Ree Drummond Dump Cake – The Best Easy Southern Dessert (2025)

Ree Drummond dump cake is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dessert that perfectly fits into modern, busy lifestyles—just like everything Savannah shares at Eminent Recipes. With roots in her childhood kitchen and a deep passion for reinventing Southern classics, this recipe brings back warm memories while offering simplicity anyone can master. If you love experimenting with nostalgic dishes that deliver flavor fast, this Pioneer Woman-inspired dump cake is about to become your new go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ree Drummond dump cake is everything you want in a dessert—simple, satisfying, and soul-warming. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or last-minute cravings when you need something sweet without the stress. With just a few pantry staples and zero mixing bowls, you’ll have a buttery, fruity masterpiece in under an hour. Inspired by Pioneer Woman’s love for rustic, Southern comfort food, this dump cake brings bold flavors and homemade charm with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes like tradition but fits right into your fast-paced modern life.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Dump cakes are known for their simplicity—and these Ree Drummond-inspired versions are no exception. With just a few pantry staples and a buttery topping, you’ll create a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert in minutes.

Essential Pantry Items You’ll Need

For both cherry-pineapple and peach versions, these core ingredients form the foundation of every Ree Drummond dump cake:

1 box white cake mix (18 ounces) – The shortcut base that creates a golden, fluffy topping
1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter – Sliced thinly to melt evenly across the cake
1 can fruit filling – Choose either cherry pie or peaches in syrup
1 can crushed pineapple – Optional but adds tartness and extra moisture

These four ingredients are all it takes to pull together a classic dump cake with minimal prep time.

Optional Ingredients to Customize Your Dump Cake

Want to take things up a notch? Here are some add-ons to enhance flavor, texture, or presentation:

Whipped cream – A light topping to balance the richness
Chopped pecans or walnuts – For a crunchy, nutty finish
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg – Especially great in the peach version for a warm spice note
Brown sugar – Sprinkle a little for added caramelization
Vanilla or almond extract – Adds aromatic depth
Ice cream – Serve warm dump cake with a scoop for the ultimate comfort treat

With endless combinations and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can make this Southern favorite your own in just minutes.

How to Make This Recipe

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or whipping up a last-minute treat, this Ree Drummond dump cake method is nearly foolproof. With just one dish, no mixing bowls, and simple layering, you’ll have a golden, gooey dessert on the table in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a No-Fail Dump Cake

1. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking throughout.

2. Prepare your dish:
Use a 9-by-13-inch baking dish—no greasing needed!

For Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake:

Dump one 21-ounce can cherry pie filling and one 15-ounce can crushed pineapple directly into the dish.
Stir gently to combine the fruits evenly.
Sprinkle 1 box white cake mix (18 ounces) evenly over the top.
Slice 1½ sticks (12 tablespoons) butter into small pieces and distribute across the surface.

For Peach Dump Cake:

Dump 1 large can peaches in syrup (undrained) into the baking dish.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the fruit.
Distribute the butter slices over the top, covering as much of the surface as possible.

3. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

4. Serve:
Let it cool slightly and serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baking Tips to Get That Gooey, Golden Texture

Don’t stir the cake mix into the fruit—the dry mix forms a crisp, buttery crust as it bakes.
Even butter coverage is key. If the cake mix isn’t fully moistened in spots, drizzle a little melted butter over dry patches halfway through baking.
Use real butter, not margarine—for richer flavor and proper browning.
Want a crispier top? Broil the cake for the final 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

This process is what makes dump cake so magical—no mess, no stress, just sweet Southern comfort in a pan.

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the perfect Ree Drummond dump cake, avoid one of the most common mistakes: stirring the cake mix into the fruit. This Southern classic relies on layering—Ree Drummond dump cake should have the dry mix sitting right on top to form that crisp, buttery crust as it bakes. Also, ensure the butter is evenly sliced and spread; uneven coverage can leave parts of your dump cake undercooked. Wondering if you need eggs? You don’t. One reason why the Ree Drummond dump cake recipe is so beloved is its simplicity—no eggs, no mixing bowls, just layer, bake, and enjoy a golden, gooey delight every time.

Proper Storage and Reheating

Dump cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven when the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. But it’s just as delicious served cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference. To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat without losing texture, place individual servings in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp, buttery topping intact.

Don’t miss our cozy favorite: Crockpot BWW Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Ree Drummond dump cake is beloved for its simplicity, you can easily switch things up. Try a pecan pie dump cake using pecan pie filling and spice cake mix for a nutty, fall-inspired version. For a cozy twist, use apple pie filling with a dash of cinnamon for a warm apple cinnamon dump cake. Want it dairy-free? Swap butter for plant-based margarine. For gluten-free diets, use a certified gluten-free cake mix—the results are just as delicious. These easy swaps let you enjoy the same gooey goodness, no matter your dietary needs.

What Goes with This Recipe

This Ree Drummond dump cake pairs beautifully with both casual and special occasions. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy, satisfying dessert. Want to elevate it? Drizzle with caramel sauce or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It also complements drinks like sweet tea, hot coffee, or spiced cider, making it a hit at brunches or holiday dinners. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or even weeknight cravings, dump cake brings people together—one gooey, golden bite at a time.

Looking for inspiration? Try our savory pairing: Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe Pioneer Woman Style (Quick & Gooey!)

FAQS

What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?

A dump cake uses dry cake mix sprinkled over fruit, while a cobbler typically has a biscuit or dough topping. Dump cakes are quicker and require no mixing.

Why is it called dump cake?

It’s named for the method—ingredients are literally “dumped” into the baking dish without stirring. It’s one of the easiest desserts you can make with minimal prep.

Do you serve dump cake warm or cold?

It can be served either way! Warm is gooier and great with ice cream, but it’s just as tasty chilled or at room temperature.

What is apple dump cake?

Apple dump cake combines canned or fresh apple pie filling with cake mix and butter. It’s a warm, cinnamon-scented dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The biggest mistake is stirring the cake mix into the fruit. It should remain dry on top so the butter can create a crisp, golden crust while baking.

Is a cobbler just a crumble?

Not exactly. Cobblers usually have a biscuit or dough topping, while crumbles have a streusel-like topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. Dump cakes are a shortcut to both.

Why is it called divorce cake?

“Divorce cake” is a playful name for comforting, indulgent desserts people turn to during breakups. The gooey, satisfying nature of dump cake fits that emotional niche perfectly.

Do you put eggs in a dump cake?

Nope! Traditional dump cakes don’t use eggs. The butter and cake mix do all the work—no extra binding needed, which keeps it wonderfully simple.

Check out a smart breakfast option to pair with dessert: Pioneer Woman Dump Cakes – The Best Easy Southern Dessert You’ll Ever Make

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Ree Drummond dump cakes have earned their place as a beloved dessert staple thanks to their simplicity, rich flavor, and Southern comfort appeal. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt. Whether you stick to the classic cherry-pineapple combo or try bold variations like pecan pie or apple cinnamon, the possibilities are endless. Share it with loved ones, make it your own, and enjoy the sweet ease of dump cake magic.

Dump Cakes Recipe

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake:

One 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

One 15-ounce can crushed pineapple

1 box white cake mix (18 ounces)

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) butter

Peach Dump Cake:

1 large can peaches in syrup