If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is here to save the day. It transforms simple pantry staples into a dazzlingly sweet, cinnamon-kissed treat with a soft, golden crust and meltingly tender apple filling. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and unbeatable comfort factor—no complicated mixing or fancy gadgets needed, just handfuls of love baked into every bite. Whether it’s a casual family night or a surprise for guests, this Apple Dump Cake Recipe never fails to impress and satisfy with its homestyle charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together in perfect harmony, making this dish both effortless and incredibly delicious. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering texture, sweetness, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each): The star of the show, providing tender chunks of apple in flavorful syrup that keeps the cake moist and fruity.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Creates the crumbly, golden crust that crowns the dessert with a buttery sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Ensures the cake mix browns beautifully and gives the topping a rich, luscious texture.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds delightful crunch and a toasty contrast to the softness of the cake and filling.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature to achieve a golden crust while gently warming the luscious apple filling within. Meanwhile, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a touch of butter or non-stick spray, so your sweet masterpiece won’t stick and comes out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Add the Apple Filling
Open your cans of apple pie filling and pour them right into the baking dish. This juicy, cinnamon-spiced fruit base forms the heart of the dish and gives every bite that familiar, comforting apple pie taste.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon
Dust the apple pie filling evenly with ground cinnamon. This small touch adds a fragrant spice that elevates the natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor, making your kitchen smell amazing in the best way.
Step 4: Cover with Cake Mix
Gently spread the yellow cake mix over the cinnamon-touched apples, covering every inch. This powdery layer will transform into that signature crunchy, buttery topping we all love once baked.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring the powder gets moistened well. This step is what brings the crunch and richness to the cake topping, sealing in the moisture and creating that perfect contrast between golden crust and soft filling.
Step 6: Add Pecans (Optional)
If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them evenly on top. These nuts add an irresistible crunch and a hint of nuttiness that balances the sweetness beautifully. Totally optional but highly recommended!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you can see the apple filling bubbling at the edges. This bubbling signals all the flavors have melded perfectly.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes. This brief wait helps it set up a bit so you can serve neat slices without it falling apart — though even a spoonful straight from the dish is equally heavenly.
How to Serve Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dessert to the next level, consider topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds a touch of elegance and indulgence that’ll wow anyone lucky enough to be served.
Side Dishes
This Apple Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a cozy mug of spiced tea, making it a perfect ending to a casual dinner or a warm treat during afternoon tea time. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cheddar cheese slices for a classic apple and cheese combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Apple Dump Cake in individual ramekins for charming personal desserts, or layer spoonfuls into parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a breakfast-inspired variation. For gatherings, top with toasted pecans or dried apple chips to add texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Dump Cake keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day if you can resist digging in immediately.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or storing in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm up your apple dump cake slices in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until heated through. This restores the gooey texture of the apple filling and the crispness of the cake topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! While canned apple pie filling is convenient and consistently sweet, you can make your own filling with fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice. Just cook the fresh apples down until tender before layering them into the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for melted butter amounts so your topping bakes up nice and crispy.
What type of butter works best for this recipe?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness in the dish, but if you only have salted butter, just skip adding any extra salt elsewhere. Melted butter helps the dry cake mix turn into a beautifully crunchy topping.
Can I add other nuts or toppings besides pecans?
Certainly! Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of toasted seeds work well for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
How do I know when the apple dump cake is done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust on top and bubbling filling around the edges of the pan. The cake should be firm to the touch on the topping without any dry patches of cake mix.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect mix of simple ingredients and luscious flavors that come together effortlessly to create a dessert that feels like home. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to make this classic treat your own by adding your favorite nuts or toppings—it’s all about comfort and joy served sweet. Go ahead, bake it today, and watch the smiles appear!
Print
Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that combines classic apple pie filling with a moist cake topping. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a perfect cozy treat for any occasion, featuring sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crunchy pecans, and a golden crust baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your dump cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with unsalted butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Apple Filling: Open the apple pie filling cans and pour the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon: Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apple filling to add warm spice and enhance the apple flavor.
- Cover with Cake Mix: Take the yellow cake mix and spread it evenly over the apple mixture, covering the fruit completely with the dry mix for a balanced texture.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix top, ensuring most of the dry powder is moistened to create a tender crumb during baking.
- Add Pecans (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with white or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans entirely or replace with your favorite nut or seed.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
