This easy dump cake recipe calls for just 4 simple ingredients and can be made so many different ways. Such a classic dessert and the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket!
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Easiest Cake Recipe
This easy dump cake is a great pantry recipe that’s literally fail proof. It’s as simple as dumping all of the ingredients into a pan and baking it. It’s one of my go-to desserts to make when I’m in a hurry, as well as cake mix cookies and rice krispie treats.
Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts to make. Trust me, you NEED this recipe in your back pocket. It’s perfect for when you need a last minute dessert. You only need 4 simple ingredients and the best part is that you can store all the ingredients in the pantry, so you can make it whenever you’re in a pinch.
The options are limitless when it comes to making dump cakes. Use your favorite cake mix and canned fruit to customize the dessert based on what you’re craving. Think peach dump cake in the summer and apple dump cake in the fall!
I love to serve this delicious cake warm right out of the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. SO good!
Why is it Called Dump Cake?
You guessed it…you literally dump the ingredients into a pan and bake it! No mixing or heavy lifting required. It’s similar to a cobbler in the sense that there is a fruit filling on the bottom, followed by a buttery, cakey topping.
Simply dump the canned fruit into the pan, followed by the dry cake mix and butter slices. That’s it! If this isn’t the easiest cake recipe with few ingredients that you’ve ever made, then I don’t know what is!
Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Canned fruit: Use 2 cans of any type of fruit, such as pineapples, cherries, peaches, apples or blueberries.
- Cake mix: Use your favorite brand of yellow cake mix. White or vanilla cake mix will also work, although I prefer the flavor of yellow in this recipe.
- Butter: You’ll need a stick and a half of butter that’s been thinly sliced into pieces.
Favorite Dump Cake Variations
There are many different variations for this dump cake recipe. Just use any 2 cans of fruit, like cherry, peach, apple or blueberry.
- Cherry: For this specific recipe, I used a can of pineapple and a can of cherries. You could, however, make a simple cherry dump cake and use 2 cans of cherries if your prefer. I like the added sweetness that the pineapple gives it though.
- Peach dump cake: Use 2 cans of sliced peaches in heavy syrup (undrained). You could also use 1 can sliced peaches and 1 can pineapple if you prefer. Or make a homemade peach pie filling. If you want to add some extra flavor, feel free to add in some cinnamon sugar.
- Apple: To make apple dump cake, use 2 cans of apple pie filling. You can add in extra spices too, like cinnamon, nutmeg or apple pie spice. I also like to top with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts. If you’d rather use fresh apples to make homemade apple pie filling, you can definitely do that. You’ll need about 6 cups chopped apples. If using fresh apples, remember to add sugar to help sweeten the cake (recommend using about 1/2 cup).
- Blueberry: Use 2 cans blueberry pie filling or 4 cups fresh blueberries. If using fresh blueberries, add 1/2 cup sugar. For additional flavor, you can mix in shredded coconut, vanilla or cinnamon. It also tastes great topped with sliced nuts, such as pecans or almonds.
How to Make a Dump Cake in the Oven
This recipe for dump cake couldn’t get any easier. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time and the rest is waiting for it to bake in the oven. Follow the simple steps below to get started.
- Fruit. Dump 2 cans of fruit into the bottom of a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Make sure to spread the fruit out evenly in the pan.
- Cake. Dump the dry cake mix on top of the fruit. You want to make sure most of the fruit is covered with the mix when sprinkling on top.
- Butter. Add thin slices of butter over top of the cake mix. It will melt and bake into the cake mix, creating a rich and delicious topping.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and bubbly.
Crockpot Version
This recipe can also easily be made in the crock pot. You’ll basically follow the same instructions but place the fruit filling in the bottom of the slow cooker instead. Then you’ll dump the cake over top, add the sliced butter and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. I love doing it this way if I need to be using my oven for something else. So simple and easy, just takes a little longer to cook.
Dutch Oven Dump Cake
Want to take this dessert camping? You can easily make it in a dutch oven over the fire as well. For easy clean up, make sure to line with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Dump the fruit filling in the bottom of the dutch oven and then pour the cake mix over top. Gently spread, but don’t mix. Then add sliced butter on top of cake mix. Put lid on dutch oven and cook on hot coals for about 30 minutes. I would recommend continually checking to see how fast the cake is cooking and adjust cooking times depending on your heat.
Recipe FAQs
Nope! That’s what makes this recipe so great and what literally gives the cake it’s name. Just dump the ingredients into the pan with absolutely no stirring required!
The cakey layer on top will be a light golden brown color and some of the fruit will likely be bubbling through. If the top still seems a little light, keep it in the oven for a few minutes longer until it browns a little more.
Once set, the fruit filling should be gooey and thick but definitely not runny. If you love an apple cobbler or peach cobbler, this dump cake recipe will have a similar consistency but with a fluffy cake topping.
Yes, store any leftovers of this dessert in the refrigerator in a covered container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm.
5 star review
“Excellent! This was delicious and so easy and fun…. my family wants it again real soon!!”
-Alexandra P.
Want more cake mix desserts? Check out these cake mix chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cupcakes and these easy pumpkin muffins.
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Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 28 ounces cherry pie filling , 1 large can
- 15 ounces crushed pineapple , 1 can
- 18 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 12 Tablespoons butter , cold
Optional: Chopped nuts, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the bottom of a 9×13" pan. Pour the crushed pineapple into the bottom of the pan. Then top with the cherry pie filling.
- Dump the cake mix over the fruit. Then slice the butter into thin pieces (about 24 pieces) over the top. I place 6 rows of butter across the top and 4 down, so it melts evenly. Top with nuts if desired.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Video
Notes
- Peach: Use 2 cans undrained sliced peaches in heavy syrup. Or use 1 can sliced peaches and 1 can crushed pineapple.
- Apple: Use 2 cans apple pie filling and top with chopped nuts. You can also use homemade apple pie filling if preferred.
- Blueberry: Use 2 cans blueberry pie filling or 4 cups fresh blueberries + 1/2 cup sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Would like to try a pumpkin version. Have you got a recipe for that?
Hi Ann! You can try this easy pumpkin crunch cake (https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pumpkin-cake/) or this pumpkin crisp but use the cake mix topping instead of a streusel (https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pumpkin-crisp/). Enjoy!
Made this using mincemeat pie filling… OMG!!! AMAZING!!!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Jeanine :)
I LOVED THIS CAKE IT WAS SO EASY TO MAKE
THANKS
I’m so happy you loved it!
I used one can peaches in juice 2 ripe bananas and a handful of frozen raspberries. Lots of cinnamon but no sugar as thought cake mix and fruit was sweet enough. OMG soooooo good. This is the fourth time I’ve made it in the space of a couple of weeks 😆
That sounds amazing! I’m so happy you’re loving the recipe so much! :)
Could I use frozen raspberries with tinned peaches I. Juice ?? Caroline
I haven’t tried, but let me know if you do. Sounds delicious!
I’m planning to cook this in our Dutch oven while camping. Do you know how many briquets top and bottom we should use?
I’d place about 8 coals under the oven and 10 to 12 on top.
On my Dutch oven it’s usually 3 under 3 over So if you have a 12 inch Dutch oven it’s nine under 15 over
I am on a church committee and am always looking for quick easy desserts. Thank you.
You’re so welcome! Hope everyone loves it :)
I haven’t always considered baking to be this easy but you have shown me otherwise. I love this cake’s simplicity and its versatility!
Thank you!. My mom used to make cherry dump cake on Sunday and this tastes just like it. YUM!
You’re welcome! I love recipes that remind me of my childhood :)