On those sweet summer evenings, when the fireflies begin to dance and the smell of freshly cut hay fills the air, there's nothing like a warm dessert to bring the family together. This Slow Cooker Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake is a nod to the simple yet delicious recipes that have been passed down through generations in our Midwestern homes. With the sweetness of blueberries and the tartness of lemons, it’s the perfect blend of flavors that will remind you of sunlit blueberry patches and grandma’s kitchen. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for busy days or when you want to make something special without too much fuss.

This cake is perfection on a plate by itself, but if you want to make it truly irresistible, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh blueberries on top or a zest of lemon. And of course, a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is the perfect companion to this delightful treat.

Servings: 8

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 lemon, zested
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1. Grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Spread the blueberries evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and lemon juice over the blueberries.

4. Pour the yellow cake mix evenly over the blueberry mixture. Do not stir.

5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.

6. Add the lemon zest on top, distributing it evenly. If using, sprinkle the cinnamon over the top as well.

7. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.

8. Once done, remove the lid and let it cool slightly before serving.

For a more indulgent twist, you can add a dollop of cream cheese mixture (cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla) in with the blueberries before adding the cake mix. You can also try different fruit combinations, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar added to the blueberries by half.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove