Effortlessly Delicious: The Ultimate 6-Ingredient Gluten-Free Berry Lemon Dump Cake (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free!)

Discover the magic of a dessert that requires no gluten, eggs, or dairy, yet delivers incredible flavor and ease. This 6-ingredient Gluten-Free Dump Cake is your perfect solution for a last-minute sweet craving or an impressive special occasion treat, combining juicy berries and zesty lemon in a delightful cobbler-like creation.

Have you ever heard of a “dump cake”? This quirky name perfectly describes the incredibly simple method behind this beloved dessert. Essentially, you’re just “dumping” a few key ingredients into a baking dish, layering them, and letting the oven do all the hard work. Despite its humble origins and straightforward preparation, the results are consistently spectacular: a warm, bubbly, and utterly delicious treat that tastes like it took hours to make, but only took minutes to prepare.

Traditional dump cakes often feature canned fruit and a standard boxed cake mix. However, in this modern, health-conscious twist, we’re elevating the classic by using a high-quality gluten-free cake mix. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of this comforting dessert, regardless of dietary restrictions. Our recipe combines a vibrant medley of mixed berries with a bright, zesty touch of lemon, creating a dessert that closely resembles a fruit cobbler or a rustic pie, but with significantly less effort. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a delightful sweet escape without the hassle.

Why This Gluten-Free Berry Lemon Dump Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Here’s why this particular dump cake is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Flavor and Dynamic Textures: Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite combination. The melted butter beautifully merges with the gluten-free cake mix during baking, forming a golden, rich, and slightly crisp crust. Beneath this delectable topping lies a luscious, gooey, and sweet berry filling, perfectly balanced with a hint of tartness from the lemon. Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay of textures, from the tender crust to the bursting, juicy fruit.

• Effortless Preparation for Any Occasion: Say goodbye to complicated baking steps, multiple bowls, and intricate techniques. The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity. The prep work involves minimal mixing and then literally just layering the ingredients into a single baking dish. It’s so easy, even a novice baker can achieve perfect results every time. This makes it the ideal dessert for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you simply want something sweet without the stress.

• Minimal Ingredients for Maximum Impact: You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor you can achieve with just 6 everyday ingredients. This streamlined ingredient list not only makes grocery shopping a breeze but also ensures that the natural flavors of the berries and lemon truly shine through, unmasked by unnecessary additions.

• Dietary-Friendly: Egg-Free and Dairy-Free Options: This recipe is naturally egg-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with egg sensitivities or allergies. Furthermore, by simply opting for a good quality dairy-free butter, this dump cake becomes entirely vegan, catering to a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.

• Incredibly Versatile and Adaptable: While we adore the berry-lemon combination, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to use your favorite mix of berries or explore other fruits entirely. From peaches and apples to cherries and pineapple, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to check out our dedicated variations section towards the end of this post for even more inspiring ideas to customize your dump cake.

The Simple Yet Powerful Ingredients

Crafting this delightful dump cake requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and satisfying texture:

• Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of our crust. There’s a wide array of fantastic gluten-free cake mixes available today, but for consistent, reliable results, I highly recommend brands like Krusteaz, Bob’s Red Mill, or King Arthur. When selecting your mix, ensure it’s a yellow cake variety and, importantly, look for a box that is at least 17 ounces. The exact size can vary between brands, but this minimum ensures you have enough for a generous, crunchy topping.

• Mixed Berries: The heart of this dessert. A combination of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries offers a wonderful spectrum of colors, varying textures, and a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness that truly enhances the cake. You can use either fresh or frozen berries – both work beautifully. If using fresh, aim for ripe berries for the most intense flavor. However, don’t worry if they’re not perfectly sweet, as we’ll be adding maple syrup to boost their natural sugars. Frozen berries are incredibly convenient and don’t even need to be defrosted before use, making this a perfect year-round dessert.

• Butter: Butter is essential for achieving that golden, rich, and slightly crispy topping that sets this dump cake apart. While any type of butter will technically work, a high-quality butter truly makes a difference in the overall flavor of the cake, especially given the limited number of ingredients. For a delicious dairy option, Kerrygold is a personal favorite. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free or vegan version, Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter is an excellent choice that melts beautifully and imparts a rich flavor.

• Maple Syrup: Our chosen sweetener, maple syrup, not only adds a lovely, nuanced sweetness but also keeps this recipe perfectly vegan. Unlike some other sweeteners, maple syrup offers a subtle flavor profile that complements the berries without overpowering their natural taste. While honey could be used as a substitute, its stronger flavor tends to be more dominant, which might mask the delicate berry and lemon notes we’re aiming for.

• Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: These bright additions are inspired by a classic blueberry pie recipe from America’s Test Kitchen. The lemon zest provides aromatic oils that infuse the berries with a vibrant citrus perfume, while the lemon juice brightens and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness and tartness, creating a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile. Given how similar this dump cake is in essence to a cobbler or pie, incorporating lemon was a natural and essential choice to elevate the overall experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Berry Lemon Dump Cake

Making this dump cake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful dessert:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

• First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake goes in, promoting even baking and a beautiful golden crust.
• Next, liberally spray an 8×11 inch baking dish with cooking spray. If you don’t have an 8×11 dish, a 9-inch pie dish or a cast iron skillet will also work wonderfully. The non-stick coating will prevent the delicious berry filling from sticking to the bottom.

2. Create the Luscious Berry Mixture

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 5 cups of mixed berries (whether fresh or frozen), ⅓ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
• To help thicken the berry mixture slightly and prevent it from becoming too watery during baking, stir in 2 tablespoons of the gluten-free yellow cake mix. This little trick also helps bind the flavors together.
• Once thoroughly mixed, spread this vibrant berry concoction evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

3. Sprinkle the Cake Mix Topping

• Take the remaining gluten-free yellow cake mix and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the top of the berry layer. The goal is to cover as much of the fruit as possible to ensure a consistent crust.
• If needed, gently use a clean spatula or the back of a spoon to lightly spread the cake mix, ensuring it forms an even layer over the berries without pressing it down too much.

4. Drizzle with Melted Butter

• Melt ½ cup of butter (or dairy-free butter) until it’s completely liquid.
• Carefully and evenly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix layer. The butter is crucial as it soaks into the cake mix, transforming it into that irresistible crispy, golden topping during baking.
• Gently tilt the baking dish from side to side to help the melted butter spread and cover the cake mix as uniformly as possible. Don’t worry if there are a few dry spots; the butter will melt and spread further in the oven.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

• Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the fruit filling around the edges is visibly bubbling and thick. The bubbling indicates the fruit juices are hot and the filling is setting.
• Exercise caution when removing the cake from the oven, as the bubbling berries will be extremely hot.
• Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time is essential as it allows the filling to set further and prevents scorching your tongue with the hot fruit.

Expert Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Dump Cake

• Embrace Frozen Mixed Berries: Don’t feel the need to defrost frozen berries! You can add them directly to your mixture. This not only saves time but can also result in a slightly thicker, richer fruit filling as the berries release their juices slowly during baking. Many large retailers, like Sam’s Club, offer convenient, large bags of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) perfect for this recipe.
• Customize the Lemon Flavor:
  • For a Milder Taste: If you’re not a fan of pronounced lemon flavor, you can certainly omit both the lemon juice and zest. The cake will still be wonderfully delicious with just the berries and cake mix.
  • For an Extra Citrus Kick: If you adore a bright, tangy lemon note, increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons. This will enhance the tartness and provide an even more refreshing citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet berries.
• A Touch of Vanilla Extract: If you decide to skip the lemon but still want to add an extra layer of warmth and aroma to your cake, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with your berry mixture. It adds a subtle, comforting depth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
• Adapting to a Larger Baking Dish (9×13 inch): While this recipe is designed for an 8×11 inch dish, you can use a larger 9×13 inch baking dish if preferred. Keep in mind that the cake won’t be as thick in a larger dish. The cooking time and main ingredients will remain the same. However, you might want to increase the melted butter to ¾ cup instead of ½ cup. The increased surface area of a 9×13 dish requires more butter to ensure the cake mix topping is adequately covered and achieves that desired golden crispness.
• Don’t Press the Cake Mix: When sprinkling the dry cake mix over the berries, resist the urge to press it down. Leave it loose and dry. The melted butter and fruit juices will work their magic to create the crust during baking.
• Even Butter Distribution: While tilting helps, if you find the butter isn’t spreading perfectly, a very gentle, light swirl with a spoon over the dry mix can help it reach all corners without disturbing the layers too much.

Serving Suggestions for Your Dump Cake

This delightful dump cake is best enjoyed warm. After taking it out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the fruit filling to set a bit more and prevents it from being too runny when you scoop it out. The warmth enhances the fruit’s flavors and keeps the topping tender yet slightly crisp.

For an indulgent treat, serve a generous scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream alongside your warm dump cake. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, fruity cake is a match made in heaven. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option) adds a touch of lightness and richness. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a few extra berries can also add a beautiful garnish and an extra pop of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

While this dump cake is undeniably at its best on the first day, any leftovers can be stored and enjoyed for a few days. Once the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s worth noting that as the cake sits, the topping will soften, and the overall texture will become a bit mushier over time due to the moisture from the fruit.

You can certainly enjoy the cake cold directly from the refrigerator if you prefer. However, if you’re like me and love a warm, comforting dessert, reheating is simple. To reheat a single slice, place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. For the entire dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 15 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbling again and the topping feels warm and slightly crisped.

Creative Tips and Delicious Variations

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its adaptability. This basic method can be tweaked and transformed to suit various tastes and seasonal ingredients:

• Seasonal Fruit Swaps:
  • Apple Dump Cake: Embrace autumn by swapping the berries for thinly sliced fresh apples (about 5-6 cups), a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. This creates a cozy, spiced apple cobbler experience.
  • Peach Dump Cake: In the summer, use fresh or frozen sliced peaches. A touch of almond extract can elevate the peach flavor beautifully.
  • Cherry or Pineapple Dump Cake: For ultimate convenience, use canned fruit pie fillings (cherry, blueberry, or apple). Simply “dump” the canned filling into the dish before sprinkling the cake mix and butter.
• Cake Mix Flavors: While yellow cake mix is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other gluten-free cake mix flavors. A lemon cake mix would intensify the citrus notes, a vanilla cake mix would provide a milder base, or even a spice cake mix could work wonderfully with apple or pear variations.
• Nutty Topping: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle about ½ cup of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) over the cake mix layer before drizzling with butter.
• Spiced Variations: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to the cake mix or berry mixture for an extra layer of warmth, especially delicious with apple, pear, or mixed berry variations.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir a handful of gluten-free chocolate chips into the berry mixture for a decadent berry chocolate combination.
• Regular Cake Mix Option: If gluten is not a dietary concern for you or your guests, this recipe works perfectly with regular yellow cake mix as well, offering the same ease and delicious results.

I genuinely hope you enjoy this incredibly simple yet satisfying Gluten-Free Berry Lemon Dump Cake. It’s a testament to how easy and delicious gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free baking can be!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @EVERYDAYLATINA. Your feedback is always appreciated!

More Delicious Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake
• Eggless Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
• Light and Fluffy Gluten-Free Powdered Donuts
• Crispy and Chewy Coconut Flour Oatmeal Cookies
• Arroz con Leche Mexicano

Recipe Card

Gluten-Free Berry Lemon Dump Cake

by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy

This incredibly easy Gluten-Free Dump Cake requires no gluten, eggs, or dairy! With just 6 simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate hassle-free dessert for any special occasion or to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious berry and lemon flavor.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Equipment

• 8×11 inch baking dish (or 9-inch pie pan or cast iron skillet)

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), fresh or frozen
• ⅓ cup maple syrup (can substitute honey if not vegan)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 17 oz – 22 oz box gluten-free yellow cake mix
• ½ cup melted butter (dairy or dairy-free)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray an 8×11 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie dish or cast iron skillet) with cooking spray.
• In a separate medium bowl, combine the 5 cups of mixed berries, ⅓ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the gluten-free yellow cake mix. Stir gently to combine.
• Spread the prepared berry mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining gluten-free yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the berries, ensuring to cover as much of the fruit as possible. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to lightly spread the dry cake mix if needed, but do not press it down.
• Drizzle the ½ cup of melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix layer.
• Carefully tilt the baking dish around so the melted butter can spread and cover the cake mix as evenly as possible.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit around the edges is bubbly and set.
• Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set.
• Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream (dairy or coconut). Enjoy!

Notes

Lemon Customization: If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can omit both the lemon zest and juice. For an extra citrus boost, increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons.

Vanilla Enhancement: If you skip the lemon, consider adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the berry mixture for a touch of warmth and flavor.

Regular Cake Mix: This recipe is also fantastic with a regular yellow cake mix if gluten is not a concern.

Using a 9×13 Baking Dish: If opting for a larger 9×13 inch baking dish, the cake will be thinner. The cooking time remains similar, but you may want to increase the melted butter to ¾ cup to ensure adequate coverage of the larger surface area for a golden crust.

Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!

Originally published February 10, 2022. Updated post November 2022. Revised and expanded in [Current Month/Year – e.g., March 2024].