Instant Dutch Oven Dump Cake Recipe

Need an easy dessert? This instant Dutch Oven Dump Cake recipe will fit the bill! This recipe uses the Instant Gourmet Dutch oven (aka Instant Precision Dutch oven) to cook the cake. However, this recipe can be used with any cast-iron Dutch oven or even a slow cooker. In fact I adapted the recipe from my old slow cooker dump cake recipe.  The recipe is demonstrated using the electric slow cooking function of Instant Dutch oven (on manual 2 mode) and I also give instructions for baking it in the oven.   

What I love about this dump cake recipe is how easy and adaptable it is. The recipe uses just 3-4 simple ingredients for an overall simple dessert that tastes great. It is also adaptable.

The recipe I provide here is for an Instant Dutch oven apple dump cake made by using apple pie filling. But you can make the exact same recipe with other fruit by using cherry pie filling, peaches, blueberry pie filling, or other canned fruit filling etc. 

You can see the Instant Dutch Oven Here on Amazon. See also my Instant Dutch Oven Review.

You can also vary the cake used. I made mine with white cake mix, but many recipes use yellow box cake mix instead. The recipe also works great with other cake mix flavors such as chocolate cake mix, especially if you pair that with a cherry filling.  It also works well with a spice cake mix.  

About Dump Cake

Dump cakes epitomize simplicity. Traditionally a method of hearth or campfire cooking. Dump cakes were make by dumping a pie filling or fruit into a pan or Dutch oven, and topping it with a boxed cake mix and butter. When cooked over a campfire with coals, it created a cobbler style dessert. Indeed many remember Dump cake as a girl scouts or boy scouts dessert. Overall the cake is very similar to Dutch oven cobbler. 

Some say dump cakes originated from the companies that make boxed cake mixes. For more on that read this wiki article on dump cakes.

Campfire dump cake has evolved to the modern kitchen as well. Using a standard Dutch oven, slow cooker, or now the Instant Dutch oven or other electric Dutch oven, you can make dump cake at home as an easy and delicious dessert without even heating up your stove or oven. 

How to Make Instant Dutch Oven Dump Cake

Making dump cake in the Instant Dutch oven is simple. You can cook the cake either using the electric functions of the Instant Pot Dutch Oven or by putting the cast-iron pot in your conventional oven.  Be sure to see my Instant Dutch oven review as soon as I get it put up for more about this kitchen appliance! That is coming soon. 

Preparation of the dump cake is the same regardless of the cooking method.  

First, spray the pot with cooking spray or otherwise protect the pot. Fruit filling tends to caramelize on the bottom of the Dutch oven, so you want to set yourself up for easy cleanup. Aside from cooking spray, you can line the pot with parchment paper or foil if you prefer. I used cooking spray and had a bit of cleanup.  However it came off quite easily with a bit of a soak and some barkeeper’s friend.

Next, empty two cans of fruit pie filling into the pot.  I used my favorite apple pie filling, but you can use any flavor you desire!

Open the box cake mix and pour that over the pie filling. I used a white cake mix because I tend to like vanilla flavors.  However, most recipes actually use yellow cake mix. Chocolate works well too. 

Now, this is important, DO NOT STIR. You want to layer the ingredients, not stir them together. Stirring will likely cause the cake mix to not cook properly. 

Add any toppings you like over the cake mix. I used chopped pecans. Other nuts such as walnuts are also good, as are chocolate chips.  

Slice up twelve Tablespoons of butter (3/4 cup) and lay them across the top of the cake mix,

From here, bake your dump cake. If using the electric Dutch oven functions, I used Manual mode 2 at 300 degrees for 2 hours. If you prefer to bake in the oven, preheat the oven to 350, place the cast-iron Dutch oven inside, and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. In a Slow Cooker, cook on high for about 2 hours.    

The cake is done when it starts browning on top. Let the cake cool for a short while to thicken up fully after cooking, but serve it warm for best results.

One additional note about ingredients. You will see some recipes use soda, such as lemon-lime soda, or even Dr. Pepper in the recipe. I find there is no need to add liquid for Dutch Oven dump cakes. As it is, you will notice condensations drips onto the cake. This alone is enough liquid.   

Serving Instant Pot Dutch Oven Dump Cake 

I served my Instant Dutch Oven Apple Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also use whipped cream. The cake is best served warm.

This would make a great dessert to go along with just about any dinner, but I particularly like it with roasts and BBQ items. For example, It would be a nice item to serve after making pot roast or Instant Pot ribs. Watch for my Instant Dutch oven pot roast recipe coming soon!

For a similar dessert, but made in the Instant Pot, take a look at my recipe for Instant Pot Apple Crisp.  And for more Instant Dutch oven recipes, be sure to check out my roundup of those here: Instant Dutch Oven Recipes.

Below is the recipe card for the Apple Dump Cake