Blueberry Dump Cake

This easy Blueberry Dump Cake recipe is made with fresh or frozen blueberries, yellow cake mix, buttermilk, butter, and a hint of orange for a delicious homemade dessert. With just 7 ingredients, this blueberry dump cake with cake mix has a sweet, juicy blueberry filling and golden, crispy topping that’s like a cross between a blueberry cobbler and crisp!

This Blueberry Dump Cake is one of the easiest blueberry desserts you can make! It’s loaded with juicy blueberries, a little fresh orange juice and zest, and a buttery golden cake topping that’s almost like a homemade blueberry cobbler. And the best part? You only need 7 ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time!

If you’ve been around Snappy Gourmet for a while, you know I LOVE a good dump cake recipe. I’ve made everything from my Pina Colada Dump Cake to my Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

I hate to say it, but this Blueberry Dump Cake might be my favorite so far! I tried something a little different with this recipe, and the results were SO good.

Instead of just pouring melted butter over a box of yellow cake mix, I mixed the butter with buttermilk first. It creates a delicious, golden topping that’s slightly crispy on the outside and soft underneath. Combine that with the sweet, bubbling blueberry filling, and you’ve got one seriously delicious dessert!

I also added fresh orange juice and orange zest to the blueberries. I know that might sound a little unusual, but trust me on this one. The orange adds just a hint of citrus that makes the blueberry flavor even better without making the dessert taste like oranges.

This easy blueberry dump cake recipe uses frozen blueberries, but you can also experiment with fresh blueberries or other fruit.

It’s perfect for summer parties, family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you’re craving an easy homemade blueberry dessert. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and WOW!

What I Love About This Recipe

• It’s SO easy to make! This Blueberry Dump Cake recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You don’t need a mixer, and you can mix the blueberry filling right in the baking dish. Just layer the ingredients, pour on the buttery topping, and bake. It’s perfect when you want a homemade dessert without a lot of work.
• The blueberry filling is delicious. This recipe uses plenty of juicy blueberries for a thick, fruity layer underneath the cake topping. Fresh orange juice and zest add a subtle citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the berries. A little flour helps thicken the blueberry juices as everything bakes. It’s almost like a homemade blueberry pie filling!
• The topping is a little different. Instead of using only butter, I combine melted butter with buttermilk before pouring it over the yellow cake mix. This helps moisten the cake mix and creates a golden, slightly crispy topping. It’s somewhere between a blueberry cobbler and a blueberry crisp. SO good, especially warm from the oven!
• You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. I originally made this blueberry dump cake with frozen blueberries, which makes it easy to prepare any time of year. Fresh blueberries are another option when they’re in season. You can even experiment with different fruits or pie fillings for other dump cake flavors. There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own!
• It’s great for sharing. This recipe makes a big 13×9-inch pan, so it’s perfect for feeding family and friends. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it convenient for parties and potlucks. Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra-special treat. It’s the kind of easy dessert everyone wants a second helping of!

What Is a Dump Cake?

If you’ve never heard of a dump cake, don’t worry. It’s MUCH better than the name sounds! A dump cake is an easy baked dessert made by layering fruit or another filling in a baking dish, adding dry cake mix, and topping it with butter or another liquid.

You generally don’t need a mixer, and most dump cake recipes require very little preparation. The ingredients bake together to create a sweet fruit filling with a golden, cake-like topping.

Depending on the recipe, the finished dessert can taste like a cross between a fruit cobbler, crisp, and cake. Traditional dump cake recipes often use canned fruit or pie filling, but you can also make them with fresh or frozen fruit.

Some popular variations include peach dump cake, cherry dump cake, strawberry dump cake, pineapple dump cake, and blueberry dump cake. You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as yellow cake, white cake, or lemon cake mix. The possibilities are practically endless!

(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)

Equipment You May Need

• 13×9-Inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for this Blueberry Dump Cake. You can also experiment with two smaller baking dishes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For measuring the blueberries, flour, orange juice, orange zest, butter, and buttermilk.
• Microplane or Citrus Zester – Makes it easy to remove the flavorful outer zest from a fresh orange.
• Citrus Juicer – Helpful for squeezing fresh orange juice.
• Small Mixing Bowl – For combining the melted butter and buttermilk.
• Whisk or Spoon – For mixing the butter and buttermilk and stirring the blueberry filling.
• Spatula or Large Spoon – Helps spread the blueberries and cake mix into even layers.
• Oven Mitts – For safely removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Blueberry Dump Cake Ingredients

You only need seven ingredients to make this easy Blueberry Dump Cake recipe!

• Frozen Blueberries – I use defrosted frozen blueberries for this recipe. They create a delicious, juicy filling, and you can make this dessert any time of year. Fresh blueberries are another option.
• Fresh Orange Zest – Adds a subtle citrus flavor that makes the blueberries taste even better. I really recommend using fresh orange zest instead of leaving it out.
• Fresh Orange Juice – Adds a little brightness to the blueberry filling. You don’t need much, but it makes a difference!
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the juices from the blueberries as the dump cake bakes. This is especially helpful when using defrosted frozen blueberries.
• Yellow Cake Mix – A regular boxed yellow cake mix creates the easy golden topping. I used Duncan Hines yellow cake mix, but other brands should work too. I recommend a traditional yellow cake mix without pudding added.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create the delicious golden topping. It’s combined with buttermilk before being poured over the dry cake mix.
• Buttermilk – My little twist on a traditional dump cake! Buttermilk combines with the melted butter to help moisten the cake mix and create a topping that’s slightly crispy and cobbler-like.

How to Make Blueberry Dump Cake

This easy Blueberry Dump Cake with yellow cake mix comes together in just a few simple steps. No electric mixer required!

Step One: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish to help prevent sticking and make serving easier.

Step Two: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
Add the defrosted frozen blueberries to the prepared baking dish. Stir in the fresh orange zest and orange juice, then stir in the flour. Spread the blueberries into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. No need to dirty an extra mixing bowl!

Step Three: Add the Cake Mix
Spoon the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the blueberries. Try to cover the fruit completely and create a thin, even layer. Don’t prepare the cake mix according to the box directions.

Step Four: Add the Butter and Buttermilk
Mix the melted butter and buttermilk together, then pour the mixture evenly over the dry cake mix. Tilt the baking dish as needed to help the liquid cover the top and moisten the dry cake mix. Don’t stir the layers together! This is what helps create that delicious golden, cobbler-like topping.

Step Five: Bake the Dump Cake
Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges. Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving. I especially love it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)

Blueberry Dump Cake Variations

One of the best things about dump cake recipes is how easy they are to customize. Once you’ve made this easy blueberry version, you can experiment with other fruits, cake mixes, and flavors. Here are a few ideas!

• Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake – Try lemon zest and lemon juice instead of orange for a different citrus flavor. You could also experiment with lemon cake mix for even more lemon flavor.
• Blueberry Peach Dump Cake – Replace some of the blueberries with sliced peaches for a delicious combination of summer fruit.
• Blueberry Strawberry Dump Cake – Try a combination of blueberries and strawberries for a colorful berry dessert.
• Cherry Dump Cake – Substitute cherries for the blueberries. My Easy Cherry Dump Cake is another great recipe to try!
• Pineapple Dump Cake – Experiment with pineapple for a tropical twist, or try my Pina Colada Dump Cake.
• Blueberry Pie Filling Dump Cake – Try canned blueberry pie filling for a shortcut version. Since pie filling is already sweetened and thickened, you’ll need to experiment with the other ingredients.
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake – For a richer dessert, experiment with adding small pieces of cream cheese to the fruit layer before adding the cake mix. I haven’t tested this variation, so the texture and baking time may differ.
• Mixed Berry Dump Cake – Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
• White Cake Mix Dump Cake – Substitute white cake mix for yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor.
• Extra Citrus Blueberry Dump Cake – Add a little more orange or lemon zest if you love citrus desserts.

When changing the fruit, remember that different fruits release different amounts of liquid. You may need to adjust the thickener or baking time depending on what you use.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Dump Cake tastes delicious warm or at room temperature. I personally LOVE it warm with vanilla ice cream! Here are a few more ways to serve it:

• Vanilla Ice Cream – My favorite! A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream melting over warm blueberry dump cake is SO good.
• Whipped Cream – Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or your favorite whipped topping.
• Fresh Blueberries – Sprinkle a few fresh blueberries on top for extra blueberry flavor.
• Lemon Zest – Add a little fresh lemon zest for a bright citrus finish.
• Orange Zest – A tiny sprinkle of fresh orange zest complements the orange flavor already in the filling.
• Powdered Sugar – Dust the top lightly for a pretty presentation.
• Coffee or Tea – Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for an easy afternoon dessert.

This easy blueberry dessert is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, holidays, and casual get-togethers. Because it makes a large pan, it’s also great when you need a dessert for a crowd.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Thaw frozen blueberries first. I used defrosted frozen blueberries. This helps the fruit cook evenly and allows the flour to thicken the juices.
• Don’t skip the orange juice and zest. I know orange might sound unusual with blueberries, but the fresh citrus adds delicious flavor.
• Use a traditional yellow cake mix. I recommend a classic cake mix without pudding added for the best topping.
• Don’t prepare the cake mix. Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the blueberries. No eggs or oil from the box directions!
• Spread the cake mix evenly. Try to create an even layer so the topping bakes consistently.
• Cover the dry cake mix with the butter mixture. Tilt the pan if necessary so the melted butter and buttermilk reach as much of the cake mix as possible.
• Don’t stir the layers together. Once you’ve added the topping, leave everything layered. The cake mix and butter mixture bake together to form the golden crust.
• Watch for bubbling blueberries. The filling should bubble around the edges, and the topping should be golden brown when the dump cake is done.
• Let it cool slightly. A little cooling time helps the filling settle and makes serving easier.
• Adjust the fruit if desired. Eight cups creates a thick blueberry layer. You can experiment with 4-6 cups if you’d prefer less fruit, although the finished texture may change.
• Serve warm for the best experience. The combination of warm blueberries, crispy topping, and cold vanilla ice cream is hard to beat!

Blueberry Dump Cake FAQ

How should I store the dump cake?
Let the Blueberry Dump Cake cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to keep the fruit filling fresh. You can enjoy leftovers cold or reheat individual servings.

Can I freeze the dump cake?
Yes! Let the dump cake cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the topping may lose some of its crispness after freezing.

How long will the dump cake last?
Leftover Blueberry Dump Cake will generally keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within the first few days.

Substitutions?
You can substitute regular milk for the buttermilk, although the topping may have a slightly different texture. You can also experiment with fresh blueberries or other types of fruit instead of frozen blueberries. White or lemon cake mix may work in place of yellow cake mix, but the flavor will change.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can experiment with lower-fat milk instead of buttermilk, but the topping may not be quite as rich. I recommend keeping the butter in the recipe because it helps moisten the cake mix and create the golden topping.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You could experiment with a little lemon zest, other berries, peaches, or a different cake mix flavor. Some people also enjoy cream cheese in fruit dump cakes. Just remember that extra ingredients can affect the texture and baking time.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
The recipe is vegetarian but not vegan because it contains butter and buttermilk. You could experiment with dairy-free alternatives, but I haven’t tested them. For a gluten-free version, you’d need a suitable gluten-free cake mix and flour substitute. This recipe is not particularly low carb because it contains fruit and cake mix.

Why is my Blueberry Dump Cake dry on top?
Dry spots usually happen when some of the cake mix doesn’t get enough moisture. Be sure to pour the melted butter and buttermilk mixture evenly over the cake mix. You can tilt the pan gently to help the liquid cover the surface before baking. Don’t stir the layers together.

Why is my Blueberry Dump Cake runny?
Blueberries release a lot of juice as they bake, especially frozen blueberries. The flour helps thicken the filling, but the dessert may still be quite juicy when hot. Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving so the filling has time to settle. The amount of liquid can also vary depending on the blueberries.

How do I know when Blueberry Dump Cake is done?
Look for a golden brown topping and blueberry filling that’s bubbling around the edges.

Can I make Blueberry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the dump cake ahead of time and refrigerate it after cooling. Reheat it in the oven before serving if you prefer it warm. The topping will generally be crispiest when freshly baked.

Can I make Blueberry Dump Cake in a slow cooker?
You may be able to adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, but I haven’t tested it. I personally prefer baking dump cakes in the oven because the topping gets golden and slightly crispy. A slow cooker would likely produce a softer topping.

Can I make this dump cake in a smaller baking dish?
You can divide the recipe between two smaller baking dishes. However, the thickness of the layers and baking time may change depending on the pan sizes. Keep an eye on the topping and look for bubbling fruit to determine when it’s done.

Other Blueberry Recipes You May Enjoy

If you love this easy Blueberry Dump Cake, here are a few more delicious Snappy Gourmet blueberry recipes to try!

• Easy Blueberry Cobbler in One Minute – A quick and easy blueberry cobbler made right in the microwave! This single-serving dessert is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake a whole pan.
• Blueberry Pie – A classic homemade blueberry pie with fresh blueberries, a hint of lemon, and a flaky double crust. Delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
• Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins – Easy gluten-free blueberry muffins made with almond flour, juicy blueberries, and a little fresh orange. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, and freezing for later!
• Blueberry Muffin Tops with Cheesecake Drizzle – Why eat the whole muffin when you can have the best part? These homemade blueberry muffin tops have a delicious sweet cream cheese drizzle and are great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Hope you enjoy this easy Blueberry Dump Cake recipe! If you like dump cakes, you may also like this Chocolate Dump Cake!