If you’re craving something sweet, easy, and ultra budget-friendly, dump cakes are your new secret weapon. These miracle desserts come together in minutes—no mixing bowls, no fancy tools—and can be made for less than $5 total using pantry staples and store-bought shortcuts.
In this post, I’ll share three of my favorite under‑$5 dump cake recipes that taste homemade, look impressive, and stretch your dollar like magic.
🍒 What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: you literally dump a few ingredients into a baking dish and bake. Most recipes use canned fruit or pie filling, a box of cake mix, and butter—sometimes a few extras for texture or flavor. That’s it!
They’re perfect for:
- Last-minute guests
- Potlucks
- Late-night sweet cravings
- Kids learning to bake
🛒 Budget-Friendly Baking Basics
All the recipes below are designed to be:
- Under $5 total (based on average U.S. prices)
- Made with 5 ingredients or fewer
- Use no specialty tools or mixers
- Fast and foolproof
1. 🍑 Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in syrup – $1.25
- 1 box yellow cake mix – $1.25
- 1 stick butter (½ cup) – $1.00
- Optional: cinnamon – pantry item
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pour the peaches with syrup into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top.
- Slice butter and place over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Cost estimate: $3.50
2. 🍫 Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 can cherry pie filling – $1.50
- 1 box chocolate cake mix – $1.25
- 1 stick butter – $1.00
- Optional: mini chocolate chips – pantry item
Instructions:
- Dump cherry pie filling into your baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top.
- Place slices of butter across the surface.
- Add chocolate chips if using.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
Cost estimate: $3.75
3. 🍍 Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 can crushed pineapple – $1.25
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix – $1.25
- 1 stick butter – $1.00
- Optional: shredded coconut – pantry item
Instructions:
- Pour pineapple with juice into greased baking dish.
- Top with cake mix and butter slices.
- Sprinkle with coconut if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cost estimate: $3.75
💡 Dump Cake Tips & Tricks
- Butter tip: Cut the butter cold into small pats to cover more surface evenly.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest to customize.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge and microwave a square for a gooey treat tomorrow.
You don’t need a big budget or professional tools to whip up a cozy dessert that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen. These under-$5 dump cake recipes are simple, satisfying, and seriously addictive. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just your own sweet tooth, these bakes will wow every time—no one will believe they’re not from scratch.
Bakes, Makes, and Saves 