The Best Dump Cake Recipes

Dump cakes are the easiest dessert in the world to bake, and they are so doggone delicious you are going to want to keep reading to discover the best dump cake recipes. Mouthwateringly moist, sweet, and overflowing with tender fruit pieces – what more could you want?

Have you heard of a dump cake before? If not, let me introduce you to the easiest baked dessert you’ll ever make. Like cobblers, dump cakes are truly the perfect dessert recipe for beginner bakers.

What is a Dump Cake?

The first dump cake reference was in 1980 and it was for a pineapple cherry dump cake in a holiday baking brochure. The term comes from the fact you “dump” the ingredients in a 9×13 baking dish and then bake – that’s it! It takes 5 minutes to prep most dump cake recipes and approximately 45 minutes to bake in the oven.

Dump cakes have grown in popularity over the years because they’re not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also super versatile. As you’ll see in the Recipe Notes section of the below dump cake recipes, you can adapt your dump cake to suit you. Add nuts for crunch and flavor, mix in oats so it resembles a crisp instead of a cobbler, or substitute the canned fruit listed for your favorite instead. Without further ado, here’s how to make a dump cake, plus the best dump cake recipes that you can enjoy year-round.

Keep scrolling for a video that includes step-by-step instructions on how to bake every one of these dump cakes as well.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll find in every easy dump cake recipe:

1. Canned fruit
2. Box of yellow cake mix
3. Slices of cold, unsalted butter

Every dump cake is best served with ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream too.

How To Make a Dump Cake

As you’ll see from the recipes, the steps to make a dump cake are exactly the same, no matter the fruit filling:

1. Dump the fruit in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. Dump the dry cake mix over the top of the fruit and spread evenly.
3. Add the thin slices of cold butter on top of the boxed cake mix.
4. Bake your dump cake for between 35 and 45 minutes, until golden brown and the center no longer wiggles when moved.

Best Dump Cake Recipes

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake is so decadent, thanks to the caramel baking bits, cinnamon, and tender apple slices. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this dump cake is a total crowd-pleaser.

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

If you like your cakes moist and sweet, you’ll want to check out this cherry pineapple dump cake. The combination of cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple is mouthwateringly good. The chopped pecan pieces are literally the cherry on top!

Peach Dump Cake

It takes just three ingredients to make this peach dump cake, including a can of juicy sliced peaches. It’s going to be a definite hit with fellow peach lovers.

After baking don’t forget to serve in a fun little dish with a scoopful of ice cream! YUM! 

Step-by-Step Video Instructions

This video features step-by-step instructions on how to bake every one of these amazing dump cakes: