This easy dump cake recipe is a classic with only 4 ingredients! Switch up the cake flavor and filling for an effortless fruit dessert that is simple, quick and crowd-pleasing. 

Dump cake with ice cream in a white bowl with spoon.

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Quick and Easy Dump Cake

This easy dump cake,is one of the easiest dessert recipes! All you need are four simple pantry ingredients including cake mix and a fruit filling. 

It’s similar to cobbler but simple and quick to make with cake mix and pie filling. Other boxed cake mix recipes that are a blast from the past include poke cake and gooey butter cake! 

In the fall we make apple dump cake and pumpkin dump cake, but this one with cherry pineapple is a favorite year round. All you need is 5 minutes prep, then just dump, stir, bake and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream!

Recipe Ingredients

Cake mix, crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling and butter on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Dry cake mix
  • Pie filling
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Unsalted butter

Substitutions and Variations

How to Make a Dump Cake

The process of how to make dump cake in a four step photo collage.
  1. 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.
  2. Add dry cake mix on top of the fruit. Ensure cake mix covers most of the fruit.
  3. Thinly slice butter and place on top of cake mix. It will melt and bake into the cake mix, creating a rich and delicious topping.
  4. 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. Enjoy this cobbler with cake mix warm!
Dump cake served on a serving spoon.

Storing and Freezing

  • Store: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. If you like to enjoy it warm again, reheat it in the microwave.
  • Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Close up photo of dump cake on a plate with ice cream.

Dump cakes are one of the easiest cake recipes to make! Other favorites include chocolate dump cake, blueberry dump cake and peach dump cake.

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Spoonful of dump cake.

Dump Cake Recipe

5 from 140 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
This easy dump cake recipe is a classic with only 4 ingredients! Switch up the cake flavor and filling for an effortless fruit dessert that is simple, quick and crowd-pleasing. 
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Video

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.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

More variations:
  • 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.
 
Crockpot method: Pour the fruit in the bottom of the crockpot. Dump the cake mix on top and add the sliced butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. 
Dutch oven method for camping: Line the pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Add the fruit filling, then pour the cake mix on top and then the sliced butter. Cover with lid and cook on hot coals for about 30 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 421mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 505IU, Vitamin C: 5.7mg, Calcium: 106mg, Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.