Introduction
The first time I baked a dump cake, it was on a rainy weekend afternoon when my friend Ella Chef dropped by unexpectedly. She suggested we make something easy yet comforting, and dump cake was her answer. I was amazed at how quickly we assembled it—simply dumping canned fruit, cake mix, and butter into a dish. As it baked, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of warm fruit and golden topping. Ella explained that this dessert had always been her go-to recipe for busy days. That day, dump cake became one of my favorite effortless indulgences.
Classic Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread fruit pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit filling.
- Arrange butter slices on top of the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Dump Cake
Making a dump cake couldn’t be simpler, which is exactly why it’s such a beloved recipe. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13 baking dish. Open two cans of your preferred fruit pie filling—cherry, apple, or peach are classic choices—and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish. This fruity base provides both sweetness and juiciness.
Next, take one box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit filling. Do not stir—this is the magic of a dump cake. The dry mix will transform into a golden, slightly crisp topping as it bakes. Arrange thin slices of butter across the surface of the cake mix. Be sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible, as the butter is what allows it to bake properly into a crust. If you’d like added texture, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts over the top before baking.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The fruit will thicken underneath, and the topping will form a slightly crunchy, buttery crust. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Dump cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of hot, gooey fruit and cool, creamy topping is irresistible. This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can switch up the fruit fillings depending on what’s available or in season. It’s the perfect dessert for last-minute gatherings, weeknight treats, or simply when you want something sweet with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Dump cake proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples—fruit filling, cake mix, and butter—you can create a comforting treat that delights every time. Thanks to Ella Chef’s inspiration, I’ve come to appreciate dump cake as a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Whether served at a party or as a cozy family dessert, dump cake brings joy, warmth, and sweetness to the table without requiring hours in the kitchen.