If you’re like me and love easy, comforting desserts, then this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s unbelievably simple, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers that cozy, homemade apple dessert vibe without the hassle of peeling, coring, or rolling out dough. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: You literally dump ingredients together—no special skills or equipment needed.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with crisp cake and buttery goodness.
- Super Versatile: Use canned or fresh apples, bake in the oven, crockpot, or even a Dutch oven when camping.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dessert—it’s always the first to disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from a balanced mix of sweet, spiced apples and that quick-yet-crispy cake topping. I like to keep my pantry basics ready, which makes whipping up this Apple Dump Cake Recipe a breeze anytime.
- Apple pie filling: Go for canned apple pie filling to save time, but fresh apples chopped up also work beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix: Using a boxed mix keeps things simple, and the warm flavor pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel note that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm apple spice flavor—don’t skip it!
- Salted butter: Thinly sliced on top, it melts over the cake mix giving that perfect golden crust.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty touch if you’re feeling fancy.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: The ideal cool and creamy counterpoint when serving.
- Caramel sauce (optional): Drizzle generously for an over-the-top treat.
Variations
I love how flexible this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is — don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Here are some of my favorite tweaks I’ve tried and totally recommend.
- Using fresh apples: I used to stick with canned, but swapping in peeled and diced fresh apples mixed with a bit of brown sugar gives a fresher, tangier bite that everyone loved.
- Crockpot version: When I’m short on oven time, I use the slow cooker. It cooks slowly into a melty, juicy dessert—perfect for cozy days.
- Nut-free: If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply skip the pecans. The cake remains just as irresistible!
- Spice them up: I sometimes throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves with the cinnamon for a deeper fall flavor.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using canned apple pie filling, dump it right into your 9×9-inch baking dish. I sometimes use a 9×13-inch to get a thinner layer, which cooks a bit faster and makes for easier serving.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Toppings
In a medium bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until they’re evenly combined. This mix is going to form that delightfully crisp layer on top of the apples.
Step 3: Assemble Your Dump Cake
Evenly sprinkle the cake mix mixture on top of the apple filling. Then, thinly slice your salted butter and scatter it across the top so it covers as much of the cake mix as possible—this is what helps it bake into that gorgeous golden crust. If you want, sprinkle pecans over the top for some crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can see the apples bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on the top after 30 minutes—if the cake is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Toppings
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. I love serving this with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, and sometimes a drizzle of caramel sauce if I’m feeling indulgent. That combo? Total game changer!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Don’t Overmix Cake Topping: Keep the cake mix and spices gently combined so it stays crumbly and covers the apples evenly.
- Butter Slicing Is Key: Thin slices of cold butter melt better and create the perfect crust; too thick and the texture changes.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated; otherwise, your dump cake could end up soggy.
- Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: They give even heat distribution and a lovely bake—plus, you can serve right out of the dish.
How to Serve Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I always add a little something extra on top when serving. Vanilla ice cream is my absolute favorite because it melts into the warm cake creating a luscious mouthfeel. When I want something lighter, whipped cream is a great choice, and for special occasions, a drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce elevates the dessert beautifully.
Side Dishes
This apple dump cake stands well on its own, but I sometimes pair it with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to complement those warm apple and cinnamon notes. It’s also a lovely ending after a savory dinner like roasted chicken or pork chops.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your apple dump cake in individual ramekins for a charming touch. For holiday gatherings, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or some fresh cranberries on top for a festive flair. I’ve also seen it layered with whipped cream and caramel poured tableside for an interactive dessert experience that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftover dump cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
Freezing apple dump cake is totally doable. I like to bake it first, cool completely, then portion it out and freeze in airtight containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. It keeps surprisingly well without losing its texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover apple dump cake in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the topping crisp rather than soggy, which sometimes happens with microwaving. Just cover loosely with foil if it looks like browning too fast.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh apples add a wonderful natural flavor and texture. Just peel, core, and dice three medium apples into ½-inch chunks, then toss them with about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to keep it sweet. You might want to add a sprinkle of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning.
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Can I make this Apple Dump Cake Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can layer the fruit in the bottom of your crockpot, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and add the sliced butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. If your slow cooker is oven-safe, broiling the top for a few minutes can crisp the cake layer nicely.
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What if I don’t have pecans? Can I skip them?
Yes, pecans are totally optional! They add a lovely crunch and depth, but the recipe tastes amazing even without nuts. You can also swap them for walnuts or leave them out altogether if you have nut allergies.
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How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
You’ll want the top to be golden brown and crispy with the apples bubbling around the edges—that’s the best sign. Usually, this happens between 35 to 45 minutes in a 350°F oven. If after 35 minutes the top looks pale, give it a bit longer but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dump Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that comes together so easily yet feels like you’ve put in a lot of love and effort. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-sweet flavors as much as my family does. Just imagine that buttery crust, bubbling apples, and a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream melting right on top. Seriously, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep close for those cozy dessert cravings!
Print
Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert featuring sweet apple pie filling topped with a buttery yellow cake mix blend that bakes to golden perfection. With optional pecans for crunch and served best with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s an effortless sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 (18-ounce) yellow cake mix
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10-12 Tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dessert.
- Add Pie Filling: Pour the entire 28-ounce can of apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish; alternatively, use a 9×13-inch pan if you prefer a thinner cake layer.
- Mix Cake Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Layer Cake Mix: Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the apple pie filling in the baking dish.
- Add Butter and Pecans: Distribute 10 to 12 tablespoons of thinly sliced salted butter across the surface of the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy and Comment: After enjoying the cake, leave a comment and rating for feedback.
Notes
- Using fresh apples: Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples into ½-inch cubes. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar before layering in the baking dish as a fresh alternative to canned pie filling.
- Crockpot method: Place fruit filling at the bottom of the crockpot, sprinkle cake mix on top, then add sliced butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. If your crockpot is oven-safe, broil a few minutes at the end to brown the top.
- Dutch oven camping method: Line the Dutch oven with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Add fruit filling, then cake mix, followed by sliced butter. Cover with lid and cook on hot coals for approximately 30 minutes until baked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
