How do you substitute dairy in a cake?

For a moist, flavorful cake, replace butter with melted coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine. Milk can be swapped with almond, oat, soy, or other plant-based milks. Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with coconut or soy versions, or made DIY by simmering coconut milk with sugar until thickened. These simple swaps make Dairy-Free Dump Cake Substitutions easy and delicious.

What can you use instead of butter in a dump cake?

Use melted coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine in a 1:1 ratio. Each option gives your dump cake a golden, crisp topping while keeping it fully dairy-free.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The most common mistake is stirring the layers. Dump cakes rely on gently layered ingredients to achieve a crisp, golden top with moist fruit beneath. Avoid mixing for perfect results.

What cake mixes are dairy-free?

Brands like Pillsbury and Betty Crocker offer dairy-free and gluten-free cake mixes. Always check labels, as some mixes contain milk powder. These mixes work perfectly for Dairy-Free Dump Cake Substitutions.

Dairy-Free Dump Cake Substitutions – Easy & Delicious Recipe 2025

Description

This guide shows simple swaps to make any traditional dump cake completely dairy-free while keeping it indulgent and easy. You can enjoy gooey, sweet, and satisfying dump cakes without butter, milk, or other dairy products.

Ingredients

🛒 Ingredients & Dairy-Free Swaps:

Butter: Substitute with melted coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine (1:1 ratio).
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk, soy condensed milk, or make a quick DIY by simmering 1 can of full-fat coconut milk with ½ cup sugar until thickened.
Milk in Cake Mix: If your cake mix calls for milk, replace with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk in equal amounts.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream for Serving: Use coconut whipped cream or other plant-based ice cream alternatives.
Chocolate Chips or Mix-ins: Choose dairy-free chocolate chips or vegan-friendly mix-ins.

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with dairy-free butter or oil.
Prepare Base: If making caramel from scratch, simmer dairy-free condensed milk or coconut milk mixture until thickened. Spread evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix over the base. Do not stir.
Top with Oil & Nuts: Drizzle melted coconut oil or vegan butter over the cake mix. Add nuts and a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Finish & Serve: Cool slightly, then serve with plant-based whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

Shortcut: Use jarred dairy-free caramel or fruit pie filling to skip making a base.
Flavor Twists: Swap nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for variety.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in the oven before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American