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 jello poke cake, cake mix cookies, rice krispie treats and this tres leches cake recipe.
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. Chocolate lovers can even make chocolate dump cake!
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 This Recipe Works
- Unbelievably easy. Add this to the list of easy dessert recipes to whip up in a pinch. With only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe for dump cake couldn’t get any easier!
- Customizable. There are so may flavor combinations you can try. Just use your favorite box of cake mix and a few cans of fruit and experiment with all the delicious variations that dump cakes have to offer!
- Serves a crowd. This quite possibly might be the most simple dessert you could ever make to serve a crowd. It’s perfect for celebrating holidays, birthdays or potlucks.
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 or even a pineapple upside down cake 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
The great thing about dump cakes is that you can use any combination of cake mix or fruit that you have stored in your pantry. You literally can’t mess them up!
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 and this streusel topping recipe. 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 or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm.
Sure. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven 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 bars, 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!
I love a dump cake so easy! I don’t know why but I haven’t made one in years. I guess I just forgot about them. One question – I can’t remember do you need to spray the pan?
Yes, spray the pan to avoid the cake from sticking to the pan.
Made this exactly as written and it was delicious! I”m not much of a baker so to have something taste great and be fail proof was great. I did follow a previous review’s suggestion and gently mix the ingredients together before putting the butter on and baking. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
And don’t forget the pumpkin pie dump cake!! Actually my most favorite!! Just mix below together and use as your first layer. We prefer it to pumpkin pie. ( nuts on top)
1 – 29oz. can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 – 13 oz. can evaporated milk
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. Clove ( nutmeg if you prefer)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
Yes we love pumpkin too! Here’s another version :) https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pumpkin-cake/
Making this cake this morning for company.
When cooled, does it cut and serve like a regular cake?
Or, does it come out more as a crumble?
Thanks so much.
It cuts more like a crumble :)
Do I drain the crushed pineapple for the dump cake
No I don’t drain it :)
My favorite go-to recipe! I love this cake but in high altitudes, I’ve learned the hard way, the ingredients need to be lightly mixed in order to not end up with dry powder cake mix on top.
Thanks for sharing these tips, Belle. This is great information to share.
My 12yo said it was delectable! You read right he said delectable!
My husband yelled from the man cave, “what is this deliciousness honey?” “Is there anymore?”
Thanks for making me a baking rock star tonight. I love baking, but I wanted to make something easy tonight.
What a compliment!! This makes us so happy to hear that the recipe was such a hit with your family!
This is the best dump cake recipe ever! I tried mine with our favorite apple, it tasted so good and delicious. Highly recommended!
So happy to hear it was a success! It’s a favorite at our house too :)
wow, this is the most simple cake recipe and it is super tasty! thank you for sharing
You can’t find an easier & tastier cake! Super simple, but tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day!
Agreed! Easiest cake ever!
This is a family favorite in our house! It’s a simple to make dessert that always hits the spot after dinner! Such a great recipe!