Dump cake is a classic dessert that has been a staple in American households for decades. It is a simple and easy-to-make dessert that requires few ingredients and minimal effort. The basic recipe involves layering canned fruit, cake mix, and butter in a baking dish and baking it until it is golden brown and delicious.
There are many variations of dump cake that can be made by using different types of fruit, cake mix, and toppings. Some popular variations include apple cinnamon dump cake, blueberry dump cake, cherry chocolate dump cake, and pumpkin spice dump cake. These variations can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.
For those who are new to making dump cake, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. It is important to evenly distribute the cake mix and butter over the fruit to ensure that the cake bakes evenly. It is also a good idea to use a non-stick baking dish or to line the dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Additionally, it is recommended to serve dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. For those who are interested in learning more about dump cake, there are many popular recipes available online that can be accessed via links to popular websites such as Epicurious, Taste of Home, and Allrecipes.
History of Dump Cake
Dump cake is a classic American dessert that has been around for several decades. According to Just A Pinch Recipes, the first reference to a dump cake was in 1980 when a basic recipe using a can of crushed pineapple, a can of cherry pie filling, a box of yellow cake mix, and sliced butter was published in Duncan Hines holiday baking brochure.
However, the dessert’s popularity can be traced back to the late 1960s, specifically the years of 1968 and 1969, when this recipe swept the nation. One 1968 article from this time remarked that this cake had been making its rounds around the Midwest states, according to Quaint Cooking.
From there, dump cakes evolved and became a popular dessert for busy families who wanted a quick, easy, and delicious treat. Today, there are countless variations of dump cake recipes, each with its own unique twist.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a type of dessert that is made by layering fruit, cake mix, and butter in a baking dish and then baking it in the oven. As the cake bakes, the fruit and cake mix combine to create a delicious, sweet, and slightly crunchy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. One of the best things about dump cakes is that they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Why is it Called a Dump Cake?
The name “dump cake” comes from the fact that the ingredients are simply dumped into a baking dish, without any mixing or stirring required. This makes it one of the easiest desserts to make, as there is no need to worry about measuring or mixing ingredients. Instead, all you need to do is layer the ingredients in the baking dish and let the oven do the rest of the work.
What are the Ingredients?
The basic ingredients for a dump cake include fruit, cake mix, and butter. The fruit can be fresh or canned, and can be any type of fruit that you like. Some popular options include cherry, apple, blueberry, and peach. The cake mix can be any flavor that you like, such as vanilla, chocolate, or spice. The butter is used to create a crispy, golden topping on the cake.
How is the Dump Cake Made?
To make a dump cake, start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Then, choose your fruit and spread it evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the fruit, making sure to cover it evenly. Finally, slice the butter into thin pieces and place them on top of the cake mix.
Once your ingredients are layered in the baking dish, place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Making Delicious Dump Cakes
When making a dump cake, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results:
- Choose a high-quality cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different cake mixes to find your favorite flavor combinations. Chocolate and cherry, lemon and blueberry, and spice and apple are all popular options.
- Use fresh fruit when possible, as it will have a better texture and flavor than canned fruit.
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts or granola to the cake mix before pouring it over the fruit.
- To make your dump cake even more decadent, add a layer of cream cheese or chocolate chips between the fruit and the cake mix.
- Top your dump cake with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce for an extra-special treat.
Another way to add extra flavor to your dump cake is to mix in some spices or extracts. For example:
- Add cinnamon to apple or peach dump cake for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Add almond extract to cherry dump cake for a nutty, sweet taste.
- Add vanilla extract to any dump cake for a classic, comforting flavor.
For some popular dump cake recipes, check out these links:
- The Best Simple Dump Cake Recipe – Taste of Home
- How to Make a Dump Cake Better | Epicurious
- Our 13 Best Dump Cake Recipes – Allrecipes
- Old-School Dump Cake Recipes – Southern Living
- Dump Cake Recipe – Only 4 Ingredients!
10 Variations
Dump cake is a versatile dessert that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste. Here are ten variations that you can try:
Classic Dump Cake
The classic dump cake recipe is the easiest and most popular version of this dessert. It requires only three ingredients: a can of fruit pie filling, a box of cake mix, and a stick of butter. The ingredients are dumped into a baking dish in layers and baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a warm and gooey dessert that is a comforting and fabulous treat.
Blueberry Dump Cake
For a fruity twist on the classic recipe, try making a blueberry dump cake. Simply substitute a can of blueberry pie filling for the fruit filling in the classic recipe. The result is a sweet and tangy dessert that is perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
If you’re a fan of chocolate and cherries, you’ll love this decadent dump cake recipe: Mix a can of cherry pie filling with a box of chocolate cake mix and top with melted butter before baking. The result is a rich and indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Peach Dump Cake
For a taste of summer, try making a peach dump cake. Use a can of peach pie filling instead of the fruit filling in the classic recipe. The result is a warm and juicy dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
For a fall-inspired dessert, try making a pumpkin dump cake: Mix a can of pumpkin pie filling with a box of yellow cake mix and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Top with melted butter and chopped pecans before baking. The result is a warm and spicy dessert that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
Apple Dump Cake
For an apple pie-inspired dessert, try making an apple dump cake. Use a can of apple pie filling instead of the fruit filling in the classic recipe. The result is a warm and comforting dessert that is perfect for chilly autumn nights.
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
For a refreshing twist on the classic blueberry dump cake, try adding lemon zest and juice to the recipe. The result is a bright and tangy dessert that is perfect for summer picnics and parties.
Strawberry Dump Cake
For a sweet and fruity dessert, try making a strawberry dump cake. Use a can of strawberry pie filling instead of the fruit filling in the classic recipe. The result is a warm and juicy dessert that is perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
For a decadent twist on the classic apple dump cake, try adding caramel sauce and chopped pecans to the recipe. The result is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions.
Banana Split Dump Cake
For a fun and whimsical dessert, try making a banana split dump cake. Mix a can of pineapple tidbits with a can of cherry pie filling and sliced bananas. Top with a box of yellow cake mix and melted butter before baking. The result is a colorful and playful dessert that is perfect for kids’ parties and family gatherings.
For more dump cake inspiration, check out these popular recipes:
Conclusion
Dump cakes are a simple and delicious dessert that can be customized to suit any taste. With so many variations to choose from, including fruit, chocolate, and even savory options, there is a dump cake for everyone. By following some tips and tricks, such as using fresh fruit or adding extra toppings, you can take your dump cake to the heavenly level.
While the exact origins of dump cake are unclear, it is clear that this dessert has been enjoyed by many people for decades. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dessert to make for your family or a crowd-pleasing dessert to bring to a party, dump cake is a great choice.
If you are looking for some popular dump cake recipes to try, check out the links below:
- How to Make a Dump Cake Better
- Everything You Need to Know About Dump Cakes
- 5 Ways to Make a Dump Cake
- Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe (With Variations)
- The History of Dump Cake
With so many options to choose from, dump cake is a versatile and scrumptious dessert that pleases everybody’s palate. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can make a delicious dump cake with just a few simple ingredients. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?