This easy dump cake can be made 4 different ways and calls for just 4 simple ingredients. Such a classic dessert and the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket!
It doesn’t get any easier than this dump cake recipe. This is one of my go-to desserts to make when I’m in a hurry, as well as better than anything cake, no bake scotcheroos and cake mix cookies.
Dump cake
Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts to make. This is such a classic dessert and a recipe that needs to be in your back pocket! It is perfect when you need a last minute dessert.
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this cherry pineapple dump cake. The best part is that you can store all the ingredients in the pantry, so you can make this easy dump cake whenever you’re in a pinch.
I love to serve this dump cake recipe warm right out of the oven, topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. SO good!
How to make a dump cake
There are many different variations for this dump cake and the best part is that you can keep all of the ingredients stored in your pantry for when you need a dessert in a pinch and don’t feel like baking. Just follow the steps below and customize based on preference!
- Dump 2 cans of fruit into the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
- Dump the cake mix on top of the fruit.
- Add thin sliced of butter over top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations for dump cake recipe
Cherry dump cake
For this dump cake recipe below, I use 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 the dump cake though.
Peach dump cake
To make peach dump cake, just 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. Pineapple and peaches taste great together. :) If you want to add some extra flavor, feel free to add in some brown sugar or cinnamon.
Apple dump cake
For 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, 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 dump cake (recommend using about 1/2 cup).
Blueberry dump cake
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. This blueberry dump cake also tastes great topped with sliced nuts, such as pecans or almonds.
Crock pot dump cake
This dump cake recipe can also easily be made in the crock pot. You’ll basically follow the same instructions but instead place the fruit filling in the bottom of the slow cooker. 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
Wanting 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 dump cake is cooking and adjust cooking times depending on your heat.
Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 28 ounces cherry pie filling (1 large can)
- 15 ounces crushed pineapple (1 can)
- 18 ounces box yellow cake mix
- 12 Tablespoons butter
Optional: Chopped nuts, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour the crushed pineapple into the bottom of the pan. Then top with the cherry pie filling.
- Dump the cake mix over the fruit. The slice the butter into thin pieces over the top. Top with nuts if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Tried this with gluten free cake mix. Didn’t work
Thanks for letting us know. I haven’t tried with gluten free cake mix before.
🙋Its so easy to make and we love how good it tastes. Vinnila iceream and whipped cream on top 😍😍😋👍Thank you for sharing.
I’ so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Cindy. :)
Do you used a greased or ungreased pan?
I would recommend greasing it!
It’s good
Seems to be too good to be true. Simply effortless.
Do you make the cake mix or leave dry
Leave it dry!
Excellent!!! I just bought the Dumpcake Cookbook and found your site with pictures!!! You inspired me. The cookbook didn’t. This was delicious and so easy and fun…. my family wants it again real soon!!! I of course said “Sure!!!”
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :) Thanks for leaving your comment and review.
Love this dessert so easy and extra tasty.
Thank you, it was so easy
I use to make this years ago while I was a scout leader I cooked with a dutch oven & it turned out great Every kid/adult loved it I would make 4 of them at a time &now after all these years I forgot how to make it.. thank you for giving it to us & refreshing my memory.
I love finding recipes that bring back memories! Hope you enjoy! :)
I like to put sweetened coconut on top of the cake before the butter. It browns nicely and adds another level of goodness. Making it tonight on the dive boat in SE AK.
Pineapple, cherry, cake, coconut, butter.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!