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Berry Crisp Dump Cake is only 5 ingredients and made in just one pan! Frozen mixed berries topped with an easy cake mix, oatmeal, walnuts, and melted butter crisp. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delicious and easy dessert recipe.
BERRY CRISP DUMP CAKE RECIPE
This berry crisp dump cake is the best of both worlds. An easy dump cake recipe that you literally dump into one pan and bake it + a crispy and crumbly buttery topping. You cannot make this dump cake recipe and not serve it with vanilla ice cream. It’s crazy delicious and you won’t believe how easy it is to make!
One of the things that I have never liked about dump cakes is that when you sprinkle the cake mix on top and then drizzle with melted butter you end up with some dry pockets of cake mix. I knew there had to be a better way. Which is why I experimented and ended up with this delicious version of the classic dump cake topped with a crispy oat and walnut buttery cake mix topping.
If you love easy dump cake recipes then be sure and also try my peach cobbler dump cake or this chocolate caramel dump cake.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE A BERRY CRISP DUMP CAKE
You only need 5 easy ingredients to make this dump cake recipe. I love that this recipe uses frozen berries because it seems whenever I buy fresh berries for a recipe the berries are always bad before I have a chance to use them. Plus fresh berries can cost a small fortune, especially when you are getting four different kinds, so that’s another reason I love using frozen berries.
Frozen mixed berries can be kept in the freezer for several months, as well as a box of cake mix, so this berry crisp dump cake is an easy dessert recipe that you can keep all the ingredients you need for it so you have it ready to go.
Frozen Mixed Berries – This is a pack of frozen mixed berries with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. No need to thaw this, just dump it into the pan straight from the freezer.
French Vanilla Cake Mix – I have tested this recipe so many times and the French vanilla (or just vanilla) cake mix tastes so much better. In a pinch you can substitute with a yellow cake mix but I highly recommend the French vanilla for the best flavor.
Oats – You can use either whole old-fashioned oats or quick oats in this recipe. I normally use old-fashioned oats because I like the larger texture in this dump cake crisp topping.
Chopped Walnuts – Balances out the sweetness and adds a depth of flavor. I normally add more than what the recipe calls for!
Salted Butter – It is best to use salted butter as the extra salt helps balance out the sweetness from the cake mix. Feel free to use unsalted butter if you’d rather. It will still work out fine.
HOW TO MAKE A DUMP CAKE
This is called a ‘dump cake’ because you dump the ingredients into one pan. Only three easy steps needed.
- Dump the frozen berries straight from the freezer into the 9×13 baking dish. Do not thaw them before. Just dump them in completely frozen.
- Combine all the cake mix crisp topping ingredients in a large bowl (mix until thick crumbles form) and then dump it on top of the berries.
- Bake until browned and the berries are bubbling and juicy. Don’t forget to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a must!
MY TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS FOR MAKING A DUMP CAKE RECIPE
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What do I do with leftovers of this berry crisp dump cake?
- This recipe is best served right away but if you have leftovers that you want to keep simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or tin foil and refrigerate it for 2-3 days. Heat a serving up in the microwave as needed and top with vanilla ice cream.
- I say it’s best the day you make it because the topping stays crisp and the berries are juicy. As leftovers sit in the fridge the crisp cake mix topping will soften up.
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Should I use salted butter or unsalted butter in this recipe?
- Use salted butter for best results. I think the salted butter adds more flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness from the cake mix.
- Of course you can use unsalted of you prefer as it will still turn out fine in this recipe.
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Can I use a different nut?
- Yes you can. Use whatever nut you prefer like almonds or pecans are great choices. I personally think it tastes best with chopped walnuts but any nut will work just fine.
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What kind of cake mix do I use in a dump cake recipe?
- I think the French vanilla flavored cake mix is the best!
- If you can’t find it then a yellow cake mix is a good alternative but try to find that French vanilla cake mix. It’s also sometimes just vanilla depending on the brand.
- Any brand of cake mix will work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure it’s the standard sized box as called for in the recipe (15.25 oz).
- I have never tried this with a sugar-free cake mix so you will have to experiment with that. I assume it would work fine but again I have never personally used a sugar-free cake mix.
TRY THESE OTHER CRISP DESSERT RECIPES
Simple Apple Crisp – Fresh sliced apples topped with a simple shortbread like crisp topping.
Peach Blueberry Crisp – Fresh blueberries and fresh sliced peaches topped with a sweet cinnamon crisp topping.
Strawberry Raspberry Crumble – Fresh strawberries + raspberries topped with a thick and buttery crumbly topping.
Berry Crisp Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 bags (12-15 oz each) frozen mixed berries
- 1 box (15.25 oz) french vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter melted
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350° and spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread out frozen berries in the bottom of the dish (DO NOT thaw the berries beforehand).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix (DO NOT prepare beforehand), oats, walnuts, and melted butter. Stir together until thick crumbles form. Sprinkle evenly over the frozen berries.
- Cook for 50-55 minutes. Crisp topping will be a golden brown and the berries will be bubbling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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These look wonderful. Love those juicy berries.
Yes. Those juicy berries are my favorite part!
Beautifully done!
Thanks so much Jennifer 🙂
Do I make the cake as directed on the box help please
Nope. Just use the dry cake mix directly from the box. I’ll double check the recipe and make sure I clarify that in the directions. Enjoy! 🙂
So do u make the cake as directed on the box or no
No, do not prepare the cake mix. Just use the cake mix powder directly from the box.
after you bake the dump cake and enjoy. How do you keep it crunchy on the top for the next day?
If I cover it with anything it gets mushy. Thank you
You can’t really…. so sorry! It’s one of those desserts that I try to serve all of it after it’s made. I wish there was a way but I don’t know of one yet. I have microwaved some leftovers and did not mind the less crunchy crisp topping, especially once you pair it with ice cream.
My husband said to come on here and thank you! The addition of oats and walnuts mixed in with no dry patches made this the best thing we’ve had in a while. I had to promise to make it for his birthday!
Aww, thank you! Yes the oats and walnuts make all the difference in this dump cake recipe. So glad to hear you both enjoyed this.
Can fresh berries be used?
I am sure that would work just fine. When the frozen berries cook they release a bit of water, so you may need to combine the fresh berries in the bowl and cover with 1/4 cup sugar (more or less depending on sweetness of your berries) and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The sugar will release some of the berry juice so that way you have some liquid. I’ve never made it this way but I am guessing it would work just fine. You will probably need roughly 6 cups of berries for the 9×13 pan.
Can I used canned cherries or blueberries as a substitute?
Are you talking about the canned pie filling? If you are, then yes that would work just fine. You would need 2 cans for the recipe. Canned pie filling is sweeter than the frozen berries so the dish will be a bit sweeter than the recipe.
Do you have to use a cake mix? Can you use just flour?
I know there are recipes out there that use a homemade cake mix on top. Just using flour would not work. The reason for the cake mix in the recipe is for the “quick dessert” aspect of it. Frozen fruit + cake mix makes it a simple and easy dessert. Try this recipe if you want a homemade cake mix https://www.melskitchencafe.com/blueberry-dump-cake/ I hope that helps 🙂
What would you do with leftovers? Will it last through several days or would it get too soggy. We are just two of us and we would not be able to eat it all on the first day
I put the leftovers in the fridge and then warm them up when someone wants to eat it. If it’s just the two of you, you could try halving the recipe, and just kind of guessing on the cake mix what half is. The leftovers I’m guessing will only be good for about two days before it starts getting too soft.
This recipe looks delicious, and I’m all about easy! In the case of a nut allergy can I just use 1 cup of oats vs. adding walnuts, or will that change the taste/texture?
I would just leave out the walnuts. The dessert will be sweeter because you won’t have that salty bite from the walnuts. But it will be yummy and serving it with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream will help balance it. I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Can I use instant oatmeal if I don’t have regular oats?
Yes, of course. That will be just fine 🙂
FINALLY! someone who understands about Dump Cakes where the cake mix doesn’t truly get mixed with butter and then you get a spoonful of dust. I’ve never been able to get a Dump Cake right. I think this recipe will make my next effort successful 🙂
That’s my favorite thing about this berry crisp dump cake, none of that powder cake mix on top. I hope you enjoy this!
Yes!! Have always had that problem with my cherry/pineapple dump cake. But decided to try this method and actually made this berry dump cake to take to a family reunion (I doubled the recipe)……it was the first desert to go! Thank you!! 🙂
Made this today with some small deviations. It was great! My dad said it was in the top cobbler/crumble desserts he’s ever had!
I used all dewberries with a lemon cake mix. I used 1/4 cup oatmeal and 1/4 cup Grapenuts Cereal. This gave the topping a tasty crunch.
Thank you for sharing! This is a keeper!
Yum, I love your changes! I agree, this is one of my favorite versions of a crisp! I love how this recipe can be mixed up with the different fruit and cake mix combos. Thanks for coming back to let me know 🙂
That does sound yummy. Thanks for sharing
Any suggestions on freezing this to bake later? or would it be better to bake it and then just warm it later? I want to give to a friend who recently had a baby. Thanks!
I have never froze this so I wouldn’t even know what to tell you. I think it would be best to make it, bake it, and then let them warm it up or eat it at room temperature. This dump cake is good straight out of the oven, warmed up, or at room temperature so you really can’t go wrong 🙂
Hello Jessica!
Am looking forward to making this delicious sounding recipe. I have “brown sugar”
oatmeal on hand and I’m not sure how that would taste vs the reg oatmeal. Sure it would be sweeter, but brown sugar? Help!
Are you talking about the packets of oatmeal? You should be using the regular oats (that come in the canister NOT the packet). If you do use the packets of oatmeal then you will have to experiment because I have never used those. Let me know if you have any more questions. Enjoy!
I am going to try this recipe of the berry dump cake. However, I LOVE YOUR WHITE PLATES WITH THE LITTLE LACEY RIM…. please let me know where u got them.
Hi Dee 🙂 I got the plates at Pier 1 Imports.
How many does this serve? It looks delish and I want to make it for a big family dinner night.
It makes a 9×13 baking dish so I would say it would easily serve 8-10. Depending on the amount of people there and if this dessert is the only dessert or not, I would just make two pans (so 2 recipes).
Made this over the weekend. It was PURE GENIUS. I served it room temp and it was still delicious. Everyone just raved. Thank you.
Is it necessary to use salted butter.?
No, but it is a fairly sweet dessert thanks to the cake mix, so I love using the salted butter. You can use unsalted and I am sure it would be just fine.
This was sooo good, and easy! I made this as a desert for Sunday dinner and I fell in love. Im not a huge berry eater , because of the seeds getting in my teeth so I made a small change. I only used one bag of berries in a slightly smaller pan and it was perfect. I really want to try this same recipe but with sweet potatoes instead of berries. Thanks!
Can I use the ‘super moist’ Betty crocker yellow cake mix or does it have to be normal yellow cake mix? Thx for the awesome recipe!
I honestly don’t know if it really makes a difference and I have not paid attention to it much in this recipe. I am sure it would work just fine and that’s probably what I have ended up using before too. Enjoy!
I was out of walnuts so I substituted coconut ? and it was very good!
You can use any type of cake mix that you wish to use! 🙂 I have also changed my rating because in the beginning I meant to give 3 stars and I guess I have a wide finger that went over into 4. I just wanted to make that clear for everybody. Dump cake so great fun to play with and I have come up with recipes that are out of this world one of them too rich to eat more than a couple of spoonfuls. All of them wonderful except for one failure that came out like a spice cake brick! LOL I love coconut! It could certainly be added in however most dump cakes containing fruit call for pecans
I made this using a SUGAR FREE cake mix for my diabetic family members. It was AMAZING!!!!!!
Since you obsess about these things, let me give you a bit of Education. I am from the rooftop of New England which would be Maine and was part of Massachusetts Bay Colony so the way we cook they cook and vice versa. This is not a crisp the topping on a crisp contains only flour sugar and butter. if oats are present in the topping that is a crumble even if there are 10 other ingredients it’s a crumble intro British tradition. The nuts really don’t change the name from a crisp but because they are sprinkled on top. I was also the first one to put out there that folks should melt their butter and add it to the cake mix making sure every granule is covered in butter and that makes a perfect dump cake.
I have made this for our small card group…it was a huge hit. I always have frozen berries on hand, so was easy to come up with a quick and delicious dessert to make. Thank you for this scrumptious recipe!
Made this with devil foods cake and just strawberries. Substituted delivered almonds instead of walnuts. Chocolate covered strawberries! Yummy!
This was absolutely delicious! I made this for Easter and it was such a hit! Don’t forget the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm cake – mouthwatering!
Yes! The ice cream on top is the best part. So happy to hear it was a hit.
I use this recipe every year when fresh berries show up at the Farmers market. I use oats and chopped pecans .
Everyone loves this dessert in my family!
Thank you for the great review! And I’m so happy you all enjoy this.
Fantastic idea to add walnuts ans oats.
Easy and so delicious. Used regular yellow cake mix. In addition to the berry mix, I had some frozen bananas and strawberries that I also threw in. Oh and a little cinnamon just because. We could not stop eating this. Every time I passed by the dish I had to shove another spoonful in my mouth. Yes, it was worth breaking my diet for. Thanks!
Was a hit!! What is nutritional info. I’m calorie counting.
I made this, minus the walnuts because I didn’t have any, and it is DELICIOUS!!! Also, so easy!! Will definitely make again.
I have a question: in most dump cakes you just add sliced pieces of butter on top of the cake mix and bake. Can I still do that or does this recipe require that I melt it because of the oatmeal? I never had a problem doing it the other way so I’m confused why it has to be melted in this recipe. Thanks again!
I like doing it this way with the melted butter because you don’t end up with the dry cake patches (like you do when you slice the butter and layer on top). Plus, this recipe is more for a crisp topping which is also why I melted the butter. To give it more of a crisp. Hope that helps.
I’ve made this several time. It is SO EASY and SO YUMMY!!! I like to add cinnamon.
How do I adapt this recipe to use pancake mix instead of cake mix?
Good question. I honestly have no idea. I’ve only ever used the cake mix. Not sure if pancake mix is even the same so you may have to add some sugar, baking powder (?) That’s just a guess.
This is hands down the best dump-berry-cobbler I have ever made! No dry spots! YAY! I was surprised on how delicious it was! It was fine days later when heated up, too. I have made it a handful of times afterwards & frozen always worked best. Fresh always left it too watery. Could this be “baked” in a crock pot for work luncheons?
Good question. I have never tried it in a slow cooker. I’d imagine it would work fine but I just don’t know for sure. Thanks for you comment and rating! I appreciate it and I am glad it was a success.
This was very easy and delicious! The walnuts give it a little something extra. I’m currently making it for the 2nd time in a month for a group gathering. It was okay to make a few hours ahead and give it a quick blast in the microwave when ready to eat. Thanks!
For those asking about leftovers or smaller portions you can always halve the recipe and serve in individual ramekins.
For a 4” ramekin, you need about 3 tablespoons cake mix, 1 tablespoon oats and 1 tablespoon butter.