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.

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

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

1 box white cake mix (18 ounces)

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) butter

Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the cherry-pineapple dump cake: Dump the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Stir together. Sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the fruit. Slice the butter into tablespoons and distribute evenly over the surface of the cake mix.
For the peach dump cake: Dump the peaches into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the fruit. Slice the butter into tablespoons and distribute evenly over the surface of the cake mix.
Bake until the tops are brown and bubbly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour