Is it considered a successful pot luck if there isn’t a dump cake? They’re a must at any pot luck. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a dessert even a novice cook can make. But where did the dump cake originate and how did it get that name?
So, what is a dump cake? It’s a super easy dessert that’s a cross between a cake and a cobbler. It gets its name because all the ingredients are literally dumped into a 9×13 baking dish. No mixing bowl necessary.
We did some research and it seems that the first reference to a dump cake was in 1980. 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.
Since then, this easy dessert that even a beginner baker can make has definitely developed a cult following. One reason it’s so popular is that it can be modified based on handy ingredients or preferred tastes. Use your favorite canned fruit and cake mix to come up with your version of a dump cake.
Here are a few Blue Ribbon dump cake recipes to try.
Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake
"Sweet and amazingly moist with a nutty crumb topping, this pumpkin spice dump cake recipe is ideal for your holiday table, bake sale or potluck. You won't believe this is a dump cake. The pumpkin flavor really shines. Served hot it's almost like a pumpkin cobbler." - The Kitchen Crew
Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
"Just about everyone has some type of dump cake in their recipe box. This one needs to be added too for a perfect and easy fall dessert. Adding caramel to the apple pie filling makes this gooey and so yummy. We used the spice cake option and it was the perfect complement to the caramel apple filling. This smells so good while baking we could hardly wait for it to come out of the oven. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle... pure heaven." - The Kitchen Crew
Dump Cake Surprise
"The end product reminds us more of a cobbler than a cake, but either way, it's delicious. It has a gooey blueberry filling with crunchy bits of pineapple in every bite. The buttery top layer just melts in your mouth. What a treat!" - Kitchen Crew