Vegan Dump Cake Easy Plant-Based Dessert Recipe (2025)

Name: Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cans (14 oz each) pitted cherries (in juice or light syrup); 1 box vegan chocolate cake mix (15 oz); ½ cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter alternative); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); Pinch of sea salt

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly, this Vegan Dump Cake Easy Plant-Based Dessert is perfect. It’s a one-pot, customizable treat that works for busy weeknights or special occasions. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a balanced, comforting dessert without the fuss. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this recipe is designed to delight every sweet tooth.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy home cooks and dessert lovers alike. One of the best things about it is how quick and effortless it is—no complicated steps, no multiple bowls, and minimal cleanup. Simply layer your favorite fruit, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and bake.

It’s also family-friendly and customizable. You can swap fruits depending on what’s in season, try different vegan cake mixes, or even add nuts and spices for extra flavor. The result is a comforting, warm dessert that tastes indulgent but uses wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or last-minute guests, this dump cake is flexible and forgiving. Even beginner bakers can achieve a golden, bubbly dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a balanced, plant-based treat without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating this Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. You’ll need two cans of pitted cherries—either in juice or light syrup—which provide natural sweetness and a juicy base for the cake. For the cake topping, a box of vegan chocolate cake mix makes this dessert quick and beginner-friendly, while keeping it entirely plant-based.

To bind everything together and add richness, use ½ cup of melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor. For extra texture and a nutty twist, ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled on top, though this is optional. A pinch of sea salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the chocolatey flavor of the cake mix.

These simple ingredients make the recipe quick, customizable, and approachable for any home cook. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dump cake is versatile, comforting, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Ingredients for Vegan Dump Cake — Vegan Dump Cake: Quick, Delicious, and Family-Friendly Dessert 13

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert is delightfully simple and requires minimal prep. Follow these steps for a golden, bubbly, and irresistible treat:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with coconut oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Fruit Layer: Drain the cherries slightly if desired, and spread them evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the cherries to enhance their natural sweetness.
Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the vegan chocolate cake mix over the cherries. Do not mix—this is what makes it a “dump cake.”
Add Wet Ingredients: Drizzle the melted coconut oil or vegan butter evenly over the top. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Optional Toppings: If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the cake mix is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or with vegan ice cream for a decadent treat.

This easy plant-based dessert requires no eggs, minimal cleanup, and can be customized with any favorite fruit, making it a perfect addition to weeknights or special occasions.

Baking Vegan Dump Cake — Vegan Dump Cake: Quick, Delicious, and Family-Friendly Dessert 14

Expert Cooking Tips

To get the best results with your Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Fresh cherries, apples, or blueberries work beautifully. Frozen fruit is fine too—just thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake.
Evenly Distribute Cake Mix: Sprinkle the cake mix uniformly over the fruit for consistent baking and a golden top. Avoid stirring; the “dump” method gives the signature layered texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the fruit used, you may want to add a touch of sugar or maple syrup. Taste as you go, especially with tart fruits like cherries.
Check Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary. Start checking at 35 minutes, and bake until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Add Nuts or Spices: For extra texture and flavor, try chopped walnuts, pecans, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for indulgence.

These tips ensure your easy plant-based dessert is flavorful, moist, and irresistible every time.

Four Vegan Dump Cake variations — Vegan Dump Cake: Quick, Delicious, and Family-Friendly Dessert 15

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients like fruit, cake mix, and a fat (like vegan butter or coconut oil) are “dumped” into a baking dish and baked. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for beginner bakers.

Can I make a dump cake vegan?

Yes! Using a vegan cake mix, plant-based butter or coconut oil, and non-dairy milk ensures your Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert is completely plant-based.

How many ingredients do I need?

Some recipes require only 3 ingredients, such as fruit, vegan cake mix, and coconut oil, making it a quick and effortless dessert option.

Can I make an oil-free dump cake?

Absolutely. Many recipes allow you to skip oil entirely, relying on the moisture from the fruit and non-dairy milk to keep the cake tender.

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This Vegan Dump Cake: Easy Plant-Based Dessert is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable fruit options, it’s a go-to dessert for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you crave something sweet and plant-based. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a warm, golden, and indulgent treat that everyone will love. Try it today and discover how effortless and delicious vegan baking can be!