If you’re craving a cozy, no-fuss dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those magical desserts where you literally “dump” ingredients into a dish and end up with a golden, bubbly, melt-in-your-mouth treat. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—it’s the perfect balance of tender cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery, crunchy topping that my family can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for quick desserts or holidays alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple & Quick: You literally dump the ingredients in layers—no mixing, no fuss, just straightforward comfort.
- Perfect Texture Combination: The soft, juicy apples meet a buttery cake crust that crisps up perfectly on top.
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: Every time I bring this to family gatherings, it disappears fast—kids and adults alike adore it.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the fruit or spices to make it your own without losing that “dump cake” magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a key role in creating that dreamy, old-fashioned dessert flavor. Let me share a few pointers so you get the best results.
- Apple Pie Filling: Using canned apple pie filling with cinnamon and spices saves time and delivers consistent flavor—you don’t have to chop apples or mix spices.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The cake mix acts as both a topping and a crust, baking up golden and crunchy while soaking up apple juices.
- Butter: Thin slices of real butter are essential—that rich, mellow fat melts and browns to create a crisp, buttery topping you’ll adore. I prefer unsalted so I can control saltiness.
Variations
While I love the classic approach, this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to personalize it based on what you have or your taste preferences—this is your kitchen playground!
- Adding Nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before placing the butter for an extra crunch and nutty depth of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Though the apple pie filling is already spiced, adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger gives it a cozy warmth I adore during fall.
- Different Fruits: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out half the apple filling for peach or cherry pie filling—works like a charm and gives a fresh twist!
- Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this recipe friendly for gluten-free diets without losing the texture you love.
How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F—don’t skip this because it’s crucial for even baking. Then, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your cake won’t stick after it’s baked. Pour in both cans of apple pie filling, spreading it out evenly to create that juicy base layer. I like to give the cans a gentle tap on the side to loosen every last bit of filling, making sure no syrupy goodness is wasted.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Now sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples—you don’t want any bare spots. This part can feel a little crumbly, but resist mixing them together; the magic is in the layers! Press down gently to make sure the cake mix covers all the filling. Next, lay out 24 thin slices of butter all over the cake mix. Using cold butter works best here because it melts slowly during baking, creating crisp, golden spots that are absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye out for that top layer turning deep golden brown and bubbling around the edges—that’s your cue it’s done! When ready, take the cake out and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. I promise that wait is worth it because the cake sets slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Use Real Butter, Not Margarine: The flavor and texture difference is noticeable; butter gives a richer, crispier crust every time.
- Pre-Spray Your Dish Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that skipping this can make the cake stick and break apart during serving.
- Don’t Mix the Layers: Resist the urge to combine the apple filling and cake mix—keeping them separate creates the perfect texture contrast.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: This small wait allows the cake to firm up so each slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve this, a big scoop of vanilla ice cream is my favorite go-to—warm cake with cold, creamy ice cream? Yes please! You could also dust a bit of powdered sugar or sprinkle cinnamon on top for a pretty finish. Fresh whipped cream adds a light, indulgent touch that my family loves too.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn dessert into an event, I like pairing this apple dump cake with a simple cup of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte. It’s also fantastic alongside a scoop of mascarpone or a sharp cheddar cheese slice for an unexpected but delightful combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the cake in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Another fun idea is layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and toasted nuts—turns it into a showstopper that looks complicated but takes no extra effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically cover leftover dump cake tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 4 days, though if I’m honest, it rarely lasts that long in my house. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the topping can lose its crispness—so reheating is key.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftover cake, I recommend portioning it into airtight containers to avoid freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawing, move it to the fridge overnight to keep texture intact.
Reheating
To revive that perfect crunchy top, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warm and bubbling. Microwaving is faster but tends to make the topping soggy, so I save that for when I’m in a hurry.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling in the Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh apples add a nice texture and fresh flavor, but you’ll want to peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples, then toss them with cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Keep in mind that fresh apples release more moisture, so you might need to adjust baking time slightly to get that bubbly, golden topping.
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What type of yellow cake mix works best for this recipe?
I’ve found that any standard box of yellow cake mix works fine for this dump cake. You don’t need fancy or premium brands—just avoid mixes with too many added flavors or fillings to keep the taste balanced with the apple filling.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can! Replace the butter with your favorite dairy-free spread or coconut oil. Also, check your cake mix ingredients for dairy, as not all boxed cake mixes are dairy-free. This way, you still get a tasty dessert without the dairy.
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How do I know when the dump cake is fully cooked?
Look for a deep golden brown crust on top and bubbling liquid around the edges—that’s the sweet apple filling coming to life. If it’s not bubbling yet, give it more time, but watch carefully to avoid burning the top.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish, or bake two pans in the oven at the same time. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger or deeper pans might need extra minutes to cook through completely.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that you don’t need hours or fancy techniques to create something baked-from-scratch delicious. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting dessert without the stress or mess. I’m excited for you to try it—once you do, I bet it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation just like it has in mine. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 60-70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Apple Dump Cake recipe is a simple, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender apple pie filling topped with yellow cake mix and buttery slices, it bakes into a deliciously golden and bubbly treat with a crunchy crumb topping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into 24 thin slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Construct Base: Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a juicy and flavorful base layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Press it down firmly but gently to help create a compact topping layer.
- Add Butter Slices: Arrange the 24 thin slices of butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix to add richness and help develop a golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving warm. Enjoy the tender fruit topping with the crunchy buttery cake crust.
Notes
- Apple dump cake is a delicious, simple anytime dessert combining tender fruit and rich buttery cake topped with crunchy crumbs.
- You can use fresh apples cooked with sugar and cinnamon if you prefer making your own filling.
- For a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 313 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 483 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
