Berry Crisp Dump Cake: The Easiest Dessert You Can Make

If you’re looking for an effortless yet scrumptious dessert, the Berry Crisp Dump Cake is the perfect recipe for you. With just five simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this cake delivers both warmth and flavor in every bite. The combination of sweet, juicy mixed berries and a buttery, crumbly topping makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a last-minute treat, this Berry Crisp Dump Cake is sure to impress.

Berry Crisp Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Berry Crisp Dump Cake

This Berry Crisp Dump Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It combines the fruity goodness of frozen mixed berries with the rich, buttery flavor of cake mix and oats. The best part? It requires very little effort. Simply dump the ingredients into a pan and bake. Plus, it’s a one-pan dessert that’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a delicious dessert that feels fancy but is incredibly simple.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Frozen Mixed Berries: These provide the sweet and tart flavor base for the cake. You don’t need to thaw them—just dump them straight into the pan.
French Vanilla Cake Mix: This cake mix adds a sweet, fluffy base to the dessert. French vanilla is preferred for its rich flavor, but you can use other types of vanilla cake mix if needed.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds a crunchy texture and makes the topping even more delicious. You can swap them with quick oats if preferred.
Chopped Walnuts: These nuts contribute a crunchy element to the topping. If you have allergies, you can easily replace them with pecans or almonds.
Butter: The melted butter is essential for creating the crumble topping. It brings everything together for that perfect golden crust.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing any of these ingredients or want to customize the recipe to fit dietary needs, here are some swaps you can make:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free.
Nuts: If you’re allergic to walnuts, pecans or almonds are excellent alternatives. You can also omit nuts entirely if desired.
Non-Dairy: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free butter substitute to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Berries: Take the frozen mixed berries and spread them evenly at the bottom of the prepared pan. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just pour them directly into the dish.
  3. Mix the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the dry French vanilla cake mix, old-fashioned oats, chopped walnuts, and melted butter. Stir until you achieve thick, crumbly bits of topping.
  4. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cake topping mixture evenly over the berries. Make sure the topping covers the berries completely.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling.
  6. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving.

Tips & Tricks

To make your Berry Crisp Dump Cake even better, consider these tips:

Watch the Topping: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Check the Berries: If you’re using a lot of frozen fruit, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the berries cook thoroughly and become “saucy.”
Leftovers: Leftover dump cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

The beauty of the Berry Crisp Dump Cake is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:

Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Ice Cream: Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic, but try pairing the cake with chocolate, strawberry, or even a scoop of frozen yogurt for a lighter option.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the berry mixture and crumble topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

The Berry Crisp Dump Cake is perfect for any season, especially when fresh berries are abundant in the summer. You can enjoy this dessert year-round with frozen mixed berries. Additionally, using whole oats and walnuts adds nutritional value to the dessert, providing fiber, healthy fats, and protein. While it’s still a treat, the fruit and nuts give you some health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

The Berry Crisp Dump Cake is truly a game-changer when it comes to quick, crowd-pleasing desserts. With just five simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a warm, delicious treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just to satisfy your own sweet cravings, this dump cake will never disappoint. Its simple, comforting flavors make it a dessert everyone can enjoy. So, give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy a dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious!

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen for this recipe?

While frozen mixed berries are ideal because they create a juicy, sweet berry sauce, you can use fresh berries as well. However, fresh berries may not release as much liquid, which could result in a drier texture for the dessert. To compensate, you can add a bit of water or fruit juice to ensure the topping doesn’t dry out.

2. How do I store leftovers of the Berry Crisp Dump Cake?

After serving, any leftover Berry Crisp Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply microwave individual portions to reheat.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free or vegan version of this dump cake! Substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter or coconut oil. For the cake mix, use a dairy-free version to ensure it’s completely vegan-friendly. You can also top it with dairy-free ice cream for the perfect finish.

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Berry Crisp Dump Cake

Berry Crisp Dump Cake


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  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Berry Crisp Dump Cake is a delicious and easy dessert made with just five simple ingredients. Frozen mixed berries are topped with a buttery, crumbly cake mix and oatmeal topping for a warm, sweet treat that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bags (12-15 oz each) frozen mixed berries
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) French vanilla cake mix
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Dump the frozen mixed berries (no need to thaw them) into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, oats, chopped walnuts, and melted butter until you form thick crumbles.
  4. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the frozen berries.
  5. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling and “saucy”.
  6. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.
  • If you’re allergic to walnuts, substitute with pecans, almonds, or omit the nuts entirely.
  • If using fresh berries, add a bit of fruit juice or water to ensure the topping doesn’t dry out.
  • This recipe can be made ahead; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat individual servings in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 343 kcal
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 377mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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