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–+ servings
Dump Cake from Margaret Krump
Dump Cake is a classic mid-20th-century American dessert designed for convenience without sacrificing comfort. Popularized during the era of boxed cake mixes and canned fruit, this recipe reflects a time when home cooks embraced shortcuts that still delivered crowd-pleasing results. The method is famously simple, ingredients are layered directly into the pan with no mixing, allowing the cake to bake into a cobbler-like dessert with a buttery, crisp topping and a soft, fruit-filled base. This particular version combines apple pie filling and crushed pineapple, creating a sweet-tart contrast enhanced by coconut and pecans. Loved for its reliability and potluck appeal, Dump Cake remains a nostalgic favorite that feels effortless yet indulgent.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups apple pie filling
  • 2 ½ cups crushed pineapple ( undrained)
  • 15 ¼ oz yellow cake mix (1 box)
  • 3 ½ oz sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup pecans (chopped )
  • ½ lb margarine (thinly sliced)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2: Layer Fruit

  • Spread apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Add crushed pineapple evenly over the apples.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit.
  • Top with coconut and chopped pecans.

Step 4: Add Fat Layer

  • Arrange margarine slices evenly over the top of the cake mix.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 1 hour until golden and bubbly.

Tips

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  • Substitute butter for margarine if preferred
  • Use walnuts instead of pecans
  • Add cinnamon to the fruit layer for warmth
  • Try cherry or peach pie filling for variation
  • Use gluten-free cake mix if needed
  • Let rest 15 minutes before serving
  • Bake in a glass dish for even browning

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword comfort food, dump cake, easy baking, fruit dessert, potluck cake, retro recipes, vintage dessert
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