Why Are They Called Dump Cakes?

They're called dump cakes because all the ingredients are literally “dumped” into the baking dish without mixing—just layer, bake, and enjoy a deliciously easy dessert.

What’s the Difference Between a Dump Cake and a Cobbler?

Dump cakes use dry cake mix layered over fruit and baked, while cobblers have a batter or biscuit topping that's poured or dropped over the fruit and bakes more evenly.

Why Is It Called Divorce Cake?

Divorce cake earned its name online as a cheeky, comforting dessert meant to celebrate freedom post-breakup—rich, indulgent, and made with zero care for calories or effort.

Why Is It Called Miserable Cake?

Miserable cake is a rustic, simple dessert from European tradition, often made with minimal ingredients during hard times—hence the name tied to scarcity and resourcefulness.

Do You Drain the Pineapple for Dump Cake?

No, you typically don’t drain the pineapple. The syrup or juice adds needed moisture and sweetness to the cake, helping it bake into a gooey, tender base.

Pioneer Woman Dump Cakes – The Best 3-Step Recipe Ever

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup dark Karo syrup
1½–2 cups chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup cold unsalted butter (sliced)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Whisk syrup, eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Pour into pan.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the syrup.
Add dry cake mix on top—don’t stir.
Distribute butter slices evenly across the top.
Bake 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool 15 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes