Easy 5-Ingredient Blueberry Dump Cake: Your Go-To Dessert Recipe for Any Occasion
Get ready to impress with minimal effort! This incredible 5-ingredient blueberry dump cake recipe is a true game-changer for anyone craving a delicious, fruity dessert without the fuss. Combining the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries with rich blueberry pie filling, bright lemon zest, a simple yellow cake mix, and perfectly melted butter, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with astonishing ease.
If you’re searching for an effortlessly impressive dessert that promises to be a crowd-pleaser every single time, your search ends here. This dump cake is not just easy to make; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. Imagine warm, bubbling blueberry goodness topped with a golden, buttery, cookie-like crust. For an extra special touch that will truly elevate your dessert experience, serve this delightful treat warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Often likened to a rustic blueberry cobbler, this dump cake boasts a unique sweet and salty crust that perfectly complements the juicy fruit base. The canned blueberry pie filling creates a wonderfully sweet and thick foundation, offering a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor. This base harmonizes beautifully with the bursts of flavor from fresh blueberries and the bright, zesty aroma of lemon. The magic truly happens when the dry boxed yellow cake mix is evenly sprinkled over the fruit, followed by thin slices of butter, which melt and seep into the cake mix as it bakes, transforming it into a crispy, golden, and incredibly buttery topping. It’s a dessert that practically bakes itself!
The true charm and widespread appeal of this recipe lie in its astounding simplicity and versatility. You can literally whip it up in minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings. Its delightful flavor profile and comforting warmth make it suitable for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday celebrations. It’s a dessert that promises to delight every palate with minimal fuss.
Recipe Highlights: Why This Blueberry Dump Cake Shines
This blueberry dump cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hack that delivers incredible results with minimal fuss. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Effortlessly Easy Dessert – The name “dump cake” truly says it all! This recipe is famously simple because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish with little to no mixing required. Forget multiple bowls and complicated steps; this is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or seasoned pros looking for a quick win.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients – You won’t need to hunt for obscure items. This recipe relies on readily available, everyday fresh produce and common baking ingredients found at any local grocery store. This makes it a convenient choice for last-minute dessert ideas and ensures you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes.
- Plenty to Share for Any Occasion – With its generous yield, this dump cake is a fantastic recipe for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or celebrating special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or the 4th of July, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Its comforting warmth and fruity sweetness make it universally appealing and perfect for sharing joy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Blueberry Dump Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing just five key components that come together to form a truly unforgettable treat. Quality ingredients, even simple ones, make all the difference.
- Blueberry Pie Filling: Look for canned pie filling in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. Two 21-ounce cans will provide the perfect sweet and gooey base for your dump cake. This pre-made filling is one of the secrets to the recipe’s incredible simplicity.
- Fresh Blueberries: About 2 cups of fresh, plump blueberries add a wonderful burst of natural fruit flavor and texture. If fresh are out of season or unavailable, thawed frozen berries work perfectly – just be sure to drain any excess liquid.
- Lemon Zest: The zest of one medium-sized fresh lemon brightens up the entire dish, cutting through the sweetness of the blueberries and adding a delightful aromatic lift. Don’t skip this for a truly vibrant flavor.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the crunchy, golden topping. While you can experiment with other flavors, yellow cake mix provides a classic, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
- Butter: You’ll need ¾ cup of salted butter, cut into thin slices. As the butter melts over the cake mix, it creates that irresistible, crisp, and rich crust that makes dump cakes so beloved. Salted butter adds a lovely counterpoint to the sweet fruit.
Always refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and any additional notes to ensure the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Blueberry Dump Cake
Creating this delicious blueberry dump cake is as simple as layering your ingredients and letting your oven do the rest. Follow these easy steps for a perfect dessert every time.
First things first, preheat your oven to a steady 350ºF (176°C) degrees. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment it enters the oven, leading to that coveted golden-brown crust.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish. Generously coat the entire inside surface of a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the sticky, delicious blueberry filling from adhering to the dish, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring easy serving.
Step 2: Lay the Foundation with Pie Filling. Carefully pour both cans of blueberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, gently spread the filling out evenly across the bottom of the dish. This ensures every bite of your dump cake has a generous amount of sweet, fruity goodness.
Step 3: Add Fresh Blueberries. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the layer of pie filling. These fresh berries will add a wonderful textural contrast and an intense burst of natural blueberry flavor that complements the canned filling beautifully.
Step 4: Zest for Extra Brightness. Once the berries are spread, generously zest a fresh lemon directly over them. This simple step adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries, elevating the entire dessert.
Pro Tip for Layering: The key to a perfect dump cake is even distribution. As you add each ingredient, take a moment to spread it out uniformly. This ensures that every serving of your cake has a consistent balance of fruit, cake topping, and butter-infused goodness.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix. Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle its dry contents evenly over the blueberry layer. Do not stir! The dry cake mix will absorb the moisture from the fruit filling during baking, creating that signature crumbly, golden crust.
Step 6: Top with Butter Slices. This is where the magic happens for the crust! Evenly distribute the thin butter slices over the top of the dry cake mix. The butter will melt as it bakes, creating a rich, golden, and crispy topping that perfectly complements the soft fruit filling below.
Expert Tip for Butter Distribution: For the most even coverage and a consistently crispy crust, I recommend cutting a stick of butter into about 40 thin slices. This meticulous distribution ensures that every bit of cake mix gets moistened by the melting butter. If you prefer a quicker method, you can certainly use melted butter instead; simply pour it evenly over the top of the cake mix, ensuring no dry spots remain.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes to ensure the cake mix topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! This delicious blueberry dump cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, with a generous scoop of classic vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast of warm and cold, and the creamy texture against the crispy crust and juicy fruit, is simply divine. It’s also delightful served at room temperature.
Perfect Pairings for Your Blueberry Dump Cake
While this blueberry dump cake is utterly delicious on its own, a thoughtful pairing can truly elevate the experience. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this comforting dessert:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential partner! A generous scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream (or your favorite store-bought brand) melting over the warm cake creates a delightful contrast in temperature and a creamy richness that is simply heavenly.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: For a lighter, airy topping, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds elegance and balances the sweetness of the fruit. You can even infuse it with a hint of vanilla or a touch of lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Lemon Drizzle: To amplify the bright notes of lemon in the cake, consider a simple lemon glaze or drizzle made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. This adds an extra layer of citrusy tang.
- Berry Compote: Enhance the berry experience by serving alongside a spoonful of homemade mixed berry compote. This adds more fresh fruit flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Aromatic Coffee or Tea: For a sophisticated finish, pair your warm dump cake with a hot cup of coffee, a robust black tea, or even a delicate herbal tea. The warmth and mild bitterness of the beverage can perfectly complement the dessert’s sweetness.
Easy Substitutions for Your Dump Cake Recipe
One of the best things about dump cakes is how forgiving and adaptable they are! Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple substitutions to tailor the recipe to your taste or what you have on hand.
- Pie Filling Alternatives: This blueberry version is just the beginning of your dump cake journey! You can use virtually any canned pie filling. For a delightful change, try a different flavor of fruit pie filling, such as cherry pie filling for a sweet-tart burst, or a classic apple pie filling for a comforting, autumnal twist. Be sure to bookmark my cherry dump cake recipe for another easy option!
- Cake Mix Swaps: While yellow cake mix offers a classic, buttery flavor, feel free to switch it up! A white cake mix will provide a lighter, more vanilla-forward flavor, allowing the fruit to shine even more. For those who enjoy a richer, more decadent dessert, a chocolate cake mix creates a surprising and delicious combination with the blueberries. A spice cake mix could also add an interesting warmth.
- Different Berries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but don’t limit yourself! Substitute them with another type of berry for a different flavor profile. Raspberries or blackberries would add a lovely tartness, while a mix of berries could create a delightful medley. If using frozen berries, remember to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
- Omitting Lemon Zest: The lemon zest brightens the flavor of the berries significantly, but if you don’t have a fresh lemon on hand or prefer a purely sweet profile, you can certainly skip it. The cake will still be delicious, though it will have a slightly less complex flavor.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Dump Cake
Take your blueberry dump cake to the next level with these creative variations. Each adds a unique twist that can transform your dessert experience!
- Extra Lemony Delight: For an even more intense lemon flavor, incorporate about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the berry layer before adding the cake mix. Then, instead of yellow cake mix, use a lemon-flavored cake mix for the topping. This creates a wonderfully bright and tangy dessert that citrus lovers will adore.
- Crunchy Nut Topping: Add a delightful textural contrast by sprinkling chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the butter slices before baking. They’ll toast beautifully in the oven, providing an extra layer of crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with the fruit. Almond slivers would also be a fantastic addition.
- Decadent Toppings: Beyond ice cream, consider other indulgent toppings for your warm cake. A swirl of rich caramel sauce or a generous dollop of homemade chocolate ganache can turn this simple dessert into an extra decadent treat. You could also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix for a warm, spiced aroma.
- Coconut Dream: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some shredded coconut over the cake mix before adding the butter. It will toast beautifully and add a lovely texture and flavor.
- Streusel Topping: While butter creates a crispy topping, you can also mix the cake mix with a little melted butter and some brown sugar and cinnamon to create a streusel-like crumb topping for extra richness and texture.
Essential Equipment for Your Baking Success
Making this blueberry dump cake requires only a few basic kitchen tools, making it accessible even for those with limited culinary gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This standard-size baking dish is perfect for ensuring an even bake and providing plenty of servings. I particularly love using a casserole dish with a lid, which makes it incredibly convenient for transporting the cake to a potluck or storing any leftovers easily in the refrigerator.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: A quick spray ensures your delicious fruit filling doesn’t stick to the pan, guaranteeing a clean release and easy serving. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
- Silicone Spatula: This versatile tool is perfect for smoothing out the pie filling evenly in the baking dish and for scraping out every last ounce of delicious filling from the cans, ensuring no waste.
- Microplane or Zester: Essential for finely zesting the lemon, releasing its aromatic oils without grating into the bitter white pith.
Storage Solutions for Leftover Dump Cake
While it’s hard to imagine having leftovers of this delicious blueberry dump cake, should you find yourself with some, proper storage will keep it fresh and tasty for longer. Here’s how to store it, whether you plan to enjoy it tomorrow or next month:
Refrigeration: To store any leftover blueberry dump cake, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the cake crust may become slightly softer or more “soggy” over time due to moisture from the fruit filling, but it will still be delicious. To enjoy it warm again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Freezing: If you’d like to extend the life of your dump cake for a longer period, it freezes exceptionally well for up to two months. To freeze, ensure the cake has cooled completely to room temperature. Then, you have a couple of options: you can wrap the entire baking dish tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or you can cut the cake into individual portions and place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm, or in the microwave for quicker individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Dump Cake
New to dump cakes or just have some questions about this blueberry version? Here are answers to common queries to help you master this easy dessert.
Yes, it is generally recommended to refrigerate dump cake, especially if it contains fresh fruit or dairy-based components (like the butter in the topping, which can go rancid). The fruit filling and cake mix contain perishable ingredients that can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Refrigerating helps to keep it fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days. Always allow it to cool fully before placing it in the fridge.
Absolutely! Dump cake is meant to have a wonderfully gooey, almost jam-like fruit filling, similar to a fruit cobbler or crisp, rather than the firm, airy texture of a traditional cake. The topping, however, should be a crisp, buttery, cookie-like crust, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, warm fruit underneath. This combination of textures is what makes dump cakes so comforting and delicious.
Yes, you can easily use frozen blueberries. However, it’s crucial to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your baking dish. Too much moisture can result in a soggy cake filling and crust. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel if they seem particularly wet.
A soggy topping can happen if the butter wasn’t evenly distributed or if there wasn’t enough of it. Ensure you spread the butter slices or melted butter completely over the dry cake mix to ensure it all gets absorbed and bakes into a crisp crust. Also, baking for the full recommended time and allowing it to cool slightly after baking helps the crust firm up.
While the 9×13 dish is ideal for this recipe’s proportions, you can adjust. For a smaller batch, a 9×9 inch square pan might work with half the ingredients, though baking time will need to be reduced. For a larger crowd, you might need to double the recipe and use a larger roasting pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
More Delicious Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this 5-ingredient blueberry dump cake, you’re in for a treat! We specialize in easy, fuss-free cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Explore some of our other fantastic recipes, all requiring five ingredients or less, for more quick wins in the kitchen:
- Cool Whip Marshmallow Fruit Dip
- Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix and Canned Peaches
- Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
- Easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
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5-Ingredient Blueberry Dump Cake
Equipment
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9×13 baking dish
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Cooking spray
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Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cans blueberry pie filling (21-ounce each)
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 medium-sized lemon)
- 15.25 ounces boxed yellow cake mix
- 1.5 sticks salted butter cut into thin slices (¾ cup)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF (176°C) degrees.
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Coat the inside of a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Pour both cans of blueberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with fresh blueberries and lemon zest.
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Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the blueberries.
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Evenly distribute the thin butter slices over the top of the cake mix.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cake mix becomes golden brown. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream.
Video
Notes
To store leftover blueberry dump cake, allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cake crust may become soggy over time.
If you prefer to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to two months. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tell us what other easy dump cake recipes or 5-ingredient wonders you’d like to see next in the comments below.
Important Food Safety Tips for Baking
Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any recipe. Following these guidelines will help you create a delicious and safe blueberry dump cake for everyone to enjoy:
- Hand Hygiene: Always start with clean hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling any ingredients, and again after touching raw ingredients like butter or before serving.
- Ingredient Freshness: Check all your ingredients. Ensure that fresh produce is firm and free of spoilage, and that canned goods or boxed mixes have not passed their expiration dates. Never use dented, bulging, or leaking cans, as these can indicate bacterial contamination.
- Proper Berry Preparation: If using fresh blueberries, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water in a colander. Gently remove any stems, leaves, or bruised berries before incorporating them into the recipe. If using frozen berries, ensure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture.
- Canned Goods Inspection: For canned blueberry pie filling, double-check the expiration date. Inspect the can for any signs of damage like dents, bulges, or leaks. These could compromise the safety of the contents.
- Cook Thoroughly: It’s essential to remember that raw flour and baking mixes are not ready-to-eat and can contain harmful bacteria. Always ensure your dump cake is fully baked until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly and heated through to a safe temperature before being consumed. Avoid tasting raw batter or dough.
For more comprehensive food safety guidelines and information on safe cooking temperatures, please refer to reliable resources like the USDA.gov website.