Easy Blackberry Dump Cake: The Simplest & Most Delicious Dessert Recipe

Craving a warm, fruity dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this incredibly easy blackberry dump cake! This recipe is a true kitchen hero, combining a luscious, juicy blackberry filling with a golden, buttery cake mix topping. With just a few minutes of prep and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion – from busy weeknights to last-minute gatherings. Think of it as your favorite blackberry cobbler, but made in a fraction of the time with almost no cleanup!

Dump cakes are a revelation in easy baking. The concept is wonderfully simple: “dump” all your ingredients directly into a baking pan, without the need for multiple mixing bowls or complicated steps. This makes them one of those reliable, go-to dessert recipes that always come to the rescue when you need something sweet and satisfying without any fuss.

Just like other beloved dump cakes such as lemon blueberry dump cake, strawberry dump cake, chocolate cherry dump cake, and apple dump cake, this blackberry version embraces simplicity. You layer canned fruit filling, fresh fruit, dry cake mix, and butter directly in the dish, then let the oven work its magic. The result is a dessert that bakes up beautifully, mimicking the comforting texture of a classic fruit cobbler with a tender, golden-brown topping and a rich, bubbling blackberry filling. A subtle hint of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth, making each bite an absolute delight.

Essential Ingredients for Your Blackberry Dump Cake Cobbler

This section provides detailed ingredient notes and suggests potential substitution options to help you tailor the recipe to your preferences. For all exact measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.

• Blackberry Pie Filling: This is the shortcut superstar of our recipe! Look for a standard 21-ounce can of blackberry pie filling, sometimes labeled “blackberry fruit filling,” in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. It provides that essential juicy, sweet, and slightly tart base without any extra effort. While blackberry is fantastic, you can explore other fruit pie fillings for delicious variations.
• Fresh or Frozen Blackberries: Incorporating fresh or frozen blackberries amplifies the fruity flavor and adds wonderful texture. If using frozen blackberries, remember to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. This prevents excess moisture from making your cake soggy and ensures even baking. Simply spread them on a paper towel-lined plate for about 30 minutes or microwave briefly to thaw.
• Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: These two ingredients work in harmony to enhance the natural sweetness of the blackberries and introduce a warm, inviting depth of flavor. The sugar helps to balance the tartness of the berries, while cinnamon adds that classic “cobbler” feel, making the dessert even cozier and more aromatic. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference, especially if your berries are particularly sweet or tart.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the foundation of our buttery, golden topping. Any store-bought brand will work perfectly here, offering convenience and consistent results. The beauty of a dump cake is that the dry cake mix magically transforms into a delicious, crumbly topping as it bakes, absorbing the butter and fruit juices. While yellow cake mix is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, white, or even lemon cake mix for a unique twist.
• Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden, crispy, and buttery topping. We recommend using cold, unsalted butter, thinly sliced into approximately 36 even pats. Distributing the butter evenly ensures that the cake mix gets fully moistened and crisps up beautifully during baking, creating that irresistible crust. If you prefer, you can also melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix, though the sliced method often yields a more even and visually appealing crust.

How to Make This Easy Blackberry Dump Cake Recipe

Follow these straightforward steps, complete with illustrative photos, to create your perfect blackberry dump cake. For the comprehensive printable recipe card with all details, please scroll down to the end of this post.

1. Prepare the Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the delicious, syrupy fruit filling from sticking. Once prepared, pour the entire can of blackberry fruit filling into the bottom of the dish. Add your fresh or thawed frozen blackberries on top, and gently stir them into the canned filling with a spatula to ensure they are well coated and evenly distributed. Spread this mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
2. Sweeten and Spice: Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon over the entire berry layer. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and the comforting warmth that makes this dessert so irresistible, creating a beautiful flavor balance with the blackberries.
3. Layer the Dry Mix: Carefully and evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the sweetened berry layer. It’s important to distribute the cake mix as uniformly as possible to ensure proper baking and a consistent topping. Avoid stirring the cake mix into the berries; the magic of a dump cake happens when these layers remain separate before baking.
4. Add the Butter: Place the thinly sliced pats of cold unsalted butter over the dry cake mix. Arrange them strategically to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. As the cake bakes, the butter will melt, saturating the dry mix and transforming it into a golden, buttery, and slightly crispy crust. Good coverage ensures no dry spots in your topping.
5. Bake and Serve: Bake the dump cake as directed in the recipe card below, typically for about 40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the berry filling is bubbly around the edges of the pan. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. This dessert is absolutely divine on its own, but truly shines when paired with a dollop of whipped cream, a few extra fresh berries, or, our personal favorite, a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The warm cake against the cold ice cream is a match made in heaven!

Storage & Reheating Tips for Your Dump Cake

Ensuring your delicious blackberry dump cake stays fresh and ready to enjoy is simple with these storage and reheating guidelines:

• Refrigerator: To keep your leftovers at their best, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual servings to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: For longer storage, this dump cake freezes beautifully. Once the cake has completely cooled, cover the entire baking dish securely with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil (ensure your dish is freezer-safe). You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• How to Reheat: While this cake is delightful served at room temperature, many prefer it warm, especially with ice cream. For a quick reheat, simply place a single serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire dish, cover it loosely with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Delicious Additions and Creative Variations

One of the best things about this blackberry dump cake is its versatility! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:

• Swap the Fruit Filling: Don’t limit yourself to blackberries! Replace the canned blackberry pie filling with any fruit filling you desire. Imagine strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries, raspberry pie filling with fresh raspberries, or a delightful peach filling with fresh slices of peach. For a tropical twist, try a coconut cake mix with a pineapple filling, or a cherry pie filling for a classic taste.
• Mix and Match Berries: You can easily substitute the fresh blackberries with other fresh or thawed frozen berries, or use a combination! Blackberries and raspberries, or blackberries and strawberries, create a wonderful medley of flavors and colors. Blueberries are another excellent choice for a vibrant, sweet-tart combination.
• Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors: The yellow cake mix is a fantastic base, but the possibilities are endless! Try a lemon cake mix for a brighter, zesty flavor that beautifully complements the berries. A white cake mix offers a clean, vanilla-forward taste, while a spice cake mix can add a warm, autumnal note. For something truly decadent, a chocolate cake mix with the blackberry filling creates a rich, dessert-lover’s dream.
• Boost the Crunch Factor: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the butter pats before baking. A sprinkle of old-fashioned oats can also create a satisfyingly chewy, streusel-like topping.
• No Fresh Berries? No Problem!: If fresh or frozen berries aren’t available, you can still enjoy this delicious cake. Simply use 1.5 cans of blackberry pie filling (approximately 30-32 ounces total) instead of the fresh berries. Using two full cans might result in too much liquid for the amount of cake mix, so be mindful of the ratio.
• Add a Zesty Kick: For an extra burst of freshness, grate the zest of one lemon or orange over the fruit layer before adding the cake mix. Citrus zest beautifully brightens and enhances the natural flavors of the berries.
• A Touch of Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or almond extract, mixed gently into the blackberry filling, can add another layer of aromatic depth.

More Fruity Dessert Recipes to Explore

If you loved this easy blackberry dump cake, be sure to check out these other delightful fruity dessert recipes from our collection:

• Rhubarb Dump Cake
• Orange Juice Cake
• Strawberry Crumb Cake
• Lemon Bundt Cake with Cake Mix

We hope this enhanced guide to the easy blackberry dump cake has inspired you to get baking! Its simplicity, delicious taste, and endless customization options make it a standout dessert for any home baker. Enjoy the process of creating this warm, fruity delight, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. Happy baking!