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Dump Cakes

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The ultimate no-fuss dessert that requires minimal effort with delicious results! These simple cakes get their name from the method: you just “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish, no mixing required. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a quick dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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Dump Cakes

The ultimate no-fuss dessert that requires minimal effort with delicious results! These simple cakes get their name from the method: you just “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish, no mixing required. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a quick dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Basic Dump Cake Formula:

  • 1 can (21 oz) pie filling of your choice (cherry, apple, peach, blueberry, etc.)
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (yellow, white, chocolate, spice, etc.)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into thin slices
  • ⅓ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts, pecans, almonds)

Popular Variations (Choose One):

Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Apple Spice Dump Cake:

  • 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix or yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake:

  • 1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling (or 2 cans sliced peaches, drained)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Berry Bliss Dump Cake:

  • 1 can (21 oz) blueberry or mixed berry pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced
  • ⅓ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake:

 

  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice (don’t drain)
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ⅓ cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Space:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Add the Fruit Layer:

Dump the pie filling (or canned fruit) into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. If using the apple or peach variations, sprinkle with spices or vanilla at this point.

3. Add the Cake Mix:

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. DO NOT MIX! Just make sure it covers the fruit completely.

4. Add Butter and Toppings:

Place the thin slices of butter evenly across the top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. Sprinkle with any optional ingredients (nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, etc.).

5. Bake the Cake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake mix should no longer appear dry.

6. Cool and Serve:

Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

 

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra decadence, drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar depending on the flavor variation you chose.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  1. Even Butter Coverage: Make sure to distribute the butter slices as evenly as possible over the cake mix to ensure it all gets moistened during baking.
  2. Melted Butter Option: If you prefer, you can melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix instead of using slices.
  3. Fresh Fruit Version: Replace canned pie filling with 4 cups of fresh fruit tossed with ⅓ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
  4. Mix and Match: Feel free to combine different fruits or use a different cake mix than suggested to create your own custom dump cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  1. Mixing the Ingredients: Resist the urge to stir! The magic of dump cakes comes from the layers baking together.
  2. Too Little Butter: Make sure you use enough butter to cover most of the cake mix, or you’ll end up with dry patches.
  3. Opening the Oven Too Early: Avoid opening the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from sinking.
  4. Underbaking: The top should be golden brown and crispy, not pale and soft.

Storage Instructions:

Dump cakes can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For best results when reheating, microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds or place the whole baking dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

 

Enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious Dump Cake!

Find it online: https://bakesbliss.com/dump-cake-recipes/