Introduction
When I, Ella Chef, first heard the term “dump cake,” I was amused by its simplicity. It sounded too easy to be delicious — but after making my first one, I was completely hooked. The concept is genius: just dump a few ingredients into a pan, bake, and watch the magic happen. No mixing bowls, no fancy techniques — just pure comfort in dessert form. Whether it’s made with berries, peaches, or chocolate, dump cakes have become my go-to for last-minute gatherings and cozy evenings. They’re proof that sometimes, the easiest recipes bring the most joy and flavor.
Berry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread mixed berries evenly in the dish. Sprinkle sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt over the top. Toss gently to coat.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the berry layer — do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly across the surface, covering as much dry mix as possible.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling at the edges.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Making a dump cake is truly as simple as it sounds — no mixers, no complicated steps, and minimal cleanup. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Choose your favorite fruit base — berries, peaches, apples, or cherries work beautifully. For this recipe, we’re using mixed berries for a sweet-tart balance. Spread the berries evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle sugar, cornstarch, and a touch of vanilla extract over them. Gently toss to coat; this will help thicken the juices during baking.
Next, grab a box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layer. The trick here is not to stir — the dry mix will absorb moisture as it bakes, forming a golden crust. Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top, making sure most of the cake mix is moistened. You can tilt the dish slightly to help distribute the butter if needed.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown, with bubbling fruit visible around the edges. The heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen as the cake and fruit meld together into a gooey, crumbly masterpiece. Once baked, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes — this gives the sauce time to thicken slightly.
Serve your dump cake warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the hot, syrupy fruit and cool cream is pure perfection. You can also store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them for a quick dessert fix any time you crave something sweet and comforting.
Conclusion
Dump cake recipes are the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. As Ella Chef, I love how this recipe brings together ease and homemade warmth — perfect for busy families or spontaneous gatherings. Whether you make it with berries, peaches, or cherries, the result is always comforting, gooey, and delicious. Sometimes, the best desserts come from just “dumping” and baking with love.