This easy dump cake recipe is a classic with only 4 ingredients! Switch up the cake flavor and filling for an effortless fruit dessert that is simple, quick and crowd-pleasing.
Quick and Easy Dump Cake
This easy dump cake,is one of the easiest dessert recipes! All you need are four simple pantry ingredients including cake mix and a fruit filling.
It’s similar to cobbler but simple and quick to make with cake mix and pie filling. Other boxed cake mix recipes that are a blast from the past include poke cake and gooey butter cake!
In the fall we make apple dump cake and pumpkin dump cake, but this one with cherry pineapple is a favorite year round. All you need is 5 minutes prep, then just dump, stir, bake and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream!
Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Dry cake mix
- Pie filling
- Crushed pineapple
- Unsalted butter
Substitutions and Variations
- Cake mix: I prefer this recipe with yellow cake mix although any flavor will work including white or vanilla cake mix.
- Cobbler dump cake: Use fresh cherry pie filling or try peach pie filling for dessert easier than peach cobbler or apple pie filling for apple cobbler.
- Topping: Add some cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or sprinkle on some streusel topping.
- Crockpot: Add cans of fruit filling to the bottom of the slow cooker. Mix cake mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
How to Make a Dump Cake
- Dump 2 cans of fruit into the bottom of a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Make sure to spread the fruit out evenly in the pan.
- Add dry cake mix on top of the fruit. Ensure cake mix covers most of the fruit.
- Thinly slice butter and place on top of cake mix. It will melt and bake into the cake mix, creating a rich and delicious topping.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy this cobbler with cake mix warm!
Storing and Freezing
- Store: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. If you like to enjoy it warm again, reheat it in the microwave.
- Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Dump cakes are one of the easiest cake recipes to make! Other favorites include chocolate dump cake, blueberry dump cake and peach dump cake.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Browse all
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Dump Cake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 28 ounces cherry pie filling , 1 large can
- 15 ounces crushed pineapple , 1 can
- 18 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 12 Tablespoons butter , cold
Optional: Chopped nuts, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the bottom of a 9×13" pan. Pour the crushed pineapple into the bottom of the pan. Then top with the cherry pie filling.
- Dump the cake mix over the fruit. Then slice the butter into thin pieces (about 24 pieces) over the top. I place 6 rows of butter across the top and 4 down, so it melts evenly. Top with nuts if desired.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Peach: Use 2 cans undrained sliced peaches in heavy syrup. Or use 1 can sliced peaches and 1 can crushed pineapple.
- Apple: Use 2 cans apple pie filling and top with chopped nuts. You can also use homemade apple pie filling if preferred.
- Blueberry: Use 2 cans blueberry pie filling or 4 cups fresh blueberries + 1/2 cup sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Cake + Cupcakes, Crisps + Cobblers, Desserts, Fruit Desserts, Kid-Friendly, Reader Favorites
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Do you used a greased or ungreased pan?
I would recommend greasing it!
It’s good
Seems to be too good to be true. Simply effortless.
Do you make the cake mix or leave dry
Leave it dry!
Excellent!!! I just bought the Dumpcake Cookbook and found your site with pictures!!! You inspired me. The cookbook didn’t. This was delicious and so easy and fun…. my family wants it again real soon!!! I of course said “Sure!!!”
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :) Thanks for leaving your comment and review.
Love this dessert so easy and extra tasty.
Thank you, it was so easy
I use to make this years ago while I was a scout leader I cooked with a dutch oven & it turned out great Every kid/adult loved it I would make 4 of them at a time &now after all these years I forgot how to make it.. thank you for giving it to us & refreshing my memory.
I love finding recipes that bring back memories! Hope you enjoy! :)
I like to put sweetened coconut on top of the cake before the butter. It browns nicely and adds another level of goodness. Making it tonight on the dive boat in SE AK.
Pineapple, cherry, cake, coconut, butter.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Interested in crock pot recipes. I’ll make the dump cake this afternoon.
I’ve just made it. Don’t know if it’s done or not. There’s still cake mix on top in spots not all over. Maybe because I used extra creamy butter??
Laurie I have seen recipes where instead of chunks of butter a whole bottle of liquid Parkway is drizzled across the top. Might prevent the dry cake mix areas, also preempt your butter in microwave, let cool down to room temp and still just drizzle.
Great desserts
This is one of the easiest desserts ever! And SO delicious too!
My family has been making this exact Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake forever! It is super delicious and I highly recommend trying it for the upcoming holidays!
Such a delicious recipe! :) Thanks for your comment and review Ali.
Dump cakes are my fav! Definitely trying this out this weekend with the family!
I need to try this immediately, it looks so good! This looks perfect!
LOVE dump cakes. So easy and perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
These dump cakes are so easy and delicious – love how easy this dessert is!
Love how many varieties there are too! Hope you enjoy! :)
I’m totally craving a big bowl of warm dump cake and vanilla ice cream now! It’s one of our favorite desserts!
The perfect dessert for a chilly night!