Craving a warm, comforting dessert without all the fuss? Look no further than this incredibly simple apple dump cake. This classic treat is a dream come true for busy home cooks, requiring minimal ingredients and virtually no prep work. It delivers all the cozy, fall-inspired flavors you love with surprising ease. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, bubbly dessert straight from your oven!
According to culinary historians, the origins of dump cakes can be traced back to the 1950s, when boxed cake mixes revolutionized home baking.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Dump Cake
This delightful dessert quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavors make it a go-to for any occasion.
- Effortless Preparation: You won’t need mixing bowls or complex steps. Simply layer ingredients into one pan for this fantastic apple dump cake.
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: This recipe uses common items you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert idea.
- Quick to Assemble: With just 5 minutes of hands-on time, you can have this dump cake ready for the oven. This saves you valuable time and effort.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the flavors to suit your personal preferences. Swap fruit fillings or cake mixes for endless variations.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This warm, bubbly treat is always a hit. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in.
- Cozy, Warm Treat: The blend of apples and spice makes it an ideal dessert for fall and colder weather. Enjoy its comforting warmth straight from the oven.
Ingredients
You’ll be amazed how simple this apple dump cake recipe is with just a few core ingredients. Gather these items to create your delicious dessert.
2 cans apple pie filling (21 ounces each)
1 teaspoon apple pie spice (divided use)
1 box French vanilla or yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
¾ cup salted butter (melted)
Notes & Substitutions
Apple Pie Filling: While apple is traditional, feel free to use other canned fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or berry for a different twist. Ensure the cans are the same size for proper proportions in your apple dump cake.
The blend of spices in apple pie spice, which often includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, contributes to the dessert’s aroma and has been associated with potential health benefits like antioxidant properties.
Apple Pie Spice: This blend really enhances the cozy, autumnal flavor. If you don’t have apple pie spice, a good substitute is ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon combined with a pinch of nutmeg and allspice.
Cake Mix: French vanilla or yellow cake mix provides a classic buttery crust. For different flavors, try spice cake mix, butter pecan, or even a plain white cake mix.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute with chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or simply omit them for a nut-free version of this easy dump cake.
Butter: Melted butter is crucial for an evenly distributed, crisp topping. For a slightly different texture, you can also use cold butter cut into thin pats, spread across the top, which melts slower and creates more distinct crumbly spots.
Fresh Apples: Using fresh apples requires more prep. You’ll need to peel, core, and slice about 6-8 medium apples, then toss them with sugar, spices, and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. You may also need to add a bit of water or apple juice and increase the bake time. For this recipe, we stick to pie filling for simplicity.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic apple dump cake. This minimal equipment list keeps things simple and stress-free.
9×13-inch baking pan
Silicone spatula or spoon
Small microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Measuring cups and spoons
Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon apple pie spice over the filling and gently mix.
- Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ teaspoon apple pie spice and the chopped pecans (if using) over the cake mix layer.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top, tilting the pan to coat the surface as much as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Instructions
Making this apple dump cake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to assemble your dessert in minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the filling from sticking.
- Spread Apple Pie Filling and Spice: Evenly spread both cans of apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice over the filling. Gently mix it into the apples with a silicone spatula.
- Evenly Sprinkle Dry Cake Mix: Open the box of cake mix and pour the dry powder directly over the spiced apple filling. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure the cake mix creates an even layer.
- Add Remaining Spice and Optional Pecans: Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice evenly over the dry cake mix layer. If using, now is the time to scatter the chopped pecans over the top as well.
- Pour Melted Butter Carefully: Pour the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix and pecans. Gently tilt the pan from side to side to help the butter cover as much of the dry mix as possible. Don’t stir the layers.
- Bake Until Golden Brown and Bubbly: Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The dump cake is ready when the topping is light golden brown, appears mostly dry, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Remove the baked dump cake from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect apple dump cake is easy with these helpful pointers. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delightful dessert every time.
Even Butter Distribution: This is crucial for a crisp, even crust. Ensure the melted butter covers as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This creates the signature streusel-like topping.
Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the layers once assembled. The “dump” cake method relies on the ingredients baking in distinct layers. Stirring will alter the texture of your dump cake.
Checking Doneness: Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly fruit filling around the edges. The top should feel mostly set, not wet or powdery.
Cake Mix Clumps: If you notice small dry spots of cake mix after baking, it means the butter didn’t fully penetrate. Next time, try adding a tablespoon or two of milk over these dry areas before baking.
Adding Moisture: If your cake mix seems too dry after pouring the butter, you can lightly drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream over any uncovered areas. This helps it absorb moisture during baking.
Preventing Burning: If the top is browning too quickly but the filling isn’t bubbly yet, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. This protects the crust while allowing the rest of the dump cake to finish baking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile apple dump cake shines in many ways. Discover delicious serving ideas, proper storage methods, and creative variations to try.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm apple dump cake fresh from the oven. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing. Drizzle it with a generous amount of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence. You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a light dusting of cinnamon. Pair with a warm cup of coffee or hot cider for the ultimate cozy treat.
Storage Instructions
Allow the apple dump cake to cool completely before storing. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual servings, microwave for 30-60 seconds. For the whole cake, warm it in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Variations
Different Fruit Fillings: Experiment with other fruit pie fillings. Peach, cherry, blueberry, or even pineapple all work wonderfully.
Cake Mix Flavors: Change the cake mix to spice cake, butter pecan, or even chocolate for a unique twist.
Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or a homemade streusel topping over the cake mix layer.
Cream Cheese Layer: For an extra decadent treat, spread a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and an egg over the fruit filling before adding the cake mix. This creates a delightful tangy layer in your dump cake.
Nutrition
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this delicious apple dump cake.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 469 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 37mg |
| Sodium | 542mg |
| Potassium | 105mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 39g |
| Vitamin A | 457IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 123mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an approximation based on ingredients and standard calculations. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about this simple apple dump cake. Learn more about this easy dessert.
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a pan in layers without pre-mixing. It bakes into a cake-like bottom with a streusel-style topping.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, but you must peel, core, slice, and sweeten fresh apples with sugar and spices. You also need to add a thickening agent like cornstarch.
Do I need to cover apple dump cake while baking?
Only if the top is browning too quickly before the filling is bubbly. Loosely tenting with foil can prevent over-browning.
How do I know when my apple dump cake is done?
The top should be light golden brown and mostly dry, with the fruit filling visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cake a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. It reheats well too.
Conclusion
This easy apple dump cake truly proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a warm, comforting treat that tastes homemade. Its versatility makes it perfect for any season or occasion, delivering cozy flavors with every scoop. Go ahead, give this fantastic recipe a try. Enjoy its simplicity and share the deliciousness with your loved ones!
