This dump cake recipe is one of the easiest desserts you can make, using just a few simple ingredients layered and baked into a warm, buttery cake. It's simple, reliable, and turns out every time.
This old-fashioned dump cake recipe is known for its simplicity, no mixing, no complicated steps, and consistent results every time.
A No-Fuss Dessert That Always Works
This version uses cherry pie filling as a classic option, but the beauty of a dump cake recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap in peach, apple, blueberry, or whatever you have on hand and still get the same easy, crowd-pleasing result.
If you're looking for more easy desserts, you may also enjoy my strawberry cheesecake dump cake or peach cobbler with canned peaches.
FAQs
Dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering fruit filling, dry cake mix, and butter, then baking it until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. There's no mixing involved, which is where the name comes from.
No, you don't stir dump cake. The layers stay separate as they bake, creating a soft fruit layer on the bottom and a crumbly, buttery topping on top.
Cherry is the most traditional, but peach, apple, blueberry, and even pineapple all work well. This dump cake recipe is designed to be flexible depending on what you have.
Yes, dump cake can be made ahead and reheated before serving. It's best served warm, but it will still taste great the next day.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below that has the printable, full ingredient list and instructions.
- Fruit pie filling (such as cherry) - Adds sweetness and flavor. Cherry is a classic choice, but peach, apple, or blueberry all work well.
- Boxed cake mix - Creates that buttery, crumbly topping. Yellow cake mix is the most traditional choice.
- Butter - Adds richness and helps the topping bake evenly.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit but do not stir.
- Add butter on top, either sliced or melted and drizzled evenly.
- Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Dump Cake Variations
This dump cake recipe is easy to customize using different fruit fillings and flavors. Here are a few simple variations to try depending on what you have on hand or the season:
- Peach Dump Cake – Use canned peaches for a softer, sweeter version.
- Apple Dump Cake – A classic dump cake recipe variation that's perfect for fall, especially with cinnamon added.
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake – Now 4 ingredients since it’s cherry and pineapple, but still super easy.
- Blueberry Dump Cake – A slightly more tart option with a rich color.
- Strawberry Dump Cake – Another bright red version of this 3-ingredient dump cake recipe.
- Pear Dump Cake – Canned pears (drained) are a lovely touch in this recipe as well.
- Berry Dump Cake - Combine blueberry and strawberry pie filling for a mixed berry version.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- Use the tilt method for even butter coverage. After pouring melted butter, gently tilt the pan so it spreads across the surface. If you see dry spots or mounds of cake mix, lightly smooth them with a fork, then tilt again so the butter settles into those areas.
- Don't stir the layers. Dump cake works by layering the ingredients, which creates a soft fruit base and a buttery, crumbly topping as it bakes.
- Melted butter works better than slices. While sliced butter can work, melted butter helps cover the cake mix more evenly and reduces the chance of dry patches.
- Watch for bubbling edges. The top may look done before the inside is ready. Look for the fruit filling bubbling around the edges to know it's fully baked.
- Check for dry spots before removing. If you see any powdery areas on top, it likely needs a few more minutes in the oven or a little more butter.
- Let it rest before serving. Giving it 10-15 minutes to cool helps it set and makes it easier to scoop without falling apart.
- Serve it warm for best texture. Dump cake is at its best when warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Related Recipes
Looking for more dump cake recipes and easy fruit desserts? Here are a few reader favorites to try next:
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake - A cozy, fall-inspired version with tender apples, warm spices, and a rich caramel flavor that feels perfect for holidays and gatherings.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake - A richer twist on the classic, combining chocolate cake mix with cherry filling for a dessert that feels a little more indulgent.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake - A cozy, fall-inspired version with warm spices and a soft, creamy texture that feels like pumpkin pie meets cake.
- Pineapple Dump Cake - Bright and buttery with a sweet, tropical flavor that's especially good served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Banana Dump Cake - A softer, sweet variation that's perfect for using ripe bananas and has a flavor similar to banana bread in dessert form.
Recipe
Dump Cake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 – 21 ounce cans cherry pie filling or peach, apple, or other fruit fillings.
- 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, sliced thin or melted for drizzle option
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish
- Pour both cans of the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread evenly
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. (Tip: smoothing cake mix out with a fork is a great way to make this even.) DO NOT STIR.
- Add butter: You can lay the thin slices across the top or you can drizzle the melted butter over the top. TIP: After adding the melted butter, gently tilt the baking dish to help it spread across the cake mix. If you notice dry spots, use a fork to lightly smooth the surface, then tilt again so the butter settles into those areas.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, topped with ice cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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