22 Irresistible Dump Cake Recipes: Effortless Desserts for Any Occasion
Prepare to revolutionize your dessert game with this incredible collection of the Best Dump Cake Recipes. If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, look no further. These 22 “toss and go” creations are designed to be a smashing hit at any gathering or a delightful treat for your family on a busy weeknight. They are truly effortless to make, proving that extraordinary desserts don’t require hours in the kitchen.
Whether your cravings lean towards something wonderfully fruity, deeply chocolatey, or even a rich peanut butter concoction, this comprehensive list features a dump cake recipe tailored for every palate. The most challenging decision you’ll face is choosing which mouth-watering, easy dessert to try first from this fantastic selection. From classic fruit combinations to unique seasonal blends, there’s a dump cake waiting to become your new go-to.
While these recipes are traditionally baked in an oven, we’ve also included several convenient slow cooker versions, perfect for hands-off preparation. With minimal ingredients and even less time, these recipes ensure you can enjoy a decadent dessert without the usual fuss, making them ideal for everyday enjoyment or special occasions alike.
What’s in this post: Dump Cake Recipes
- What Does Dump Cake Taste Like?
- Why Choose Dump Cakes? The Appeal of Effortless Baking
- Essential Ingredients for Your Dump Cake
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Dump Cakes
- 1. Oreo Dump Cake
- 2. Lemon Dump Cake Recipe
- 3. Strawberry Dump Cake
- 4. Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
- 5. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- 6. Peach Dump Cake
- 7. Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- 8. Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- 9. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- 10. Blueberry Dump Cake
- 11. Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- 12. Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- 13. 2-Ingredient Strawberry Angel Food Cake
- 14. Strawberry Dump Cake (Classic)
- 15. Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- 16. Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake
- 17. Crock Pot Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- 18. Pineapple Angel Food Dump Cake
- 19. Banana Split Dump Cake
- 20. Pineapple Dump Cake
- 21. Christmas Dump Cake
- 22. German Chocolate Dump Cake
- FAQs About Dump Cakes
- Pro Tips for Dump Cake Perfection
- More Easy Cake Recipes
What Does Dump Cake Taste Like?
A dump cake is a delightful dessert that often draws comparisons to a cobbler, particularly in its comforting, fruit-filled style. However, its defining characteristic is the distinctive cake topping, which sets it apart from a cobbler’s biscuit or flour mixture. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its layers: a luscious filling, typically fruit or chocolate-based, is “dumped” into a baking dish, then generously topped with a dry cake mix, and finally, melted butter. This creates a remarkably sweet, rich, and intensely flavorful dessert.
When baked to golden perfection, the bottom layer becomes warm and bubbly, brimming with its chosen flavor. The cake mix on top transforms into a delectable, crumbly, and slightly crisp crust, often with a buttery, cake-like texture. It’s a harmonious blend of gooey filling and a tender, sweet cake topping, making each spoonful an incredibly satisfying experience. The simplicity of assembly belies the complex, homemade taste that dump cakes consistently deliver.
Why Choose Dump Cakes? The Appeal of Effortless Baking
Dump cakes have earned their place as a beloved dessert for a multitude of reasons, primarily centered around their incredible ease and versatility. For anyone seeking a delicious treat without the fuss of traditional baking, dump cakes are a dream come true. Here’s why they are an absolute must-try:
- Unbeatable Simplicity: The name says it all! There’s no complex mixing, no multiple bowls, and often just a handful of ingredients. You simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan, and the oven does the rest. It’s baking made accessible for everyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs looking for a quick fix.
- Incredible Versatility: The flavor possibilities are virtually endless. Start with a base of fruit pie filling, canned fruit, or even chocolate, then pair it with your favorite cake mix (yellow, white, chocolate, spice, lemon, or even angel food!). You can customize endlessly with nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or various extracts to create unique flavor profiles.
- Time-Saving: With minimal prep time, these cakes are perfect for impromptu desserts, last-minute potlucks, or when you just don’t have hours to spend baking. Most dump cakes can be assembled in 5-10 minutes, leaving more time for you to enjoy.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, dump cakes are universally adored. Their comforting nature and rich flavors make them a hit with family and friends of all ages, perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
- Cost-Effective: Utilizing common pantry staples like cake mix, canned fruit, and butter, dump cakes are generally budget-friendly, allowing you to create impressive desserts without breaking the bank.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dump Cake
The beauty of dump cakes lies in their straightforward ingredient list, making them an accessible dessert for any home baker. While variations abound, the core components remain consistent, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Here’s what you’ll typically need to create these effortless delights:
- The Base: Fruit Filling or Flavor Foundation: This is the moist, gooey heart of your dump cake. Common choices include canned fruit pie fillings (cherry, peach, apple, blueberry, strawberry, pineapple), crushed pineapple, or even combinations of canned fruits. For chocolate variations, pudding mixes or chocolate chips can form the rich base. The quality of this ingredient directly impacts the final flavor, so choose your favorites!
- The Topping: Dry Cake Mix: This is the signature component that transforms this dessert into a “cake.” A standard box of dry cake mix (yellow, white, chocolate, spice, or lemon are popular) is sprinkled over the base. The dry mix absorbs moisture from the fruit and butter, creating a crumbly, tender, and cake-like crust. Avoid adding any liquid to the cake mix itself – it’s used dry!
- The Golden Finish: Butter: Melted butter or thin slices of cold butter are crucial for the dump cake’s signature golden-brown, crisp topping. As the butter melts and cooks with the cake mix, it creates a rich, irresistible crust that truly elevates the dessert. Don’t skimp on the butter; it’s key to the texture and flavor.
- Optional Enhancements and Mix-ins: To further customize your dump cake, consider adding a variety of ingredients directly to the layers or as a topping.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Enhances tropical flavors like pineapple or adds a chewy texture to chocolate cakes.
- Chocolate Chips: For an extra dose of chocolatey goodness, especially in chocolate or cherry-based cakes.
- Cream Cheese: A layer of softened cream cheese can add a decadent, tangy richness, particularly wonderful in fruit or cheesecake-inspired dump cakes.
- Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice can elevate fruit or seasonal dump cakes.
With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from baking a comforting and utterly delicious dump cake!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Dump Cakes
Making a dump cake is refreshingly simple, requiring minimal fuss and delivering maximum deliciousness. Here’s a basic outline of the process that applies to most recipes:
- Prepare Your Pan: Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re using a slow cooker, a slow cooker liner is highly recommended for effortless cleanup.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spread your chosen fruit pie filling, canned fruit (drained if necessary), or other base ingredients across the bottom of the prepared dish. This forms the moist, flavorful foundation of your cake.
- Add the Cake Mix: Generously sprinkle a box of dry cake mix over the filling. It’s crucial not to stir the layers together at this point; let them remain distinct.
- Distribute the Butter: Arrange thin slices of cold butter over the dry cake mix, or pour melted butter evenly over the surface. This butter is essential for creating that golden, crisp, and cake-like topping during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your dish in a preheated oven (usually 350°F / 175°C) and bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Baking times vary by recipe, but typically range from 45 to 60 minutes. For slow cooker versions, cook on low for several hours until done.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s absolutely divine warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
That’s it! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delightful, comforting dessert ready to enjoy.
1. Oreo Dump Cake
Oreo Dump Cake
This irresistible recipe calls for just 5 simple ingredients, making it the perfect dessert for any Oreo enthusiast. With a rich chocolate cake mix base, it comes together in minimal time. Serve a warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate indulgence that’s both easy and delicious.
2. Lemon Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Dump Cake
Experience a burst of sunshine with this luscious lemon dump cake. The perfect balance of sweet and tart ingredients combines to create an incredibly vibrant flavor. With only 4 ingredients and minimal prep time, you won’t believe how effortlessly you can achieve such a bright and delicious lemon dessert, perfect for spring or summer.
3. Strawberry Dump Cake
Strawberry Dump Cake
There’s so much to adore about this easy dump cake recipe, generously packed with sweet strawberry pie filling. Its versatility shines, as you can use either a white cake mix or a yellow cake mix to achieve a wonderfully moist and fruity dessert. This cake is simply amazing and always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Each decadent bite of this chocolate dump cake is incredibly ooey-gooey and loaded with rich chocolate flavor. For an extra special treat, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s reminiscent of a comforting hot fudge cake, offering deep satisfaction.
You can even customize this cake by layering in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for the ultimate chocolate dessert experience. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain freshness, though it rarely lasts long!
5. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
This impressive 3-ingredient cake recipe is surprisingly effortless to create, yet delivers an unbelievably decadent dessert. The harmonious blend of rich chocolate and sweet, tart cherry flavors is absolutely exquisite. It’s hard to believe such an amazing cake requires only three simple ingredients.
For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider topping this dump cake with a sprinkle of nuts or shredded coconut. We highly recommend chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to complement the chocolate and cherry beautifully.
6. Peach Dump Cake
Peach Dump Cake
The next time you’re yearning for an old-fashioned peach cobbler, opt for this incredible Peach Dump Cake instead. You’ll save valuable time, and the taste is simply phenomenal. This easy peach dump cake recipe is a personal favorite, delivering the comforting flavors of homemade cobbler all year long, effortlessly.
7. Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
This delightful Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake combines the rich, sweet tang of cherry pie filling with the vibrant zest of crushed pineapple, resulting in a truly fabulous dessert. It takes mere minutes to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a sweet treat that’s bursting with tropical and fruity flavors without any hassle.
8. Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Indulge in this truly decadent dessert any day of the week. The classic combination of tender apples and rich caramel is simply divine. For an extra layer of luxury, don’t hesitate to drizzle additional caramel sauce over each serving. It’s a comforting and flavorful treat that evokes the best of autumn, but can be enjoyed year-round.
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Elevate your strawberry cake experience with the ultimate cheesecake filling in this incredible dump cake. It all comes together seamlessly for a dessert that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also astonishingly tasty. The creamy, tangy cheesecake perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and tender cake for a truly delightful treat.
10. Blueberry Dump Cake
Blueberry Dump Cake
If you’re a fan of blueberries, you absolutely must try this incredibly easy recipe, bursting with sweet blueberry filling. It’s so wonderfully simple to prepare and consistently turns out perfectly every single time. Enjoy the vibrant flavor of blueberries encased in a tender, cakey crust, especially delightful when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
11. Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
With a mere 3 ingredients, this cherry dump cake truly couldn’t be any easier to prepare. It delivers all the comforting, sweet flavors of a classic cherry cobbler, but without any of the extensive work. This simple dessert comes together in minutes and is absolutely heavenly when topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
12. Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Anyone who adores the comforting flavors of pumpkin needs to make this Pumpkin Dump Cake. It’s wonderfully sweet and rich, bursting with an abundance of authentic pumpkin flavor. This is the perfect dessert to prepare for Thanksgiving, or simply anytime you crave a cozy, festive fall treat. The secret is an easy cake mix that brings it all together for an amazing dessert.
13. 2-Ingredient Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Strawberry Angel Food Cake
If you’re in need of an incredibly simple dessert that comes together in mere minutes, you absolutely must try this 2-ingredient cake. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully tasty and light it is, offering a refreshing sweet treat without any fuss. It’s a delightful option when time is short but you still want something delicious.
14. Strawberry Dump Cake
Strawberry Dump Cake
Each bite of this classic strawberry dump cake is packed with succulent strawberries and crowned with a beautifully golden, tender crust. It’s super easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, reminiscent of a cherished recipe from Grandma’s kitchen. This old-fashioned cake provides comfort and sweetness in every simple spoonful.
15. Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of a freshly baked dessert, all thanks to your slow cooker. This Crockpot Apple Dump Cake makes enjoying a comforting treat incredibly easy, especially as a perfect fall dessert. The slow cooker handles all the work, allowing you to savor warm apple cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – pure yum!
16. Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake
Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake
Luscious, sweet peaches and a beautifully golden crust come together in this incredibly tasty Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake recipe. It’s even more heavenly when served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. With only 3 ingredients, you can enjoy this decadent dessert any day of the week, with almost no effort.
17. Crock Pot Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Crock Pot Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
There is so much to love about this cherry-packed dessert, especially its incredible simplicity. Even better, it only requires 3 ingredients to create a truly decadent treat. Sweet cherries combine with the best topping for a cake recipe that will simply melt in your mouth, all made effortlessly in your crock pot.
18. Pineapple Angel Food Dump Cake
Pineapple Angel Food Dump Cake Recipe
All you need are just 2 simple ingredients to create this fantastic dump cake. It’s wonderfully light, airy, and bursting with delicious tropical flavor. This easy recipe makes enjoying a delightful dessert any day of the week a breeze, proving that minimal effort can yield incredibly satisfying results.
19. Banana Split Dump Cake
Banana Split Dump Cake
This Banana Split Dump Cake perfectly captures all the beloved flavors of a classic banana split, making it an ideal choice for a festive birthday or celebration dessert, especially with its fun sprinkles! Enjoy your favorite banana split toppings reimagined in this incredibly easy-to-make and utterly delightful cake, guaranteed to bring smiles.
20. Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Dump Cake
This versatile Pineapple Dump Cake can be customized with a variety of delicious pie fillings to suit your taste. While pineapple is the star, feel free to experiment with peach pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or even apple pie filling for unique flavor combinations. With just 4 ingredients, you can whip up this easy dessert in minutes for a truly decadent and adaptable treat.
21. Christmas Dump Cake
Christmas Dump Cake
Dump cakes are truly the perfect holiday dessert, and this Christmas Dump Cake is no exception. A flavorful spice cake mix is generously layered over a rich cranberry sauce base, creating the ultimate festive treat. Melted butter is poured over the cake mix to form a delicious, golden, and crumbly topping, making this a wonderful addition to your holiday spread, bursting with seasonal cheer and warmth.
22. German Chocolate Dump Cake
German Chocolate Dump Cake
Enjoy all the rich, iconic flavors of German Chocolate cake in this incredibly easy-to-make German Chocolate Dump Cake recipe. This delightful “toss and go” dessert is absolutely effortless to prepare and comes packed with the classic combination of sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and decadent chocolate. It’s a perfect treat for anyone who loves this timeless flavor profile.
FAQs About Dump Cakes
While both cobblers and dump cakes offer a comforting, fruit-filled dessert experience, their primary distinction lies in their topping. A cobbler traditionally uses a homemade flour-based dough or biscuit topping, often dropped in dollops over the fruit. A dump cake, on the other hand, exclusively utilizes a box of dry cake mix (often yellow or white) which is sprinkled over the fruit filling, then topped with butter. This results in a unique, crumbly, and cake-like crust that’s distinct from a cobbler’s more biscuit-like texture.
Yes, due to the fruit filling and often buttery topping, dump cakes typically need to be refrigerated after they have cooled down. The moist fruit fillings can spoil if left at room temperature for extended periods. To ensure maximum freshness and food safety, always store your dump cake in the refrigerator. If your baking pan comes with a lid, it’s perfect for covering. Otherwise, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create a tight seal over the pan before chilling.
When properly stored in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, a dump cake will generally stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 5 days. While it technically can last longer, the quality of the cake topping might soften, and the flavors are best enjoyed within this timeframe. In most households, however, these delectable desserts are usually devoured long before they reach their storage limit!
Absolutely! While canned pie fillings are convenient, fresh fruit can be used. You might need to add a thickener like cornstarch or flour, and some sugar, to create a similar consistency and sweetness to canned fillings. Often, a combination of fresh fruit and a little canned fruit (like crushed pineapple) works wonderfully for flavor and moisture.
Yellow cake mix is a classic choice, offering a rich, buttery flavor that complements almost any fruit filling. White cake mix provides a neutral base, letting the fruit flavors shine. Chocolate, spice, and lemon cake mixes are also popular for specific flavor profiles like chocolate cherry or pumpkin spice. The “best” mix depends on the specific recipe and your desired flavor outcome!
Pro Tips for Dump Cake Perfection
- Thoroughly Prepare Your Pan: Don’t skip this crucial step! Use cooking spray to generously coat every inch of your baking dish. For slow cooker dump cakes, using a crockpot liner is an absolute game-changer for incredibly easy cleanup, saving you time and effort after enjoying your dessert.
- Always Preheat the Oven: It might seem obvious, but consistently preheating your oven to the correct temperature is vital. Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking, where some parts of your cake are overdone while others remain undercooked. A properly preheated oven ensures your dump cake bakes evenly, resulting in that perfect golden crust and bubbly filling.
- Master the Butter Distribution: The way you add butter significantly impacts the topping. You can either slice cold butter thinly and arrange the slices evenly over the dry cake mix, or melt the butter and pour it carefully over the entire surface. The goal is to ensure the dry cake mix is fully saturated, creating that irresistible, crisp, and buttery topping.
- Resist the Urge to Stir: The “dump” in dump cake is key! Once the fruit filling and dry cake mix layers are in the pan, do not stir them together. The magic of a dump cake lies in these distinct layers, allowing the cake mix to absorb moisture from the fruit and butter as it bakes, creating its unique texture.
- Serve Warm for Best Experience: While delicious at any temperature, dump cakes are truly exceptional when served warm, straight from the oven or slow cooker. The warm, gooey filling and crisp topping are a match made in heaven. Pair it with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an ultimate indulgent treat.
- Get Creative with Variations: The possibilities for dump cakes are genuinely endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new fruit combinations, different cake mix flavors, or additional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. Seasonal fruits and holiday-themed spices can also transform a basic dump cake into something truly special.
More Easy Cake Recipes
If you’ve loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these dump cake recipes, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more easy cake recipes that promise minimal effort and maximum flavor, perfect for expanding your dessert repertoire:
- Best Poke Cake Recipes
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
- Cherry Chip Cake
Get started today enjoying these incredibly easy and endlessly satisfying dump cakes. They absolutely do not disappoint and are guaranteed to be a huge hit with the entire family, no matter which flavor you choose. We’d love to hear about your favorites! Leave a comment below and let us know which dump cake recipe you decide to try first.