You know, dump cakes might seem like they came from those fancy 1980s dinner parties, but they actually popped up back in the 1960s when we all got excited about those handy convenience foods.
Now, I've made just about every dump cake under the sun, but this lemon-blueberry combo really takes the cake (if you'll pardon my kitchen humor). It's just three ingredients, but goodness – the tart lemon playing against those sweet blueberries is something special.
The real trick with this one – and I learned this the hard way – is getting that top nice and crispy while keeping all those juicy fruits bubbling away underneath.
Don't let the simple ingredients fool you though. When you pull this out of the oven, folks will think you've been fussing all day, but between you and me, it's about as easy as desserts come. Perfect for those days when you want something homemade but don't feel like turning the kitchen upside down.
Just wait till you see how these basic ingredients work together – it's like kitchen magic, plain and simple.
Recipe
A lemon blueberry dump cake is one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts you can make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a perfect balance, while the cake mix provides a golden, buttery crust that complements the fruit filling perfectly. This dessert is reminiscent of classic cobblers like Peach and blueberry cobbler, which also highlight the delightful pairing of fresh fruit and a rustic topping.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – true to its name, you literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The result is a cobbler-like dessert that's crispy on top and juicy on the bottom, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cans (21 oz each) blueberry pie filling
- 1 large lemon
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour both cans of blueberry pie filling into the baking dish, spreading evenly. Zest and juice the lemon, mixing both into the blueberry filling. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
For best results, allow the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot straight from the oven. If the top starts browning too quickly during baking, cover loosely with aluminum foil. This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days, though the topping may lose some of its crispness over time.
This lemon blueberry dump cake embodies the essence of effortless baking. The concept originated in the mid-20th century when convenience cooking gained popularity among American home cooks. By simply layering cake mix with fruit and butter, this dessert practically makes itself in the oven.
The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a bright, fruity flavor that works particularly well during summer months when fresh berries are abundant. While traditionally made with canned pie filling, this version incorporates fresh fruit for a more natural approach to this vintage recipe.
Conclusion
You know how sometimes the simplest things turn out the best? That's exactly what happened when I stumbled onto this lemon blueberry dump cake. Just three ingredients, if you can believe it! I've been baking this cake for potlucks and family gatherings since my neighbor Mary shared it with me over coffee one afternoon. There's no fussing around with fancy techniques – you just dump everything in (that's why they call it a dump cake, bless its heart), and the oven does all the work. Let me tell you, folks always ask what's in it, and when I tell them how easy it is, they think I'm pulling their leg. But that's the beauty of it – sometimes the old ways are the best ways. It's never let me down, and it'll work just fine for you too. Perfect for those times when company shows up unannounced or when you need something reliable for the church social.