Dump Cake Recipes
Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.
Learn how to make quick and easy dump cake recipes with this collection of 10 simple dump cake desserts made with pantry staples and minimal prep. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!
Similar to cake mix cookies, dump cake recipes are a type of 3 ingredient dessert that are always simple, no-fuss, and completely customizable. Most are made with boxed cake mix and fruit filling, which means you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive with almost no effort.
These cozy comfort food desserts are perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, potlucks, and holidays—especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
While most of the recipes below are true dump-and-bake desserts, the last few require a quick stir before baking. I included them anyway because they’re just as simple and use only a few ingredients—one of them even uses just 2 ingredients!
Tips for the Best Dump Cakes
- Don’t mix. The beauty of a dump cake is that there’s usually no mixing required. Unless the recipe says otherwise, simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish and bake.
- Don’t skimp on the butter. Make sure melted or sliced butter covers the dry cake mix evenly to prevent dry spots and create a golden topping.
- Use good pie filling. Since the fruit filling provides most of the flavor, choose a brand you love.
- Look for bubbling edges. Dump cakes Recipes with cake mix are done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles around the edges.
- Let it rest before serving. Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes so the filling thickens slightly.
- Mix and match flavors. Try different combinations of pie filling and cake mix. Swap yellow cake mix for white cake mix, chocolate cake mix, lemon cake mix, or spice cake mix for endless variations.
- Serve with ice cream. Warm dump cake topped with a scoop of ice cream (and maybe a caramel drizzle) is always a winning combo.
The Best Easy Dump Cake Recipes
From fruity favorites like apple, blackberry, and strawberry dump cake to rich chocolate desserts and cozy cobbler-style cakes, these easy dump cake recipes prove that homemade desserts can be simple, quick, and incredibly delicious.
These easy dump cake recipes are perfect when you need a quick dessert that still feels homemade. Whether you love fruity flavors like apple and blackberry or rich chocolate desserts, these simple cake mix recipes make it easy to create a crowd-pleasing treat with almost no effort.
If you love easy desserts made with pantry staples, be sure to check out these 3 ingredient dessert recipes too.
Dump Cake FAQ
This usually happens when the dry cake mix isn’t fully covered with butter. Make sure to even out the mixture so there are no high “spots”peaks” and then cover the top of the cake mix entirely with butter.
Traditional cake mix dump cake recipes are not mixed, but some variations call for a quick stir before baking.
Leftover dump cake can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let the cake cool completely first, then cover the baking dish or pan with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm. You can also reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
