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Freshly baked dump method cake with golden crust

Understanding the Dump Method in Cake Making: The Simple Secret to Delicious Desserts

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This dump method cake is the cozy, no-fuss dessert you’ll love baking again and again. Chef Sofia shares the tradition and technique passed down from Mama Lou, turning canned fruit, cake mix, and butter into a simple but magical treat.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Dump Cake Ingredients

  • 1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling (cherry, apple, peach, etc.)
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (yellow, vanilla, or chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into slices

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add the fruit layer: Spread the canned pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. No mixing—just layer.
  3. Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the fruit layer. Try not to leave dry patches.
  4. Place butter slices: Add pats of butter over the top, spacing them out to cover as much surface as possible.
  5. Customize (optional): Add chopped nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate chips to make it your own.
  6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit edges bubble. Let it cool 10–15 minutes.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Scoop into bowls and top with whipped cream or ice cream if you like!

Notes

  • Don’t stir the layers! The beauty of the dump method is in the layering—it creates the perfect contrast of textures.
  • If you want to learn more about flavor tricks and variations, visit our Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe Tips.
  • You can swap pie filling for fresh or frozen fruit, but add a little sugar and cornstarch for moisture and sweetness.
  • Use real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine won’t cut it in this recipe.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the top crisp.
  • Author: Chef Sofia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg