If you’re craving a quick, easy, and mouthwatering dessert, look no further than a Blueberry Dump Cake. This simple recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just need a comforting dessert to enjoy with family. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, it’s a hassle-free way to indulge in a delightful, fruity dessert.
What is Blueberry Dump Cake?
A Blueberry Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert that requires only a few ingredients. The name might sound funny, but it perfectly captures how easy this dessert is to make. You simply “dump” a few key ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. The result? A warm, gooey cake-like dessert filled with blueberries and topped with a golden, crumbly crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Blueberry Dump Cake, you’ll need:
- 1 can of blueberry pie filling (or fresh blueberries, if preferred)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
- 1 stick of butter (unsalted)
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
These ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Base If you’re using fresh blueberries, spread them evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. If you’re using canned blueberry pie filling, simply pour the entire can into the dish and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the blueberries. You don’t need to mix it in, just layer it on top.
Step 4: Top with Butter Slice the stick of butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the top of the cake mix. This step is key for creating that golden, crispy crust that everyone loves!
Step 5: Bake Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The center may be slightly soft, but that’s part of the charm!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Once your Blueberry Dump Cake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: There’s no need for complicated steps or special equipment. This recipe is perfect for busy bakers or beginners.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: While this recipe uses blueberries, you can easily swap in other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or mixed berries to make your own variations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Blueberry Dump Cake is a hit at any gathering. It’s comforting, delicious, and sure to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Variations to Try
While the classic Blueberry Dump Cake is delightful on its own, here are a few ways to customize it:
- Add Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest can add a refreshing citrusy note that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Swap the canned blueberry filling for fresh blueberries to make the dessert even more homemade and healthy.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cake mix for a hint of warmth.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Dump Cake is an incredibly easy dessert that delivers on taste and simplicity. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress without the stress. The sweet blueberries and buttery cake topping make for the perfect combination, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. So, next time you’re looking for an effortless yet impressive treat, give this Blueberry Dump Cake a try—it might just become your new favorite dessert!
Serving and Storage Tips for Blueberry Dump Cake
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Blueberry Dump Cake is best served warm, right out of the oven. The sweet, gooey center and crispy, golden crust are at their most delightful when the dessert is fresh.
- Add a Topping: For an extra indulgence, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream. The coolness pairs perfectly with the warm cake.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: This dessert makes a great companion for a cozy cup of coffee or tea. Its slightly sweet, comforting flavors enhance the experience.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh blueberries or other seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries for an extra burst of freshness.
- Presentation: Serve it in individual bowls or rustic ramekins for a more elegant presentation, especially if you’re entertaining guests.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, let the Blueberry Dump Cake cool completely before storing it. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the cake to an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store your Blueberry Dump Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dessert will stay fresh, though the texture of the topping might soften a bit over time.
- Freezing: If you want to keep Blueberry Dump Cake for a longer period, it can be frozen. After cooling, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to warm it up and crisp up the topping again.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil to prevent the crust from burning, and heat until warm.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Blueberry Dump Cake at its best for several days after baking. Whether you’re serving it fresh or saving it for later, this dessert will continue to be a delicious treat!
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh or canned? Yes, you can absolutely use frozen blueberries in place of fresh or canned. If you’re using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the baking dish. The additional moisture from the frozen berries may slightly affect the texture, but the flavor will still be amazing!
2. Can I make Blueberry Dump Cake in advance? Yes, you can prepare the Blueberry Dump Cake in advance! You can assemble the cake (except for the butter topping) and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the butter and bake it as usual. This is a great option for preparing the dessert ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
3. Can I substitute the yellow cake mix for another flavor? Definitely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic, buttery flavor, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even spice cake mix for a more unique twist. Just be mindful that the flavor of the cake mix will slightly change the overall taste of the dessert.
4. Is there a way to make Blueberry Dump Cake gluten-free? Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix. Many stores offer gluten-free options for yellow or vanilla cake mixes, and they work just as well in this recipe. Make sure to also check that the blueberry pie filling doesn’t contain any gluten if you’re using canned filling.
PrintBlueberry Dump Cake
This Blueberry Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert with layers of juicy blueberries, buttery cake mix, and a golden, crumbly topping. With just a few ingredients and no mixing required, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or an easy family treat!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) blueberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer the ingredients
- Spread the blueberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle the cinnamon over the pie filling for added warmth.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pie filling, ensuring full coverage.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, then evenly place the pats of butter across the top to ensure the cake mix bakes evenly.
3. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly around the edges.
4. Serve
- Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Notes
- Fruit options: Substitute the blueberry pie filling with other flavors like cherry, peach, or apple for variety.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut over the cake mix before baking for added crunch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.