Enjoy a fun collection of easy dump cake recipes, from cherry and pumpkin to blueberry and chocolate. Below you’ll also find a clear explanation of what a dump cake is and how to make one.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a simple, comforting dessert that’s somewhere between a cobbler and a cake. The name comes from the easy method: you literally “dump” the components into a baking dish instead of mixing them in bowls. The result bakes into a golden, bubbly topping over fruit or other fillings, often resembling a cobbler or a crisp depending on the ingredients and technique.
How to Make a Dump Cake
Dump cakes are beloved for their minimal prep and flexible components. Most recipes use a 13×9-inch baking dish. Start by pouring your chosen filling—fresh fruit, frozen fruit, canned filling, pie filling, or even pudding—into the pan. Sprinkle a boxed cake mix evenly over the filling, then dot or drizzle with slices of butter or melted butter so the cake mix bakes into a crisp, cake-like topping.
From there, bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden. Baking times will vary by recipe and pan size. You can customize flavors with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, add extracts such as vanilla or almond, or stir in extras like shredded coconut, nuts, or oats. Some dump cakes are ultra-simple with just three ingredients; others are dressed up for special occasions.
Below is a curated list of 17 easy dump cake ideas to inspire your next dessert.
17 Easy Dump Cake Recipes
1. Blueberry Dump Cake — Bursting with blueberries, topped with yellow cake mix and finished with butter and a splash of buttermilk for a tender, flavorful topping.
2. Cherry Dump Cake — A classic combination of cherries and cake mix. Some versions add pineapple juice and nuts for extra texture and depth.
3. Strawberry Dump Cake — Fresh strawberries plus a strawberry-flavored cake mix doubles down on berry flavor for a bright, summery dessert.
4. Piña Colada Dump Cake — A tropical twist with pineapple and coconut, often brightened with a touch of rum flavor for a Piña Colada vibe.
5. Crock-Pot Chocolate Cherry Brownie Dump Cake — Made in a slow cooker with brownie mix and cherry filling, this version is rich and gooey.
6. Pumpkin Dump Cake — A great alternative to pumpkin pie, using canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice for warm autumn flavors.
7. Oreo Cookie Dump Cobbler — Swap fruit for crushed Oreo cookies and a quick cake mix for a cookie-forward dessert that’s surprisingly decadent.
8. Rhubarb Dump Cake — Fresh rhubarb paired with sugar and cinnamon, sometimes combined with strawberry-flavored gelatin, topped with cake mix and butter for tangy-sweet results.
9. Caramel Apple Dump Cake — Fresh apples and caramel come together for a comforting, year-round treat reminiscent of caramel apples.
10. Blackberry Dump Cake — Use fresh or frozen blackberries for a simple, juicy dessert with a crisp cake topping.
11. Peach Cobbler Dump Cake — Canned peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon topped with cake mix and sliced almonds make a classic, crowd-pleasing peach dump cake.
12. Lemon Lime Dump Cake — A bright, citrusy option using lemon cake mix and a lime or key lime filling for a tart-and-sweet contrast.
13. Berry Crisp Dump Cake — Mixed frozen berries topped with cake mix, oats, butter, and walnuts for a combination of crisp and cake textures.
14. Apple Pumpkin Dump Cake — When you can’t decide between apple or pumpkin, combine both for a spiced, cozy dessert.
15. Hot Chocolate Dump Cake — A chocolate-lover’s dream: rich chocolate cake topped with marshmallows for a gooey, comforting finish.
16. Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake — A tangy lemon cake with a hint of cream cheese for a slightly richer, dessert-like texture.
17. Apple Spice Dump Cake — A fall favorite that pairs apple pie filling with a spice cake mix for warm, familiar flavors.
These 17 easy dump cake recipes are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any day you want a fuss-free dessert with big flavor. Try classic fruit combinations or experiment with your favorite cake mix and fillings to create your own signature dump cake.
