Easy and Delicious Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Are you looking for a dessert that’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than the Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake! This delightful treat is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of juicy blueberries, tangy pineapple, and buttery cake creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe is so simple that even novice bakers can whip it up in no time. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake
* **Effortless Preparation:** The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. No mixing bowls or complicated steps are required. Just dump, spread, and bake!
* **Minimal Ingredients:** This recipe uses just a handful of readily available ingredients, making it a budget-friendly and convenient option.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The sweet blueberries and tropical pineapple complement each other perfectly, creating a balanced and refreshing dessert.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding other fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves a good dump cake, and this Blueberry Pineapple version is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained:** The pineapple provides sweetness and moisture to the cake.
* **1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling:** This adds the delicious blueberry flavor and a delightful fruity texture.
* **1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix:** The cake mix forms the base of the dump cake. You can also use white or butter pecan cake mix for variations.
* **¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pats:** The butter adds richness and flavor, and creates a golden-brown, crispy topping.
* **Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts:** For added texture and nutty flavor. These can be toasted beforehand for even more flavor.
* **Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds a warm, comforting spice to the cake.
* **Optional: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream:** For serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This is the standard size for most dump cakes.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Knife:** For cutting the butter into pats.
* **Optional: Pastry blender or fork:** For cutting the butter into smaller pieces (optional, but helpful for even distribution).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the dump cake! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and easy dessert:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
**Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish**
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
**Step 3: Layer the Ingredients**
* **Pineapple:** Pour the undrained can of crushed pineapple into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly over the bottom.
* **Blueberry Pie Filling:** Spoon the blueberry pie filling over the pineapple layer. Gently spread it so that it covers most of the pineapple. Try not to mix the layers.
* **Cake Mix:** Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the blueberry pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Distribute it as evenly as possible.
* **Optional Spices:** If using, sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the dry cake mix.
**Step 4: Add the Butter**
Cut the cold butter into small pats. Arrange the butter pats evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter will melt and create a delicious, buttery topping.
**Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)**
If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter pats. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
**Step 6: Bake the Dump Cake**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (though it might have some moist crumbs due to the fruit).
**Step 7: Cool and Serve**
Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and prevents it from being too gooey.
Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake
* **Don’t Mix the Layers:** The key to a good dump cake is to layer the ingredients without mixing them. This allows each ingredient to retain its individual flavor and texture.
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crispy, golden-brown topping. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into pats.
* **Even Butter Distribution:** Arrange the butter pats evenly over the dry cake mix. This ensures that the entire cake is covered with a buttery topping.
* **Check for Doneness:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake for doneness after 50 minutes. It should be golden brown and bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (or with moist crumbs).
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will prevent it from being too gooey and allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Customize Your Cake:** Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and spices to create your own unique dump cake. Some popular variations include adding shredded coconut, chopped apples, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Variations and Add-Ins
This Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
* **Other Fruits:** Try using other canned fruits, such as peaches, cherries, or apples, in place of or in addition to the pineapple and blueberries.
* **Different Cake Mixes:** Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as white, butter pecan, or chocolate, for a unique twist.
* **Nuts:** Add different types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts, for added texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Enhance the flavor of the cake with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
* **Shredded Coconut:** Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake mix for a tropical flavor.
* **Lemon or Orange Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the cake mix for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Swirl cream cheese mixture into the fruit filling before adding the cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
* **Custard:** Drizzle with custard for a rich and creamy treat.
* **Fruit Sauce:** Serve with a fruit sauce, such as raspberry or strawberry sauce, for added flavor.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** Varies depending on ingredients and portion size.
* **Fat:** Varies depending on ingredients and portion size.
* **Carbohydrates:** Varies depending on ingredients and portion size.
* **Protein:** Varies depending on ingredients and portion size.
*Please note that this is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?**
A: While you can use fresh pineapple, canned pineapple is recommended because it is already cooked and will release its juices, creating a more moist and flavorful cake. If using fresh pineapple, make sure to cook it slightly beforehand to soften it and release some of its juices.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?**
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you like. White, butter pecan, and even chocolate cake mix work well with blueberries and pineapple.
**Q: Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dump cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
**Q: Can I add other fruits to this dump cake?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like peaches, cherries, or apples to customize the flavor.
**Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?**
A: Make sure to grease the baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients.
**Q: Can I freeze this dump cake?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the dump cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Q: My dump cake is too dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Make sure you are using undrained canned pineapple, as the juice is essential for moisture. Also, ensure that the butter is distributed evenly over the cake mix. If your oven runs hot, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.
**Q: My dump cake is too soggy. What did I do wrong?**
A: This can happen if there is too much moisture. Ensure you are not adding extra liquid to the recipe. Also, make sure the cake is fully baked before removing it from the oven.
**Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?**
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the overall saltiness of the cake. You may want to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
**Q: Can I make this dump cake in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can make this dump cake in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as directed, then cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the cake is cooked through. Check it periodically to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Pineapple Dump Cake is a ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dump cake! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to create your own signature flavor. Happy baking!