This easy blackberry cobbler is a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers on both incredible taste and effortless preparation! Perfect for warm summer gatherings, it’s equally delightful as a comforting treat during the colder winter months. Its versatility makes it a year-round favorite!
Easy Blackberry Cobbler with Lemon Cake Mix: The Ultimate Dump Cake Recipe
Welcome to your new favorite dessert recipe! This incredibly delicious and easy blackberry cobbler, often referred to as a “dump cake,” is a true game-changer in the world of simple baking. It’s a recipe I return to again and again because it’s quick to assemble, tastes absolutely fantastic, and is universally adored by everyone who tries it. My special blackberry dump cake recipe features the bright, zesty flavor of lemon cake mix, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit with just the right amount of tartness. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s so hard to resist coming back for more!
For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using fresh blackberries, especially when they are in peak season. Their juicy, vibrant taste truly elevates this cobbler. However, don’t worry if fresh berries aren’t available; frozen blackberries work beautifully as well. Just make sure to defrost them thoroughly before using them in the recipe to ensure even baking and a perfect consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Blackberry Cobbler
This easy blackberry cobbler is the quintessential dessert for any occasion, particularly ideal for summer evenings or a festive holiday treat. The hint of lemon from the cake mix infuses every bite with a bright, refreshing note that beautifully complements the natural sweetness and tartness of the blackberries. This delightful combination not only creates a complex flavor profile but also helps cut through the richness of the dessert, making it incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy.
To truly elevate this cobbler to decadent status, consider serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the fruity goodness, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy toppings provide a luxurious contrast to the tender, fruit-filled cake, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you need a stunning dessert with minimal effort.
Other Fruit Desserts You Will Love:
- Easy Lemon Bars
- Strawberry Cream Cookies
- Instant Pot Peach Cobbler
- Banana Walnut Bread
- Triple Berry Trifle with Banana
Understanding the “Dump Cake” Phenomenon
Dump cakes are renowned for their incredible simplicity and fantastic taste – a perfect solution for anyone with a sweet tooth who wants a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of these cakes lies in their name: you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, and the oven does the rest of the work. They typically feature a base of canned fruit or fresh berries, topped with a boxed cake mix or brownie mix, and often a layer of butter, sometimes with other additions like eggs or oil depending on the specific recipe.
The minimal prep time and straightforward process make dump cakes extremely simple to create. What’s more, they are quite convenient for meal prep as they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy slices whenever a craving strikes. While some might jokingly suggest dump cakes have fewer calories because they don’t always use traditional butter or oil in the fruit layer, it’s important to remember that the overall calorie count depends entirely on the specific ingredients chosen. It’s the sheer convenience and delicious outcome that truly make dump cakes shine, not necessarily a lower calorie count.
What Exactly is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a unique type of dessert characterized by its remarkably straightforward preparation method: all the ingredients are “dumped” into a single baking container and then baked. Unlike traditional cobblers or cakes that require extensive mixing, layering, or multiple bowls, a dump cake streamlines the process, making it incredibly accessible for even novice bakers.
The time it takes to prepare this easy blackberry cobbler is minimal, largely depending on how quickly you can prepare your fruit. For the best result, we recommend cutting any larger fresh blackberries into smaller pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed and cook thoroughly. This particular recipe highlights the use of fresh blackberries for their vibrant flavor and texture.
While the act of simply “dumping” ingredients might sound less refined, the resulting blackberry cobbler with lemon cake mix is anything but. It emerges from the oven beautifully golden, with a soft, moist texture that can sometimes be mistaken for a rich, fruit-studded brownie or even a creamy dessert, thanks to its delightful richness. The top layer, in this recipe, is composed of juicy blackberries that, when baked with a sprinkle of sugar and a touch of cinnamon, transform into a thick, luscious sauce that permeates the cake mix layer below.
For added convenience, especially if fresh blackberries are out of season or you’re short on time, frozen berries can be used. Simply ensure they are defrosted before combining them with the sugar and cinnamon to prevent excess moisture in your cobbler and ensure a perfectly baked treat.
The Fascinating History and Popularity of Dump Cakes
The concept of the “dump cake” is far from a modern invention, predating the internet and social media by many decades. Its origins are a bit hazy, but early mentions point to a desire for simplified baking. One of the earliest references I’ve come across dates back to 1948, where a resourceful home baker described making a “pineapple upside-down cake in one pot” – essentially, the spirit of a dump cake.
While definitive proof is elusive, many believe the dump cake as we know it today was significantly popularized by Duncan Hines, possibly through his 1951 “Duncan Hines Desserts” cookbook, though I’ve found no explicit evidence of it being coined “dump cake” at that time. Nevertheless, the idea of combining a few simple ingredients, often including a boxed cake mix, quickly gained traction.
One common and intuitive theory behind the name is its speed and ease of assembly. Just like a fast-food item can be quickly put together, a dump cake can be rapidly prepped and placed in the oven, making it a perfect solution for busy households or last-minute dessert needs.
Beyond our delicious blackberry version, numerous other popular dump cake recipes exist. The **pineapple dump cake** is arguably the most famous and classic, typically featuring canned crushed pineapple (with its juice), topped with yellow cake mix, and a generous layer of melted butter. This creates a wonderfully moist and sweet tropical dessert.
Another cherished variation is the **raspberry dump cake**. This version often combines frozen raspberries (drained, or fresh), with a white or yellow cake mix, butter, and sometimes a hint of almond extract to enhance the berry flavor. The tartness of raspberries provides a delightful contrast to the sweet cake layer.
While dump cakes are traditionally finished with a rich, sugary brown sugar topping (created by combining melted butter with light or dark brown sugar), modern variations often swap this for a lighter touch, such as a cloud of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. This adaptability is another reason for their enduring popularity.
Similar desserts in structure that also champion ease and minimal fuss include the classic coffee cake, with its streusel topping, and the lesser-known “slump cake,” which shares the dump cake’s simplicity but often boasts a glorious, vibrant orange hue, typically from apricots or peaches. Regardless of the fruit or name, these desserts promise a delightful treat with minimal effort, making them universally well-received by both children and adults.
Recipe for Easy Blackberry Cobbler with Lemon Cake Mix
Blackberry Dump Cobbler Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (standard size, typically 15.25 oz / 432g)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 4 cups fresh blackberries (or defrosted frozen blackberries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, shaved cold or melted
- Vanilla ice cream for serving, if desired
How to Make Easy Blackberry Cobbler:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick cooking spray, or lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal of slices.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the fresh or defrosted blackberries, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss gently until the berries are evenly coated. This creates the wonderfully sweet and spiced fruit layer for the base of your cobbler.
- Evenly spread the blackberry mixture across the bottom of your prepared 13×9 inch baking pan. Ensure the berries form a relatively even layer.
- Now, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Sprinkle half (¼ cup) of the rolled oats evenly over the berry layer. Following this, sprinkle the entire box of lemon cake mix evenly over the oats and berries. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half (¼ cup) of rolled oats over the cake mix layer. Try to get as even a coverage as possible.
- For the final layer, you have two options for the butter:
- For shaved cold butter: Using a vegetable peeler or cheese grater, shave the cold butter directly over the entire surface of the cake mix and oats. This method creates small pockets of butter that melt slowly, resulting in a more crumbly, cobbler-like topping.
- For melted butter: Melt the two sticks of butter and then carefully pour the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix and oats. Ensure all dry spots are covered, as this helps the cake mix bake properly and develop a golden crust.
While both methods work, using chilled, shaved butter can sometimes yield a slightly crispier, more defined topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and the fruit mixture is tender.
- Carefully remove the cobbler from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the fruit juices to set slightly. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy every delightful spoonful!
What to Serve with Blackberry Dump Cake?
This blackberry dump cake is a phenomenal dessert on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. The classic and most popular pairing is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, fruity cobbler. For those who enjoy an extra touch of indulgence, a swirl of whipped cream or a rich vanilla sauce drizzled over the top can make it even more decadent. Don’t hesitate to get creative; a scoop of fudge brownie ice cream or even a dollop of lemon sorbet could also create an exciting flavor combination!
What are Some Variations to This Blackberry Cobbler?
The beauty of a dump cake lies in its versatility. While this blackberry cobbler is exceptional as is, there are many ways to customize it to your taste. For an added layer of texture and a nutty flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the butter layer before baking. This adds a delightful crunch. If you’re looking to explore different fruit flavors, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches can be excellent substitutions for blackberries. You could even combine different berries for a mixed berry dump cake. For a richer flavor, a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract can enhance the fruit. Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors too, such as white cake mix for a lighter base, or even spice cake mix for a fall-inspired twist!
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Easy Blackberry Cobbler
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Equipment
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13 x 9 baking dish
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cooking spray
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mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 sticks butter shaved cold or melted
- Ice cream for serving optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 13×9 pan with nonstick spray
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In a bowl mix together berries, sugar, and cinnamon
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Spread in bottom of pan
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Sprinkle on ½ of the rolled oats
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Then sprinkle cake mix, then remaining oats
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Shave cold butter or pour melted butter evenly over the top
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Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden
Nutrition