dump cake.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking to the dish. If you prefer, you can line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

3. Add the Canned Fruit

   • Open the cans of your chosen fruit (such as peaches, pineapple, or cherries) and pour the entire contents, including the juice or syrup, directly into the prepared baking dish. Do not drain the fruit, as the juice will help create the moist base for your dump cake.

4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix

   • Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit layer. There’s no need to stir or mix – simply spread the cake mix across the top to cover the fruit as evenly as possible. The dry cake mix will form the crumbly topping while baking.

5. Add the Butter

   • Slice 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter into thin slices or small cubes. Place the butter slices evenly across the top of the dry cake mix. Make sure to distribute the butter as uniformly as possible, as it will melt and create a golden, crispy crust.

6. Optional Add-ins

   • If you want to enhance the flavor or texture of your dump cake, this is the point to add any optional ingredients such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Simply sprinkle them over the top of the butter and cake mix.

7. Bake the Cake

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The fruit should be visibly bubbling around the edges, and the cake mix will have formed a delicious, crispy crust. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

8. Cool and Serve

   • Once the dump cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. It will be very hot, so give it a few minutes to set before serving. The cake will firm up a bit as it cools, and the flavors will meld together.

9. Optional Serving Suggestions

   • Serve your dump cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. You can also enjoy it on its own for a simple, comforting dessert.

This simple, no-fuss method allows you to create a delicious, homemade dessert in no time at all!

Dump Cake Recipe

This Dump Cake Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that requires minimal preparation. Simply "dump" canned fruit, a dry cake mix, and butter into a baking dish, then bake to create a golden, crumbly topping with a moist, fruity base. Versatile and customizable, you can use different fruit, cake mixes, and add-ins like nuts or chocolate for unique variations. Perfect for beginners or last-minute dessert ideas, this fuss-free recipe is sure to be a hit at any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 People

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons:
• Can Opener
• Knife
• Spoon or Spatula
• Oven –
• Cooling Rack (optional)

Ingredients

  

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 cans of fruit pie filling or canned fruit (such as cherry, peach, pineapple, or apple – do not drain)
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix (can substitute with spice or chocolate cake mix for variations)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (cold, sliced into thin pieces)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (for added texture and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (pairs well with apples or peaches)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Add the Fruit

  Pour 2 cans of fruit pie filling or canned fruit (with juice) into the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
• Add the Cake Mix

  Sprinkle 1 box of dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not stir—just spread it out to cover the fruit completely.
• Add Butter and Optional Toppings

  Slice 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold butter into thin pieces and place them evenly on top of the cake mix. Optionally, sprinkle with nuts, coconut, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Bake and Serve

  Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Notes

1. No Mixing Required – Do not stir the ingredients; the layering method ensures the best texture.
2. Use Melted Butter Alternative – Instead of slicing butter, you can melt it and drizzle it over the cake mix for even coverage.
3. Experiment with Flavors – Try different cake mix flavors (spice, chocolate, vanilla) and fruit combinations (apple-cinnamon, cherry-chocolate, pineapple-coconut).
4. For a Less Sweet Version – Use fresh or frozen fruit instead of canned pie filling, and adjust sweetness with honey or sugar.
5. Make It Crunchy – Add chopped nuts, granola, or oats on top for an extra crunch.
6. Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5-7 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
7. Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

This easy and delicious dump cake is perfect for any occasion, and with these tips, you can customize it to suit your taste!

Keyword Dump Cake Recipe

Tips for Making the Perfect Dump Cake

1. Choose Your Fruit Wisely

   • While canned fruits are the most common choice, you can also use fresh or frozen fruit. If using fresh or frozen fruit, be sure to add a little extra juice (like apple or orange juice) to ensure the cake is moist. Frozen fruit may release more liquid, so consider draining it slightly before adding it to the dish.

2. Cake Mix Variations

   • Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors for unique results. For example, a chocolate cake mix pairs wonderfully with cherries or mixed berries, while a spice cake mix complements apples or pears beautifully. The possibilities are endless!

3. Don’t Stir the Cake Mix

   • One of the easiest aspects of a dump cake is that you don’t need to mix the cake mix. Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the fruit. Stirring the mixture can result in a dense, heavy texture rather than the crumbly, light topping you want.

4. Top with Crushed Nuts or Coconut

   • If you’re looking for added texture, try sprinkling chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before baking. This creates a delightful crunch and additional flavor layers.

5. Use the Right Butter Amount

   • Be sure to slice the butter thinly or cut it into small cubes before placing it on top of the dry cake mix. This ensures even melting, which is key to creating that golden, crispy crust. Don’t skip the butter, as it’s essential for achieving the signature top layer of a dump cake.

6. Don’t Overbake

   • Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If you leave it in too long, it can dry out. Once the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges, it’s done! If in doubt, you can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

7. Make it Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free

   • You can easily make a gluten-free dump cake by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring that your butter substitute (like coconut oil or margarine) is also gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for coconut oil or another non-dairy alternative.

8. Add a Touch of Spice

   • For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your fruit or cake mix. This works particularly well if you’re using fruits like apples or pears, giving your dump cake a cozy, autumn-like flavor.

9. Store and Reheat Leftovers

   • If you have leftovers, store the dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat the whole cake in a low-temperature oven until warm.

10. Serve with Toppings

    • Elevate your dump cake by serving it with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For added flair, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or chocolate shavings.

By following these tips, you can create a perfectly baked dump cake every time, with endless variations to keep things fresh and exciting!

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, the Dump Cake Recipe proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a last-minute party, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner. Its versatility allows you to experiment with various fruits, cake mixes, and add-ins, so every batch can have its own unique twist, ensuring there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

Not only is this dessert quick and easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking for a fuss-free dessert to impress, the dump cake is a foolproof recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So next time you’re in need of a simple, yet scrumptious dessert, reach for this dump cake recipe—you won’t be disappointed!

Katelyn Williams

Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!