Easy 4-Ingredient Raspberry Dump Cake

A simple, buttery raspberry dessert made with frozen raspberries and cake mix

This 4-ingredient raspberry dump cake is one of the easiest fruit desserts you can make. Frozen raspberries are layered with a little sugar, boxed cake mix, and melted butter, then baked until the berries become warm, juicy, and jammy while the cake topping turns golden and buttery.

It is an especially easy summer dessert, making it perfect for Fourth of July celebrations, backyard barbecues, potlucks, family dinners, and last-minute guests. There is no complicated batter to prepare and almost no cleanup.

Serve this warm raspberry dump cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible sweet-tart dessert everyone will want seconds of.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Dump Cake

• Only 4 ingredients: Simple pantry and freezer staples make this dessert incredibly convenient.
• Quick and easy preparation: Just layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake.
• No fresh berries required: Frozen raspberries work beautifully and are available year-round.
• Perfect summer dessert: The bright raspberry flavor is ideal for cookouts, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
• Budget-friendly: Cake mix and frozen fruit make this an affordable dessert for a crowd.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything bakes in one casserole dish.
• Easy to customize: Add blueberries, fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (12–16 ounces) frozen raspberries
• 1 box (about 15.25 ounces) vanilla or yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Optional for Serving

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries

How to Make Raspberry Dump Cake

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish if desired.

2. Add the Frozen Raspberries

Pour the frozen raspberries directly into the casserole dish and spread them into an even layer.

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the berries.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the raspberries and sugar.

Do not stir the layers together. Keeping the ingredients layered helps create the classic dump cake texture.

4. Add the Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.

If you see large areas of dry cake mix, add a little more melted butter to those spots.

5. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Let the dessert cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

6. Serve Warm

Spoon the warm raspberry dump cake into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

The contrast between the warm, juicy raspberries and cold, creamy ice cream makes this dessert especially delicious.

Tips for the Best Raspberry Dump Cake

Use frozen raspberries: There is no need to thaw them first. Baking the berries directly from frozen keeps preparation simple and helps create a juicy fruit filling.

Spread the butter evenly: The butter helps the cake mix develop a golden, crisp topping. Drizzle it over as much of the cake mix as possible.

Adjust the sweetness: Raspberries can vary in tartness. If your berries are particularly tart, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup.

Don’t mix the layers: Unlike traditional cakes, dump cake works by layering the ingredients. Avoid stirring everything together.

Let it rest: Allowing the dessert to sit for about 10 minutes after baking gives the raspberry filling time to thicken slightly.

Easy Red, White and Blue Variation

For a festive Fourth of July dessert, scatter a handful of fresh blueberries over the raspberries before adding the cake mix. Serve the finished dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an easy red, white, and blue presentation.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the raspberry dump cake several hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

For the best texture, bake it shortly before serving so the topping stays golden and crisp.

What to Serve With Raspberry Dump Cake

This easy fruit dessert pairs beautifully with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Sweetened mascarpone
• Lemon sorbet
• Coffee or tea

It is also a great dessert for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, family reunions, and holiday dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen raspberries without thawing them?

Yes. Frozen raspberries can go directly into the casserole dish. There is no need to thaw them beforehand.

Can I use yellow cake mix instead of vanilla?

Absolutely. Both vanilla and yellow cake mix work well in this recipe.

Why is my cake mix still dry in some areas?

The butter needs to reach most of the dry cake mix for it to brown properly. Before baking, drizzle additional melted butter over any noticeably dry patches.

Can I use fresh raspberries?

Yes. Fresh raspberries can be used when available, although frozen raspberries make this recipe especially convenient and budget-friendly.

How should I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the dessert in the oven.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Method: Oven-baked