This easy 3-ingredient blueberry dump cake recipe is the fastest way to make a warm, comforting fruit dessert. Layer two cans of blueberry pie filling, one dry box of yellow or white cake mix, and one cup of thinly sliced butter in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
The result is a bubbling blueberry dessert with a golden, buttery topping that tastes like a cross between fruit cobbler and tender cake. It takes only 5–10 minutes to assemble, makes about 12 servings, and is especially delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This blueberry dump cake is designed for busy days, last-minute guests, and anyone who wants a homemade dessert without a complicated method. There is no separate batter to prepare, no fruit to wash or chop, and no need to dirty a mixing bowl.
The three layers work together while the cake bakes. Juicy blueberry pie filling creates a sweet, jammy base, the dry cake mix forms a tender golden topping, and the butter melts through the mix to provide richness and crisp edges.
It is also an excellent make-and-share dessert because one 9 x 13-inch pan yields about 12 servings. For another fruit-forward dessert idea, you can also try this peach cake when you are craving a different seasonal flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but each item has an important role in the finished dessert. Use the amounts below for the standard 9 x 13-inch version.
- Two 21-ounce cans of blueberry pie filling: These provide the fruit, sweetness, moisture, and thick sauce at the bottom of the pan.
- One box of dry yellow or white cake mix: Choose a box that is about 15.25 ounces, and use the mix straight from the package.
- One cup of butter: This equals two sticks. Salted or unsalted butter works, but slice it very thinly so it can cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Do not add the eggs, water, or oil listed on the cake-mix box. Those directions are for making a traditional cake, while this recipe depends on the dry mix absorbing melted butter and moisture from the fruit filling.
If you enjoy easy fruit desserts, this simple strawberry cake is another lovely option for your dessert collection.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, making sure to coat the bottom and corners so the fruit and buttery topping are easier to serve later.
Step 2: Open both cans of blueberry pie filling and spoon them into the prepared dish. Spread the filling into an even layer from corner to corner, but do not mix it with any other ingredient.
Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix evenly over the blueberry layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently distribute it, but keep the layers separate and do not stir.
Step 4: Slice one cup, or two sticks, of butter into very thin pieces. Arrange the slices across the entire surface of the cake mix, overlapping slightly if needed so there are as few uncovered areas as possible.
Step 5: Place the dish on a foil-lined sheet pan if you want extra protection from bubbling fruit. Bake for 45–50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and blueberry filling bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This short resting time allows the hot filling to settle and makes the portions easier to scoop while keeping the dessert warm.
Pro Tips for a Golden Topping
The most important detail is the butter distribution. Thin slices melt more reliably than thick chunks, helping moisten the dry cake mix across the top of the pan.
Some small dry spots can happen, especially if the butter slices are spaced too far apart. To help prevent them, slice the butter as thinly as possible and arrange it in a neat grid over the cake mix rather than placing all the slices in the center.
Do not stir the blueberry filling, cake mix, and butter together. The defining method is to layer or dump the ingredients into the dish and let the oven transform them into a crisp-topped fruit dessert.
Because the blueberry filling can bubble over during baking, a foil-lined sheet pan is a practical safeguard. It catches drips and makes cleanup much easier without changing the recipe.
For a chocolate dessert with the same cozy, shareable appeal, keep this chocolate Bundt cake in mind for another baking day.
Serving Suggestions
Let the dump cake cool just long enough to set slightly, then spoon it into bowls while it is still warm. The contrast between the hot blueberry filling and cold vanilla ice cream is especially satisfying.
Whipped cream is another classic topping, adding a light, creamy finish to the rich butter crust. You can also serve smaller portions with a spoonful of plain whipped topping when you want a less heavy dessert.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Add whipped cream for a soft, creamy topping.
- Spoon extra blueberry sauce from the pan over each portion.
- Use a wide serving spoon rather than trying to cut perfectly clean squares.
This dessert is sweet and comforting after a family meal, but it also works well at potlucks because it travels in the baking dish. If you are planning a full meal and want a savory main course before dessert, pair your menu with this easy salmon pasta.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool, then cover the baking dish and refrigerate them. The blueberry filling will thicken as it chills, while the topping may soften slightly.
To reheat a serving, use the microwave in short intervals until warm. You can also rewarm several portions in a low oven, keeping the dish covered at first so the edges do not dry out.
For the best texture, add ice cream or whipped cream after reheating rather than before. The dessert is most enjoyable within a few days, while the blueberry flavor remains bright and the topping is still pleasant.
If you like baking with fruit and creamy layers, take a look at this apple cream cheese Danish for a breakfast pastry that can also be served as a sweet treat.
Common Questions
Can I use yellow or white cake mix? Yes. Both work well, so choose the flavor you already have in the pantry. Yellow cake mix gives the topping a slightly richer color, while white cake mix keeps the flavor lighter.
Should I prepare the cake mix first? No. Use the cake mix dry and sprinkle it directly over the blueberry pie filling. Adding the package ingredients would change the balance of moisture and could make the dessert bake unevenly.
Why did part of my topping stay powdery? The usual cause is uncovered dry cake mix. Next time, slice the butter thinner and spread the pieces over more of the surface before baking.
Can I stir everything together? No. Keep the layers undisturbed so the fruit stays at the bottom and the cake mix develops a golden topping as the butter melts.
Easy 3-Ingredient Blueberry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread both cans of blueberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the blueberry filling. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions.
- Arrange thin slices of butter over the entire surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the dump cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This easy 3-ingredient blueberry dump cake proves that a memorable dessert does not require a long ingredient list or advanced baking skills. With canned blueberry pie filling, dry cake mix, and thinly sliced butter, you can have a warm fruit dessert ready in about 50–60 minutes from start to finish.
Remember the key points: spread the fruit evenly, keep the cake mix dry, cover the surface with butter, and never stir the layers. After a brief 10–15 minute rest, scoop the golden-topped blueberry cake into bowls and finish it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Save this recipe for potlucks, Sunday dinners, and spontaneous sweet cravings. It is simple enough for a beginner, generous enough for a crowd, and delicious enough to become a regular favorite.