Making a dump cake is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to whip up a delicious dessert with minimal effort. You don’t need to be a baking expert or spend hours in the kitchen to create a sweet treat that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and a handful of steps, you can have a warm, gooey cake ready to enjoy in no time.

You’ll love how versatile dump cakes are too. Whether you prefer fruity flavors or something rich and chocolatey, there’s a dump cake recipe that fits your cravings. Plus, the method is straightforward—just dump your ingredients into a pan and let the oven do the work. Ready to impress with a dessert that’s as easy as it is tasty? Let’s dive into how you make a dump cake from start to finish.

What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert made by “dumping” a few key ingredients directly into a baking dish without mixing. You typically layer canned fruit or pie filling, boxed cake mix, and butter or margarine. The fruit provides moisture and flavor, while the cake mix creates a crumbly, golden topping as it bakes.

You rely on shortcuts like canned ingredients and pre-made mixes to minimize preparation time. The technique requires no beating, folding, or combining bowls. You just spread each ingredient roughly and bake until the top crisps and the filling bubbles.

Classic dump cake recipes include flavors such as cherry, apple, or peach. You can customize yours by using different fruit mixes, cake types like yellow or spice, and various butter amounts for texture control.

Ingredients Needed for a Dump Cake

A dump cake relies on a few simple ingredients that combine easily to deliver a rich, flavorful dessert. Knowing the types of fruit fillings, cake mix options, and additional ingredients helps you customize your dump cake to your taste preferences.

Types of Fruit Fillings

Canned fruit fillings or pie fillings provide the base and moisture for dump cakes. Popular options include:

• Cherry pie filling for a classic, sweet-tart flavor
• Apple pie filling with cinnamon for a warm, spiced taste
• Peach pie filling for a lighter, summery flavor
• Mixed berry pie fillings combining strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

You can also use canned fruit in syrup, like pineapple or pears, as long as the fruit is drained slightly to balance moisture.

Cake Mix Options

Boxed cake mixes form the crumbly topping and add sweetness and texture. Common varieties are:

• Yellow cake mix for a rich, buttery flavor
• White cake mix for a lighter, neutral base
• Spice cake mix for extra warmth in autumnal or apple dump cakes
• Chocolate cake mix for a bold contrast with fruit fillings

Use regular or gluten-free cake mix depending on dietary preferences.

Additional Ingredients to Consider

Butter spreads over the cake mix to create a crisp, golden crust as the cake bakes. Use:

• Unsalted butter cut into thin slices or melted for even coverage
• Brown sugar added atop the butter for extra caramelization

Optional ingredients that enhance flavor include:

• Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled over fruit fillings for spice
• Coconut flakes for a tropical twist

These ingredients increase texture complexity and depth without complicating preparation.

Step-by-Step Guide on How Do You Make a Dump Cake

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious dump cake with minimal effort. Each stage focuses on assembling ingredients directly in your baking dish for convenience and flavor.

Preparing the Fruit Base

Start by selecting one or two cans of fruit filling or pie filling, such as cherry, apple, or peach. Pour the fruit evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the filling gently to cover the bottom without mixing or stirring. Avoid draining the fill to maintain moisture and enhance the final texture.

Adding the Cake Mix

Sprinkle one box of dry cake mix—yellow, white, or spice—uniformly over the fruit layer. Do not stir the cake mix into the fruit; keep it dry and spread out to create a crumbly topping during baking. Ensure there are no large bare spots by evenly distributing the mix across the fruit base.

Topping and Baking Instructions

Slice 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cold butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the cake mix. The butter melts into the mix, creating a crisp, golden crust. Optional: Add nuts or shredded coconut over the butter for extra texture. Bake the dump cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dump Cake

Start with precise ingredient amounts to ensure balanced sweetness and texture. Use exactly one 21-ounce can of fruit filling and one 15.25-ounce box of dry cake mix for a standard 9×13-inch pan.

Select cold butter and cut it into small pats for even melting and a crisp topping. Spreading butter evenly across the batter layer avoids soggy spots.

Choose cake mixes that complement the fruit filling’s flavor profile. For example, spice cake pairs well with apple filling, while yellow cake enhances cherry or peach.

Avoid stirring the layers after dumping ingredients. Let the fruit and cake mix meld naturally during baking to create the ideal crumbly topping and moist base.

Consider adding ½ cup of chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the butter for extra texture, only if it suits your flavor preference.

Watch for bubbling edges as a visual cue for doneness. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes usually delivers a golden crust with tender fruit underneath.

Allow the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes post-baking. This resting period helps the filling thicken and flavors develop fully.

Popular Variations of Dump Cake Recipes

Explore popular dump cake variations that add unique flavors and textures without complicating the basic method.

• Cherry Almond Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling combined with a white cake mix. Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to boost aroma. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for crunch.
• Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake: Choose apple pie filling with spice cake mix. Mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the dry cake mix for deeper warmth. Optional: top with chopped pecans for extra texture.
• Peach Coconut Dump Cake: Pair peach pie filling with yellow cake mix. Add ½ cup shredded coconut either mixed into the filling or sprinkled atop the butter for tropical flavor. Use melted butter drizzled evenly for a golden crust.
• Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Mix equal parts blueberry and raspberry pie fillings under white or vanilla cake mix. Add zest of one lemon for brightness. Top with chopped walnuts if desired.
• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Combine cherry pie filling with chocolate cake mix for a rich, dessert-like option. Use cold butter pats over the cake mix to create a crisp topping.

These variations maintain the no-mix technique. You layer your fruit filling, cake mix, and butter as usual, letting the oven do the rest. Adjust optional add-ins like nuts and extracts to fit your taste while keeping preparation simple.

Conclusion

Making a dump cake is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and no mixing required, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both comforting and customizable.

Once you get comfortable with the basic method, feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings, cake mixes, and add-ins to create your own signature version. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or a special occasion, a dump cake delivers delicious results every time with minimal effort.