Blueberry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, tangy flavor of blueberries with a buttery, cake-like topping, creating a mouthwatering treat that is both simple and satisfying. This recipe has its roots in the classic “dump cake” tradition, which emerged in the United States during the 1970s. It quickly became a favorite among busy home cooks for its ease and minimal preparation time. I love how this dish captures the essence of summer, with fresh blueberries bursting with flavor in every bite.
People adore Blueberry Dump Cake not only for its delicious taste but also for its incredible texture. The juicy blueberries meld perfectly with the crumbly topping, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, its a convenient dessert that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, Blueberry Dump Cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, I love pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Preparing the Blueberry Mixture
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. 2. **Prepare the Blueberries**: If youre using fresh blueberries, rinse them under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. If youre using frozen blueberries, theres no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the bowl. 3. **Mix the Blueberries**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently stir the mixture until the blueberries are well coated with the sugar and the juices start to release. This will create a lovely syrup as the cake bakes. 4. **Set Aside**: Let the blueberry mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sugar to dissolve a bit more.Preparing the Cake Base
5. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the dish. 6. **Layer the Blueberry Mixture**: Pour the blueberry mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the blueberries are distributed well across the dish. 7. **Add the Cake Mix**: Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the blueberry layer. Dont worry about mixing it in; the beauty of a dump cake is that its meant to be layered. 8. **Melt the Butter**: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until its completely melted. 9. **Drizzle the Butter**: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This will help create a deliciously crispy top as it bakes. 10. **Add Nuts and Cinnamon (Optional)**: If youre using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the cake mix. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that added crunch and warmth.Baking the Cake
11. **Bake the Cake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Youll know its done when the top is golden brown and the blueberry juices are bubbling around the edges. 12. **Check for Doneness**: To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, its ready. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes. 13. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to serve.Serving the Blueberry Dump Cake
14. **Scoop and Serve**: Using a large spoon or spatula, scoop out portions of the cake, making sure to get some of the blueberry layer along with the cake mix topping. 15. **Add Toppings**: Serve the blueberry dump cake warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, fruity cake. 16. **Enjoy**: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweet blueberries, buttery cake, and creamy topping create a dessert thats hard to resist!Storage Tips
17. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the cake cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 18. **Reheating**
Conclusion:
In summary, this Blueberry Dump Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously simple dessert that bursts with flavor. The combination of juicy blueberries and a buttery cake topping creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. For serving suggestions, I love to pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to elevate the experience. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a hint of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the blueberry mixture for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this Blueberry Dump Cake a try and share your experience with me! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, I would love to hear how it turns out. So grab those blueberries and get bakingthis delightful dessert is waiting for you! Print
Blueberry Dump Cake: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Blueberry Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert featuring juicy blueberries topped with a buttery cake layer. Ideal for any occasion, it can be enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Rinse fresh blueberries and remove stems; frozen blueberries can go straight into the bowl.
- Gently stir until the blueberries are well coated with the sugar and lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices from the blueberries.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the yellow cake mix evenly over the blueberry mixture in the baking dish without stirring.
- If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the cake mix.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry mixture is bubbling around the edges.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Scoop portions into bowls, ensuring a mix of blueberry filling and cake layer.
- Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
- For presentation, sprinkle with additional cinnamon or fresh blueberries.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or reheat the entire dish in the oven.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute other berries or add spices to suit your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
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