This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Easy, No-Mix Dump Cake – A Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Treat
Don’t let the name fool you – “dump” cake is one of the simplest desserts you’ll ever make, and it tastes amazing. With just a few pantry staples and no mixing required, this dessert layer-bakes itself into a gooey fruit base with a buttery, golden cake-like topping. Think of it as a half-cobbler, half-cake that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or last-minute dessert cravings.
A classic dump cake starts with a layer of fruit or pie filling in a 9×13-inch pan, topped with dry cake mix and sliced or melted butter. As it bakes, the fruit juices steam up into the cake mix, creating a soft interior and a beautifully crisp top.
Why This Dessert Works So Well
-
Ridiculously easy: No mixing bowl, no beating, no fuss – just layer and bake.
-
Customizable: Use any pie filling or fruit you love – the flavor possibilities are endless.
-
Perfect texture: Moist and fruity on the bottom with a buttery, almost cobbler-like crust on top.
-
Great with toppings: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients
-
2 (21 oz) cans of pie filling or fruit (any flavor you like – think cherry, blueberry, peach, etc.).
-
1 box cake mix (white, yellow, or butter cake – feel free to experiment with flavors).
-
½ cup quick oats or shredded coconut, optional (adds extra texture)
-
¾ cup butter (cut into thin slices or melted).
How to Make It
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
-
Layer the fruit: Spread the pie filling or fresh/frozen fruit (mixed with sugar if using berries) evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Add the dry topping: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. If you’re using quick oats or coconut, mix them with the dry cake mix first.
-
Top with butter: Arrange the thin slices of cold butter on top of the cake mix, or drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. I feel I get it more evenly covered using cold butter.
-
Bake: Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling. If it hasn’t browned enough, broil for a minute or two (watch carefully).
-
Rest before serving: Let it cool for at least 5 minutes so the juices settle in before scooping.
Dump Cake Variations to Try
One of the best things about dump cake is how easy it is to change up the flavors. Once you have the basic method down, you can switch out the fruit filling and cake mix to create completely different desserts.
Black Forest Dump Cake
For a simple Black Forest-inspired dump cake, use chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling. The rich chocolate cake paired with sweet cherries makes an easy dessert that tastes a little like a chocolate-covered cherry.
Pineapple Dump Cake
For a pineapple version, I thickened a can of crushed pineapple and some pineapple tidbits with cornstarch to replace the pie filling. I then used a pineapple cake mix on top. The result is a sweet, fruity dump cake with plenty of pineapple flavor.
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Turn your dump cake into an easy peach cobbler by using sliced canned peaches or peach pie filling paired with a yellow or spice cake mix. The spice cake mix is especially good if you want a warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor.
-
Fruit Cocktail Dump Cake
For an easy fruit cocktail version, use canned fruit cocktail in place of the pie filling. You can use the fruit cocktail with its syrup, or drain off some of the liquid if it seems especially juicy. Pair it with a yellow or white cake mix for a simple, fruity dump cake. The variety of fruit in the can gives you a little bit of everything in each bite.
-
Try Your Own Combination
The great thing about dump cakes is that you don’t have to stick to one recipe. Try pairing different canned fruits or pie fillings with different flavors of cake mix. Apple pie filling with spice cake mix, blueberry pie filling with lemon cake mix, or strawberry pie filling with white cake mix are a few combinations worth trying.
Tips
-
Fruit mixes: Combine fresh or frozen berries with canned pie filling to stretch your dessert and add texture.
-
Slow-cooker version: You can make this in a slow cooker – just layer all ingredients and cook on high for about 2 hours.
-
Dutch oven treat: This also works great when baking outdoors over coals – perfect for camping.
-
Serve warm: Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
For this Dump cake, I used 1 can of Blueberry Pie Filling mixed with frozen huckleberries to equal 2 cans with a white cake mix on top.
Pro tip: The most important thing with a dump cake is not to mix the ingredients together – keep those layers distinct so the cake mix can steam up properly and form its signature texture.
Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 21 oz canned pie filling
- 1 box cake mix
- ½ cup quick oats or coconut (optional)
- ¾ cup butter (sliced cold or melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Spread the pie filling or fresh/frozen fruit (mixed with sugar if using berries) evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. If you’re using quick oats or coconut, mix them with the dry cake mix first.
- Arrange the thin slices of cold butter on top of the cake mix, or drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. I feel I get it more evenly covered using cold butter.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling. If it hasn’t browned enough, broil for a minute or two (watch carefully).
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- BETTY CROCKER CAKE MIX: With Betty Crocker, it's easy to bake a strawberry naturally and artificially flavored cake for dessert or any time; It's America's #1 Cake Mix brand (based on 52 weeks of Nielsen sales data for dry cake mixes ending 4/05/25)
- QUICK AND EASY: Make a cake by just adding a few simple ingredients as directed and popping in the oven; A convenient time saver in the kitchen
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist to our cake mixes by using as a cupcake mix, trying trusted Betty Crocker recipes, or topping with a different Betty Crocker Frosting every time
- DELICIOUS AND MOIST: Use this versatile cake mix to whip up delicious, moist cake as part of everyday moments or sweet celebrations; Ideal for making a birthday cake
- CONTAINS: One 13.25 oz box of Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Strawberry Flavored Cake Mix
- CAKE MIX: Bake a delicious, moist white cake dessert for gatherings, parties, or entertaining family and guests
- QUICK AND EASY: Make a cake by just adding a few simple ingredients as directed and popping in the oven
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist to these mixes by trying Betty Crocker recipes; Turn this cake mix into a festive family activity by adding Betty Crocker Frosting or a cake decorating kit
- DELICIOUS & SPONGY: Enjoy the sweetness of this versatile cake mix and make it your own
- CONTAINS: One 14.25 oz box of Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist White Cake Mix
- BETTY CROCKER CAKE MIX: French vanilla naturally and artificially flavored cake mix with pudding in the mix, from Betty Crocker; It's America's #1 Cake Mix brand (based on 52 weeks of Nielsen sales data for dry cake mixes ending 4/05/25)
- QUICK AND EASY: Make a cake by just adding a few simple ingredients as directed and popping in the oven; A convenient time saver in the kitchen
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist to our cake mixes by using as a cupcake mix, trying trusted Betty Crocker recipes, or topping with a different Betty Crocker Frosting every time
- DELICIOUS AND MOIST: Use this versatile cake mix to whip up delicious, moist cake as part of everyday moments or sweet celebrations; Ideal for making a birthday cake
- CONTAINS: One 13.25 oz box of Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist French Vanilla Flavored Cake Mix
- One 21-ounce can of Cherry Pie Filling
- No high fructose corn syrup
- Ready to use right from the can
- After opening, refrigerate in separate container
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip
- One 20-ounce can of Apple Pie Filling
- No high fructose corn syrup
- No artificial flavors
- Ready to use right from the can
- After opening, refrigerate in separate container
- One 21 oz Duncan Hines Comstock Strawberry Pie Filling and Topping
- Juicy strawberries deliver a sweet, fruity taste and luscious, rich texture for homemade-style strawberry desserts
- Makes it easy to whip up weeknight treats, family desserts, or party desserts with confident, time-saving convenience
- Crafted with fruits picked at their peak and a few simple ingredients, with no artificial colors and no high fructose corn syrup
- Use as strawberry pie filling, a quick strawberry compote, canned strawberry topping, or swirled into your favorite ice cream or sundae topping
