Simple Vegan Dump Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, comforting, and completely fuss-free, a vegan dump cake is the answer. 

This recipe takes simple pantry ingredients and turns them into a warm, gooey, fruit-filled treat with barely any effort. 

True to its name, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a dish and bake. There are no complicated steps required.

Perfect for weeknights, last-minute guests, or cozy evenings in, this cake delivers classic comfort in a plant-based way.

Why Vegan Dump Cake Is a Must-Try

Dump cakes are a long-time favorite for good reason: they’re fast, customizable, and delicious. With a base of fruit and a boxed cake mix, all you need is a little plant-based butter or oil to pull it together. 

This vegan version keeps things simple and accessible while delivering on taste and texture.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Minimal ingredients and prep time
• No mixing, just layer and bake
• Naturally dairy-free and egg-free
• Great way to use canned fruit or pie filling
• Perfect for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or family treats

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Dump Cake

This recipe uses a few basics you might already have on hand. Choose your favorite fruit filling and a good-quality vegan cake mix.

Base Ingredients

• 1 20-oz can fruit pie filling (cherry, apple, peach, or blueberry work well)
• 1 15 to 18-oz box vegan-friendly yellow or white cake mix
• ½ cup melted vegan butter or neutral oil

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (to add texture and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple or peach variations)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut (for a crunchy topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegan Dump Cake

This cake comes together right in the baking dish, with no bowls or mixers needed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Add the fruit filling
   Spoon the fruit pie filling evenly into the bottom of the dish. If using extra berries or spices, scatter them over the filling now.
   
3. Sprinkle the cake mix
   Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the fruit layer. Use a spoon or your hands to gently spread it out without pressing down.
   
4. Add the butter or oil
   Drizzle the melted vegan butter or oil evenly over the surface of the cake mix. Try to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible for even baking.
   
5. Bake
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
   
6. Cool slightly and serve
   Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm.

How to Serve Vegan Dump Cake

This dessert is sweet, fruity, and rich straight from the oven, but it’s even better with a little something on top. Here are a few ideas:

• A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream
• Coconut whipped cream
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
• Chopped toasted nuts for added crunch

You can serve it straight from the dish or divide it into bowls for a cozier presentation.

Simple Ways to Switch It Up

Once you’ve made this once, you’ll want to try it again with different combinations. Here are some popular pairings:

• Cherry and chocolate cake mix for a black forest-style treat
• Apple, cinnamon, and yellow cake mix for a fall favorite
• Peach, coconut, and white cake mix for a tropical twist
• Blueberry, lemon zest, and vanilla cake mix for a bright, fresh flavor

You can mix and match depending on what you have available, as this recipe is very forgiving.

How to Store Vegan Dump Cake

Vegan dump cake stores well and can be enjoyed for days:

• Store in the fridge in a covered dish for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.
• You can also freeze cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm before serving.

Final Thoughts

This vegan dump cake proves that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.

With just a few ingredients and no need for extra dishes, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a simple, satisfying sweet that’s ready in under an hour.

Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself on a quiet night in, this cake delivers all the comfort of a homemade dessert, without the work.

Up next: Our light and tasty vegan chiffon cake.

Simple Vegan Dump Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make

Recipe by Jess Miller

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• Base Ingredients:

• 1 20-oz can fruit pie filling (cherry, apple, peach, or blueberry work well)

• 1 15 to 18-oz box vegan-friendly yellow or white cake mix

• ½ cup melted vegan butter or neutral oil

• Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (to add texture and flavor)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple or peach variations)

• ¼ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut (for a crunchy topping)

Directions

• Preheat the oven
• Add the fruit filling
• Sprinkle the cake mix
• Add the butter or oil
• Bake
• Cool slightly and serve