Dump Cake

 A dump cake is one of the more unappealing names for a dessert that I've come across. However, it's named for methodology. Basically, a dump cake recipe is a list of ingredients that are dumped in a bowl, mixed together, and baked. Super simple in theory. Grandma E has several of these recipes in her boxes but I've always been a little leery of trying them. Awful sounding name aside, I have a hard time believing baking a cake could be so easy. 

Joke's on me; it really is that easy. This recipe produces a dense but thoroughly yummy sponge and the cream cheese frosting recipe is a nice accompaniment

Dump Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (the recipe calls for a 1 lb can, but all the cans I could find were 20 oz and it worked fine)

1. Dump all ingredients in a bowl, mix, and bake in a greased 9x13 pan in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes
2. Toothpick will come out clean when it's done and the top gets a nice toasty brown.

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 stick (8 Tbs) butter (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla

1. mix together until smooth (you'll want to use a hand mixer)

The only tricky thing in all of this is figuring out when the cake is baked through without it scorching. Just keep your eye on it starting at around 25 minutes and you'll be fine.