Description
This Fruit Cocktail Dump Cake is a simple, luscious dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake topping over a medley of fruit cocktail, crushed pineapple, and peaches. With layers of creamy cream cheese and a crunchy nut and brown sugar topping, this easy-to-make dessert bakes into a warm, bubbling treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail in juice or syrup, not drained
- 1/2 can (7–8 oz) crushed pineapple, not drained
- 1/2 can (7–8 oz) peach chunks, drained slightly
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Additional
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the base: Pour half of the dry cake mix (about 1½ cups) evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix and use a spatula to gently press and flatten it into an even layer.
- Add the fruit: Evenly spread the entire contents of the fruit cocktail (with juice), crushed pineapple (with juice), and peach chunks (slightly drained) over the cake base, ensuring the juices spread across the surface.
- Add the creamy layer: Dollop small spoonfuls of cream cheese or sour cream evenly over the fruit layer to impart a rich, tangy, and creamy texture.
- Top with cake mix: Sprinkle the remaining dry cake mix evenly over the fruit and cream layer without stirring or mixing the layers together.
- Add toppings: Arrange the thin pats of unsalted butter over the top layer evenly. Then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts across the surface for added sweetness, warmth, and crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling at the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dump cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. It is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream depending on preference for tanginess and texture.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for best flavor and texture.
- This recipe serves 12 and is great for potlucks and gatherings.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
