Name: Blueberry Dump Cake: The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups frozen blueberries (thawed; fresh blueberries work too!); 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (optional; adds a subtle caramelized flavor); 21-ounce can blueberry pie filling; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth to the flavor); 1 box white cake mix (yellow or vanilla cake mix also works); ½ cup salted butter (cut into 20 slices; unsalted butter is fine too)

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups frozen blueberries (thawed; fresh blueberries work too!)
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (optional; adds a subtle caramelized flavor)
21-ounce can blueberry pie filling
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth to the flavor)
1 box white cake mix (yellow or vanilla cake mix also works)
½ cup salted butter (cut into 20 slices; unsalted butter is fine too)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A nonstick spray with flour, like Baker’s Joy, is ideal to prevent sticking.
Layer the blueberries.
Evenly spread 2 cups of thawed frozen blueberries in the prepared baking dish. If using fresh blueberries, rinse and pat them dry first. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the blueberries if desired.
Add the blueberry pie filling.
Pour the 21-ounce can of blueberry pie filling over the blueberries. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using) and gently stir the mixture to combine.
Sprinkle the cake mix.
Open the box of white cake mix and spread it evenly over the blueberry mixture. Don’t stir—this is where the magic happens!
Add the butter slices.
Slice ½ cup (1 stick) of butter into 20 pieces. Distribute the butter slices evenly across the surface of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a golden, crispy topping.
Bake to perfection.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 43-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Cool and serve.
Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.

Notes

Avoid over-mixing: The charm of this dessert lies in its simplicity. Do not stir the layers after adding the cake mix and butter. The distinct textures of the blueberries, filling, and topping make this dessert so delightful.
Frozen vs. fresh blueberries: Thaw frozen blueberries before using them to prevent excess liquid from watering down the dessert.
Butter placement: Spread the butter slices evenly for uniform browning. If you notice dry patches of cake mix, you can drizzle a little extra melted butter over those areas mid-bake.
Don’t skip cooling time: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the flavors.

Author: Paula Susan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes