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.
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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.
This is the best dump cake recipe ever! I tried mine with our favorite apple, it tasted so good and delicious. Highly recommended!
So happy to hear it was a success! It’s a favorite at our house too :)
wow, this is the most simple cake recipe and it is super tasty! thank you for sharing
You can’t find an easier & tastier cake! Super simple, but tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day!
Agreed! Easiest cake ever!
This is a family favorite in our house! It’s a simple to make dessert that always hits the spot after dinner! Such a great recipe!
Not only was this easy to make but so incredibly delicious. Can’t wait to make again!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Gina! It’s one of our favorites :)
Would like to try a pumpkin version. Have you got a recipe for that?
Hi Ann! You can try this easy pumpkin crunch cake (https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pumpkin-cake/) or this pumpkin crisp but use the cake mix topping instead of a streusel (https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pumpkin-crisp/). Enjoy!
Made this using mincemeat pie filling… OMG!!! AMAZING!!!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Jeanine :)
I LOVED THIS CAKE IT WAS SO EASY TO MAKE
THANKS
I’m so happy you loved it!
I used one can peaches in juice 2 ripe bananas and a handful of frozen raspberries. Lots of cinnamon but no sugar as thought cake mix and fruit was sweet enough. OMG soooooo good. This is the fourth time I’ve made it in the space of a couple of weeks 😆
That sounds amazing! I’m so happy you’re loving the recipe so much! :)
Delicious! Could I use frozen raspberries with tinned peaches I. Juice ?? Caroline
I haven’t tried, but let me know if you do. Sounds delicious!
I’m planning to cook this in our Dutch oven while camping. Do you know how many briquets top and bottom we should use?
I’d place about 8 coals under the oven and 10 to 12 on top.
On my Dutch oven it’s usually 3 under 3 over So if you have a 12 inch Dutch oven it’s nine under 15 over
I am on a church committee and am always looking for quick easy desserts. Thank you.
You’re so welcome! Hope everyone loves it :)
I haven’t always considered baking to be this easy but you have shown me otherwise. I love this cake’s simplicity and its versatility!
Thank you!. My mom used to make cherry dump cake on Sunday and this tastes just like it. YUM!
You’re welcome! I love recipes that remind me of my childhood :)
What temperature is the oven?
350°F for 35 to 40 minutes
My mom made this when I was little. Love it. She would add coconut and top with pecans. Delicious!
Yum – that version sounds delicious!
I always make dump cakes for my grandchildren and this recipe called for a little more fruit. They just loved it.
I’m so glad they loved it, Laura!
Can you make just a plain pineapple dumpcake
Hi Melissa! I haven’t tried it before, but that should be fine if you sub the cherry pie filling with another can of pineapple. :)