How to Make a Blueberry Dump Cake with Fresh Fruits

If you're craving something sweet, easy, and full of flavor, a blueberry dump cake might just become your go-to dessert. Whether you're in the mood for a simple weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dish for a get-together, this effortless recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. What makes dump cakes so special is the "dump and bake" method—no complicated mixing or baking techniques needed!

In this article, we’ll walk you through the perfect blueberry dump cake recipe, show you how to use fresh blueberries or canned pineapple for a twist, and even introduce a tangy variation: the lemon blueberry dump cake. So let’s get baking!

What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is one of the simplest desserts to make. You line the bottom of a baking dish with canned or fresh fruit; layer the cake mix on top, add butter, and set it to bake. It is a halfway point between a cobbler and a cake: crispy on the top but soft and fruity on the bottom. You don't need mixing bowls or even to cream butter and sugar with this cake: just dump everything and go!

Why You Will Love This Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe

Quick prep: It's ready to bake in just 5-10 minutes.

Minimal ingredients: The recipe calls for only 4-5 pantry staples.

Versatile: Works with fresh or frozen fruit or canned fruit, like pineapple.

Crowd favorite: Great for potlucks, picnics, and holiday dinners!

Always Delicious: You really can't mess it up!

Ingredients You Will Need

Here it is: the basic dump cake blueberry recipe:

Classic Blueberry Dump Cake:

• 4 Cups Fresh Blueberries (or Frozen)
• 1/2 c. Granulated Sugar (to taste)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 Box Yellow or White Cake Mix
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Cut into Patsize

Optional Additives:

• Zest of 1 Lemon (for lemon blueberry dump cake)
• 1/2 T. Cinnamon or Nutmeg for some warmth
• Whipped cream or Vanilla ice cream to serve.

How to Make a Blueberry Dump Cake with Fresh Blueberries

Step-by-Step Procedure: 

• Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan.
• Add in fruit: Evenly spread fresh blueberries on the bottom. Mix sugar and lemon juice, pour in, then add lemon zest for lemon version.
• Dump 2 cake mixes over the fruit mixture: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over fruit. Do Not Mix!
• Top with butter: Place slices of butter evenly over the surface so that there is a golden, crispy topping.
• Bake: In the oven for 45-50 minutes, until golden and bubbly around the edges.
• Cool & Serve: Let it stand for about 10 minutes and serve warm. Whipped cream tops it or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake Variation

Want something more tropical? Try out the blueberry pineapple dump cake. The sweetness and tartness of the pineapple go amazingly well with the blueberries.

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, sliced. 

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Spread crushed pineapple and juice on the bottom of a greased 9-by-13 baking dish.
• Scatter blueberries evenly on top.
• Sprinkle cake mix over fruit layers.
• Dot with butter.
• Bake 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. 

This makes the cake much more juicy and tropical and goes perfectly with coconut-whipped cream!

Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe

If your type of dessert is tangy-sweet, you must try the lemon blueberry dump cake. Lemon makes things zing and cuts the very sweet into a balanced bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups Fresh Blueberries
• 1/4th cup sugar
• The zest and juice of one lemon
• One Box Lemon Cake Mix
• 1/2 cup butter, sliced 

Instructions:

• Combine the blueberries along with the sugar and lemon juice in the baking dish. 
• Sprinkle lemon zest across the top. 
• Evenly dump the lemon cake mix over the top of the berries. 
• Add butter slices across the surface. 
• Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown. 

Pro Tip: Just before baking, toss on a handful of sliced almonds for a crunchy end!

Can You Use Frozen Blueberries?

Frozen blueberries are a perfect substitute for an off-season fresh crop. Don't worry about thawing them before mixing with sugar and lemon juice; just toss them straight into the batter. Depending on how moist they are, you can also add another 5 minutes to the oven time.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake Blueberry Dessert

• Don't stir the cake mixture: Stirring would defeat the purpose of creating that dreamy cobbler topping.
• Cut the butter into thin slices: Slicing the butter into thin pieces will give even melting and crisping.
• Texture: Top with cut-up pecans, oats, or shredded coconut.
• Serve warm: Best served slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Don’t Miss: Indulge in the Ultimate Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe

Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Stirring the ingredients destroys that lovely layered look.
• Using insufficient butter: Cake mix needs plenty of fat to cook properly.
• Overbake: You're looking for a golden top, but don't dry it out. Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
• Using fruit that's too watery: Drain all canned fruit well, except pineapple (you want to keep the juice). 

Make and Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble the cake and refrigerate it (unbaked) for a maximum of 24 hours.
• Storage: Any leftovers are kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of four days.
• Reheat: Individual servings in the microwave or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Can I Use Different Cake Mixes? 

Definitely. And although yellow cake mix is classic, here are some interesting alternatives… 

• White cake mix: More delicate flavor. 
• Lemon cake mix: Ups the zest factor.
• Spice cake mix: Adds warmth for the coziness factor. 
• Gluten-free cake mix: Good for dietary needs.

Is Blueberry Dump Cake the Same as Cobbler?

Not really. Both are fruit desserts with a topping. A cobbler typically uses biscuit or dough topping, whereas a dump cake uses dry cake mix and butter. Even easier than dump cakes: no mixing!

Perfect occasions for blueberry dump cake

• Barbecues in the backyard
• Family holiday dinners
• Potlucks
• Ceremonial birthdays
• Quick weeknight desserts
• Lazy Sunday baking

More to Discover: What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy: Bake Cookies

FAQs

1. Can I use canned blueberries?

Sure, drain off any extra syrup or juice so the cake does not get soggy.

2. What's the best way to serve dump cake blueberry-style?

Warmed with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

3. Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free cake mix, and you can also substitute vegan butter or coconut oil.

4. Can we freeze blueberry dump cake?

Sure! Freeze baked and cooled portions in airtight containers for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This blueberry dump cake with fresh blueberries or pineapple is one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make. Whether you go for the classic, the zingy lemon blueberry dump cake, or the juicy blueberry pineapple dump cake, there’s a version for every taste.

Next time you're in a pinch and need a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort, dump cakes are the way to go. Just layer, bake, and serve—it’s that simple. Happy baking!

This content was created by AI