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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Cakes » Dump Cake

    Dump Cake

    Published: August 20, 2022 · Modified: Aug 20, 2022 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    All you need are four ingredients to make this Dump Cake. It’s the ultimate easy dessert as all you have to do is dump the ingredients into a baking dish, then bake! This old-fashioned cake is perfect for any occasion and is always a hit.

    A plate with a serving of dump cake in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream and the baking dish and coffee in the background.
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    Pinterest graphic of dump cake baked in a white baking dish.
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    Pinterest graphic of a bowl with a serving of dump cake with a scoop of ice cream on top with a baking dish and cup of tea in the back.

    Have you ever tried a dump cake? It’s almost like a combination of a cake and a cobbler as it has a fruity filling between cake batter. It’s the most simple and fail-proof dessert you’ll ever make. The recipe got its name from the beyond-easy technique of dumping all the ingredients into your baking dish and simply baking it.

    It’s a sweet and cozy dessert that even your kids can make. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert recipe made with pantry staples or just for when you’re craving a sweet treat. Want another easy dessert recipe? Try my peach crisp recipe, edible cookie dough recipe, or blueberry cobbler recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make a dump cake.

    Cherry pie filling — this dump cake is meant to be convenient. Instead of making homemade pie filling for this cake, use canned cherry pie filling.

    Crushed pineapple — make sure not to drain the crushed pineapple. You get moisture for the cake mix and flavor from the canned crushed pineapple.

    Cake mix — use any yellow cake mix you like. You can also use white cake mix or another cake mix if you prefer.

    Butter — placing the butter on top of the cake mix will give you crispy golden tops.

    How to Make Dump Cake

    Set of two photos showing cherry pie filling poured over crushed pineapple then mixed.

    1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray. Dump the cherry pie filling and pineapple into the baking dish.

    2. Stir together.

    Set of two photos showing cake mix and butter added over top the cherry pie filling.

    3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit, spreading into an even layer.

    4. Sprinkle the cubed butter over the top of the cake mix. Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cook on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before servings.

    Close up of a bowl of a serving of dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • If you want more crunch to the cake, you can add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix.
    • You can add more spices to the dump cake, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice.
    • A delicious way to serve this cake is with some whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream with a drizzle of caramel.
    • The cake is gooey and moist, so it can be difficult to tell if it has finished baking. The standard practice of sticking a toothpick into the cake to check for doneness won’t work. Instead, make sure the cake is bubbly around the edges of the pan with crispy spots on top.
    • Add a handful of shredded coconut to the cake mix before baking for more tropical flavors to go with the crushed pineapple.

    A dump cake inside of a white baking dish with a pink linen napkin on the side.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use different fruit for the cake?

    Yes! You can use any canned fruit such as canned peaches, pears, oranges, and more. Just make sure you do not drain any of the liquid or syrup. You can also use canned apple pie filling, raspberry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, and strawberry pie filling instead of cherry pie filling. The variations of this cake are endless!

    Can I use fresh fruit?

    If you have fresh fruit and prefer to use it, macerate 4 cups of fresh fruit with 1 cup of sugar for 30 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Continue as directed in the recipe, starting by adding the macerated fruit to the greased baking dish.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftover dump cake in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat the cake in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through.

    Can I freeze this?

    You can! Once cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze your dump cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

    Is this the same as a cobbler?

    While both have a layer of fruit filling, a dump cake uses cake mix, but a cobbler does not. Check out my blackberry cobbler recipe to learn how to make a delicious cobbler!

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Overhead view of a plate with a serving of apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

      Apple Cobbler

    • A delicious peach cobbler topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream.

      Peach Cobbler

    • A portion of apple crisp with ice cream on a blue and white plate.

      Apple Crisp

    • A slice of cherry pie on a plate in front of the rest of the pie in the background.

      Cherry Pie

    • Apple Crumble Pie

    If you’ve tried this Dump Cake recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A bowl with dump cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a spoon beside it.
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    5 from 5 votes

    Dump Cake

    All you need are 4 pantry staple ingredients to make this Dump Cake recipe. It's beyond easy to make in a few quick steps.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour
    20 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 379kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • 9x13 baking dish

    Ingredients

    • 1 can cherry pie filling (21-ounce)
    • 1 can crushed pineapple (20-ounce)
    • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25-ounce)
    • 1 cup unsalted butter cubed (227g)

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
    • To the dish, add the cherry pie filling and pineapple and stir together. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle the cubed butter over the top of the cake mix.
    • Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cook on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before servings. I love serving this warm sprinkled with chopped walnuts and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cover any leftovers and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    • If you want more crunch to the cake, you can add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix.
    • You can add more spices to the dump cake, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice.
    • A delicious way to serve this cake is with some whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream with a drizzle of caramel.
    • The cake is gooey and moist, so it can be difficult to tell if it has finished baking. The standard practice of sticking a toothpick into the cake to check for doneness won’t work. Instead, make sure the cake is bubbly around the edges of the pan with crispy spots on top.
    • Add a handful of shredded coconut to the cake mix before baking for more tropical flavors to go with the crushed pineapple.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Fruit Pizza
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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