If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the vibrant sweetness of fresh berries with the comforting warmth of cake, this Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe is absolutely a gem to have on hand. It’s one of those easy, no-fuss dishes that feel like a hug in dessert form, perfectly combining juicy blueberries, a crisp buttery cake topping, and just a hint of cinnamon for subtle depth. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a family, or just craving something delicious without all the hassle, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort—truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to make something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and giving the cake its irresistible texture and color. Let’s take a look:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: The star fruit providing juicy sweetness and a beautiful burst of color that stands out in every bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the blueberries, creating that perfect sweet-tart harmony.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and enhances the blueberry flavor while adding a subtle zing to elevate the overall taste.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: The quick shortcut to a buttery, golden crust that crisps up beautifully over the blueberries.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich, moist texture and helps the cake mix bake into its signature crusty topping.
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): For a crunchy contrast that complements the soft berry filling and cake topping perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): A warm spice note that gives the cake an inviting aroma and subtle depth.
How to Make Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot and ready to bring your Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe to golden-brown perfection right from the start.
Step 2: Mix Blueberries with Sugar and Lemon
In a mixing bowl, gently combine your blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. This step is where the magic begins—the sugar draws out the berry juices creating a luscious filling, while the lemon brightens up the flavors beautifully. Once mixed, evenly spread this vibrant mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to set a juicy base layer.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the blueberry mixture. Make sure to cover all the fruit so that as it bakes, the cake mix absorbs the berry juices and crisps up perfectly without leaving bare spots.
Step 4: Butter and Optional Toppings
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer. This step is crucial because the butter creates that signature crispy, buttery crust that makes the Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe truly stand out. If you like, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans and a dusting of ground cinnamon over the top to add texture and warmth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and juices are bubbling invitingly around the edges. This tells you everything inside has cooked to juicy softness with a perfectly crisp topping.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before digging in. This little waiting time lets the juices thicken slightly and makes serving neater while keeping it warm and comforting.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to compliment the warm berries and buttery cake crust beautifully.
How to Serve Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar make beautiful, simple garnishes that amplify the cake’s vibrant color and sweetness. For an extra touch of elegance, mint leaves offer a fresh contrast to the warm, rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with cozy drinks like a cup of spicy chai tea, bold coffee, or a creamy latte. If you want to turn it into a full brunch feature, serve alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Step up your presentation by serving individual portions in pretty glass ramekins or mason jars layered with whipped cream or custard. This makes the Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe feel extra special for gatherings or a charming date night dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its flavors without any rush.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake after baking and cooling for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freeze it in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until the cake is warmed through and the crust re-crisped. Adding a fresh scoop of ice cream after reheating always feels like a winning move!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in the Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure not to thaw them too much before mixing, so the fruit juices stay balanced during baking.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
You can swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version available at most stores and follow the recipe as usual to enjoy a gluten-free Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe.
Why is it called a dump cake?
It’s called a dump cake because of how simple it is to make—you essentially “dump” the ingredients on top of each other without needing to mix a traditional batter, making it a quick and easy dessert fix.
Can I add other fruits to this cake?
Definitely! Blueberries pair well with peaches, raspberries, or blackberries if you want to mix things up while keeping the base recipe the same.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe tastes great warm or cold, but reheating it slightly and serving it with a scoop of ice cream or fresh whipped cream really brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe is truly a treasure that fits into any cooking skill level and any occasion. It’s quick, simple to make, and brings a comforting sweetness that feels homemade and special. Once you try it, this cozy dessert might just become your new go-to when you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing treat that’s bursting with fruity flavor and buttery goodness. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy your next favorite cake!
Print
Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delightful Blueberry Dump Cake that combines fresh or frozen blueberries with a buttery yellow cake mix topping. This easy-to-make dessert comes together quickly by layering ingredients in a baking dish and baking until golden and bubbly, perfect for any occasion or a quick sweet treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dump cake.
- Prepare Blueberry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the blueberry mixture, making sure it covers the fruit layer completely to ensure an even topping.
- Top with Butter and Optional Ingredients: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans and ground cinnamon on top to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry mixture is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
- Serve: Serve the blueberry dump cake warm, optionally enhancing the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen blueberries without thawing if fresh are unavailable.
- Adding nuts and cinnamon is optional but adds extra texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake to prevent drying out the cake topping.
- The dessert is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
