Easy Apple Dump Cake

By Danielle Nieman

Homemade Apple Dump Cake is a cozy, 3-ingredient dessert you can make all year round! It’s insanely DELICIOUS, and the recipe is EASY.

This post is all about how to make Apple Dump Cake.

If you LOVE apple pie, then you’ll LOVE this Apple Dump Cake recipe! It’s incredibly delicious, easy to make, and only calls for three ingredients.

Not only will your guests find this homemade dessert ADDICTING, but the smells of sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice will fill your home better than any candle or DIY Fall scent.

So, why should you make this dump cake recipe instead of apple pie? Well, if you need a quick dessert, this one can be thrown together in minutes (literally), and there are so many flavors in this recipe that once you try it, you might think an apple pie tastes plain and boring.

The three ingredients you’ll need are apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter. This sweet treat needs about 45 minutes of baking, but that’s also the bonus you get from making this recipe because, AGAIN, the smells are insanely good.

Let’s get into the recipe details so you can enjoy this unforgettable apple dessert! Oh, and serving each piece with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream should be mandatory. Side note: I added caramel on top of mine, and while it was delicious, the sauce is unnecessary unless you want an extra sweet effect.

Apple Dump Cake

Why Is It Called A Dump Cake?

So, why use the term “dump” when referring to this dessert? Dump cake recipes are famously known in America for quickly dumping the ingredients into a baking dish. They typically call for fruit pie filling, cake mix, and butter.

You’ll Need 3 Ingredients:

• 1 Box Of Yellow Cake Mix, approximately 15-18 ounces.

• 3/4 Cup Of Salted Butter (1 and 1/2 sticks), melted.

• 2 Cans Of Apple Pie Filling (21 ounces each)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Of Chopped Pecan Nuts (optional).

• Vanilla Ice Cream (optional but recommended).

• Caramel Sauce (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• 9 x 13 Baking Dish

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray

• Can Opener

• Spatula

• Glass measuring cup with a spout for melting butter. The spout makes it easier to drizzle the melted butter on top of the dry cake mix.

• Sharp Knife – for chopping optional pecan nuts.

• Oven

What Is The Difference Between Cobbler And Dump Cake?

These two desserts are almost the same! But a dump cake uses cake mix, while a cobbler often calls for a biscuit or pie crust topping. Both have a layer of fruit filling and are usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How To Make Apple Dump Cake, Step-By-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Coat the 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3: Dump two cans of apple pie filling into the pan and spread out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Next, sprinkle a whole box of DRY cake mix on top of the apples. One package will cover the 9 x 13 pan. Pat the dry cake mix down with your fingers.

Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the whole top of the dry cake mix.

Step 6: Lastly, you can add the optional chopped pecan nuts. Sprinkle them evenly on top of the melted butter.

Step 7: Bake the cake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F or until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve each warm piece with an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.

FAQs For This Easy Apple Dessert

Which Apples Are Best For Apple Cake?

This recipe calls for canned apple pie filling to keep things simple. Use Granny Smith apples if you’re making the filling from scratch. These apples are perfect for baking because they’re tart, so they won’t make the dessert too sweet. They also hold their shape nicely after baking.

Does Apple Dump Cake Need To Be Refrigerated?

Be sure to enjoy this cake fresh out of the oven, but once it has cooled completely, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover it securely with plastic or transfer it to an airtight container.

Can You Freeze A Fresh Apple Dump Cake?

Yes! If you have leftovers after four days, transfer the cake to an airtight container and store it in the freezer.

How Do You Cut Apples For Apple Dump Cake?

While this dump cake recipe calls for canned apples (to keep things simple), you could make the apple filling from scratch. You’ll need to decore the apples, remove the skins, and slice them. Use this tool here to make peeling and decoring easier.

Can You Use Fresh Apples For This Dump Cake Instead Of Canned Apples?

You can if you wish, but dump cakes are meant to be easy and require minimal ingredients. But if you prefer fresh apples and have the extra time, they will taste delicious too!

How Do You Make This Dump Cake Without Using Cake Mix?

You could make it from scratch if you don’t want to use a store-bought cake mix. And keep in mind using pie or biscuit dough would turn this dessert into a cobbler.

Does Caramel Taste Good On Top Of This Apple Dump Cake?

Yes! Drizzling caramel sauce on top of each piece tastes delicious, but this dump cake is already sweet, so beware.

How Long Can I Store This Apple Cake?

You can store this cake in the refrigerator for up to four days. After that period, you should transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer.

Can I Make This Apple Dessert In A Crockpot?

Yes! If baking this cake in a crockpot, turn it on high for four hours. I’ve used a crockpot for a dump cake before, but I prefer a 9 x 13 baking dish because the dessert has more room to spread out and the cake topping becomes crunchier.

How Should I Serve Apple Dump Cake?

While this Apple Dump Cake tastes delicious alone, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it superb! As mentioned, adding caramel sauce is delicious but adds more sweetness to the dessert.

Final Thoughts On Easy Apple Dump Cake

I hope you LOVE this Apple Dump Cake recipe as much as I do! Everyone will love its sweet taste, and your home will smell AMAZING. Please share this recipe with friends and family on social media if you become obsessed!

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Other Dessert Recipes Made With Apples:

Apple Pie Enchiladas

Deep Dish Crispy Apple Pizza

French Fruit Crepes