3 ingredient dump cake is the ultimate “no-fuss” dessert. You literally toss three simple ingredients into a pan, bake it, and out comes this golden, bubbly cake that tastes way fancier than the effort it takes. It’s the kind of sweet treat you make when friends drop by last-minute—or honestly, when you just don’t feel like doing dishes.
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What Is a 3 Ingredient Dump Cake?
A 3 ingredient dump cake is basically the lazy baker’s dream. No mixing bowls, no measuring cups—just three things layered in a pan and baked until golden and gooey. At its core, it’s usually fruit, dry cake mix, and butter. That’s it. Somehow, those simple layers transform into a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a 3 ingredient dump cake is right in the name—you only need three basics:
- Fruit filling – cherry, pineapple, peach, or whatever you love.
- Dry cake mix – yellow or white cake mix works best.
- Butter – sliced or melted, because it’s what gives you that golden crust.
👉 Want to dress it up a little? That’s where recipes like this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake come in—it takes the same easy idea but adds a creamy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Pan
Lightly butter or spray a 9×13 pan—nothing fancy, just enough so it doesn’t stick.
Dump, Layer, and Bake
- Spread your fruit filling across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Add butter—either melted or sliced thin—over the cake mix.
Bake at 350°F for about 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
Best Flavor Combinations
The cool thing about a 3 ingredient dump cake is how flexible it is. Mix and match flavors, and you’ll never get bored. A few classics:
- Cherry + Yellow Cake Mix → sweet, tangy, and super popular.
- Pineapple + White Cake Mix → tropical and light.
- Peach + Yellow Cake Mix → cozy, southern-style vibes.
- Chocolate + Cherry → think Black Forest vibes (like this Chocolate Dump Cake version).
Serving Ideas
- Classic → Warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Simple → Just a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Extra Sweet → Add fresh fruit or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Honestly, this cake’s so easy you can serve it straight from the pan and nobody will complain.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Cover and store leftovers up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds—it tastes fresh again.
- Make-Ahead: Bake a day early, then warm it up before serving. It holds up really well.
Variations of 3 Ingredient Dump Cake
- Strawberry + White Cake Mix → light, fruity, and perfect for summer.
- Apple + Spice Cake Mix → cozy fall flavors in one pan.
- Lemon + Cream Cheese → a creamy upgrade, like this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
- Berry Mix + Yellow Cake → colorful and sweet-tart.
Three ingredients keep it simple, but a few small swaps make it feel brand new.
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FAQ: 3 Ingredient Dump Cake
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes—just add a little sugar or juice so it doesn’t dry out.
Do I need to stir the layers?
Nope! Just dump and bake—that’s the beauty of it.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a gluten-free cake mix.
Should the butter be melted or sliced?
Either works. Sliced gives a more crumbly top, melted makes it more even.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes, but fresh-baked tastes way better.
How do I keep it from being too soggy?
Use the right fruit-to-cake ratio, and don’t overdo the butter.
Conclusion: The Easiest Dessert Ever
At the end of the day, a 3 ingredient dump cake is proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Three things, one pan, zero stress—and somehow it turns into a dessert everyone raves about. Whether you go classic cherry, tropical pineapple, or even chocolatey twists, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket forever.
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3 Ingredient Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 3 ingredient dump cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever bake—just fruit filling, cake mix, and butter. Golden, bubbly, and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling (cherry, pineapple, peach, or your favorite)
1 box (15–16 oz) yellow or white cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced or melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread fruit filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit filling.
Place butter slices evenly on top, or drizzle melted butter across the cake mix.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling at the edges.
Cool slightly, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
You can mix and match fruits for fun combos (cherry + pineapple, apple + cinnamon, etc.).
For a lighter version, use sugar-free cake mix and fruit filling.
Best served warm, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg