Name: Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 cups of mixed frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries); 1 box yellow cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for enhanced flavor); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional for sweeter taste); Ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional).

In the myriad constellation of dessert recipes, there exists a gem that’s both a delight to make and a joy to eat—Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries. With its simplistic elegance and mouth-watering flavors, this dessert has a special place in my kitchen and soon, hopefully, in yours too. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the peak of summer, the charm of this berry dump cake never fades, thanks to the magic of frozen berries. You see, frozen berries ensure that this comforting dessert can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a taste of summertime sweetness into your home no matter the season.

Table of Contents

How to make Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries

Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries is a simple and delicious dessert made by “dumping” ingredients together and baking them. It typically consists of frozen berries (such as a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), a box of yellow or white cake mix, and melted butter. Sometimes, chopped nuts or oats are added for extra texture.

Ingredients:

4 cups of mixed frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
1 box yellow cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for enhanced flavor)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional for sweeter taste)
Ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional).

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake gets the perfect bake.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or non-stick spray. This step prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.
Layer the Berries: Spread the frozen berries evenly at the bottom of the dish. If you’re using vanilla extract and extra sugar for enhanced flavor and sweetness, mix them with the berries before layering.
Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the berries. Make sure to cover the berries completely to form a nice crust as it bakes.
Drizzle with Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Don’t worry if there are some dry spots; the butter will spread as it melts in the oven.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden brown and the berries are bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra delightful experience.

Tips for the Perfect Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries:

Variety of Berries: Feel free to customize the mix of berries based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just make sure to keep the total amount to about 4 cups.
Cake Mix: While the yellow cake mix works beautifully, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors. White or vanilla cake mix are equally delicious alternatives.
Even Layering: When sprinkling the cake mix and pouring the butter, aim for an even layer to ensure uniform cooking and a perfect crust.
Checking for Doneness: Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges as signs that your cake is perfectly done.
Serving: This cake is best enjoyed warm. If you have leftovers, you can quickly reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds.

What to serve with

Serving the Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries is just as fun and versatile as making it. Here are some delightful accompaniments that can enhance the flavors and textures of this warm, fruity dessert:

Classic Companions

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries is a match made in heaven. The contrast between ice cream and warm cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whipped Cream: The lightness of whipped cream complements the cake’s richness. You can choose to buy it in-store or make your own with heavy cream and a touch of sugar.
Custard: Pouring a bit of thick, velvety custard over your slice of dump cake adds a British flair to this American favorite, giving it a comforting, pudding-like twist.

Fancy It Up

Sorbet: If you want to keep things light and refreshing, a scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet can add a nice zesty touch to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
Mascarpone Cheese: A dollop of mascarpone cheese can add a luxurious, creamy tang that really complements the sweet and tart berry flavors.

Fresh Toppings

Fresh Berries: Even though this cake uses frozen berries, garnishing your dish with a handful of fresh berries can add a burst of freshness and enhance the presentation.
Mint Sprigs: A mint leaf or two on top of your cake can add a pop of color and a refreshing element to the dessert.

Crunchy Additions

Nuts: To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans over your slice. Toast them for extra flavor and texture.
Granola: A spoonful of granola can offer an exciting crunch and it goes really well with the creamy elements like ice cream or whipped cream.

Beverage Pairings

Dessert Wines: A sweet Moscato, Port or late-harvest Riesling can complement the flavors of the cake without overpowering them.
Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of black coffee or tea helps to cut through the sweetness and can amplify the flavors of the berries. Try pairing it with a berry-flavoured herbal tea for a harmonious blend.

Seasonal Twists

Warm Caramel or Berry Sauce: During colder months, a warm caramel drizzle or berry sauce can add another dimension of warmth and sweetness.
Spices: A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg over the ice cream or whipped cream can evoke a more seasonal, wintery feel.

Ingredients Substitutes

When it comes to making Berry Dump Cake with frozen berries, you might need ingredient substitutions for various reasons, such as dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you’re out of a particular item. Thankfully, this recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for numerous alternatives that can help you customize the dessert to your liking. Below are detailed substitute options for the primary ingredients in the recipe:

Frozen Berries

Fresh Berries: If you have an abundance of fresh berries on hand, they can be an excellent substitute for frozen ones. Ensure they are washed and drained well before use. Keep in mind that fresh berries might release less juice than frozen ones, which could slightly alter the cake’s texture.
Canned Berries or Pie Filling: In a pinch, canned berries or a berry pie filling can be used instead of frozen berries. Drain any excess syrup or liquid to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

Yellow Cake Mix

White or Vanilla Cake Mix: These flavors also pair well with the berry mixture, offering a subtle taste that doesn’t overpower the fruit.
Homemade Cake Mix: For a more homemade approach or to control ingredients more closely, you can make your own dry cake mix with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Gluten-Free Cake Mix: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, a gluten-free cake mix can be used as a direct substitute.

Unsalted Butter

Salted Butter: You can use salted butter if that’s all you have. Just omit any additional salt that may be added to the recipe.
Margarine or Vegan Butter: For dairy-free or vegan options, margarine or plant-based butter can be used. Keep an eye on the melting characteristics, as they might differ slightly.
Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil is a great alternative for a hint of coconut flavor. It’s also vegan-friendly.

Vanilla Extract (optional)

Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla extract or want to try a different flavor, almond extract can offer a nice, nutty undertone. Because it’s potent, use only half the amount.
Lemon or Orange Zest: To complement the berries, the zest from one lemon or orange can be used instead of vanilla extract, adding a fresh citrus note.

Granulated Sugar (optional)

Brown Sugar: For a deeper, molasses-like sweetness, brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar. It pairs well with the berries, adding rich undertones.
Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer natural sweeteners, a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the berries before adding the cake mix can add a unique flavor. Be mindful that these can make the dish a bit more moist.

Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving)

Non-Dairy Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: There are numerous non-dairy alternatives available that can be used, whether based on almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a tangier topping that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake, a dollop of Greek yoghurt or sour cream can work wonders.

Final Thoughts

This Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries is not just a recipe; it’s an embodiment of joy and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the dessert scene, this cake promises a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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