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Apple Dump Cake
Apple Dump Cake is an easy, delicious dessert with a gooey apple filling and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s ready in minutes and always a crowd favorite!
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Apple Dump Cake is the easiest, most delicious dessert you'll ever make! With only a few ingredients, you'll enjoy a warm, gooey apple filling topped with buttery cake mix. It's perfect for busy days or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra yum!
This recipe is super easy to follow, and you'll find step-by-step photos and directions below. We've also added pro tips and tricks to ensure your cake turns out perfect. Plus, we answer all the most frequently asked questions about making this delightful dessert!
More Recipes ⭐ Pecan Dump Cake | Apple Pie Recipe | Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Apple Dump Cake takes just ten minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dessert for any occasion. The combination of sweet, tender apples and buttery cake mix creates a deliciously warm, gooey treat.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress everyone. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, it's the perfect go-to recipe when you want something sweet and satisfying!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Apple Dump Cake recipe:
- 6 cups of cold water
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 9 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- ½ cup of butter, cold and sliced into pats
- ¼ cup of butter, melted
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Apple Dump Cake recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your dessert uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture and added richness.
Substitute Apples: Use fresh peaches or mixed berries for a fun twist on this Apple Cake.
Substitute Yellow Cake Mix: Try spice cake mix to add extra warmth and flavor to your dessert.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started making this easy cake recipe! You’ll love how fun it is to whip up this tasty dessert.
Pro Tip
You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
SECOND STEP: Pour 6 cups of cold water into a large mixing bowl.
THIRD STEP: Add the ¼ cup of lemon juice to the cold water.
FOURTH STEP: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small square pieces. Place the chopped apple pieces into the lemon water. This will prevent the apples from browning.
FIFTH STEP: Using a colander, completely drain the diced apples.
SIXTH STEP: Transfer the drained diced apples back into the same large mixing bowl.
SEVENTH STEP: Sprinkle cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, and apple pie spice over the top of the apples. Using a spoon, mix the apples in the baking dish to coat all sides of the apples.
EIGHTH STEP: Pour the coated apples into the greased baking dish, making sure to spread the apples evenly.
NINTH STEP: Top the apples with the dry cake mix. Gently shake the pan to help distribute the cake mix.
TENTH STEP: Arrange the cold butter pats evenly on top of the cake mix.
ELEVENTH STEP: Using a spoon, drizzle the melted butter between the butter pats. Tilt the pan back and forth to cover as much of the top with butter as possible.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your dump cake as the recommended baking time approaches.
TWELFTH STEP: Place the apple dump cake in the oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Pro Tip
Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.
THIRTEENTH STEP: Serve warm.
How To Serve Apple Dump Cake
This Dump Cake is perfect for any occasion and can be served in fun and tasty ways! Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this dessert will be a hit.
- Holiday Parties: Serve this warm Apple Dump Cake at holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its sweet, comforting flavors pair perfectly with spiced apple cider or pumpkin pie.
- Family Dinners: After a family meal, kids and adults alike will love this easy dessert. Top with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Serve alongside dishes like roasted chicken or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
- Seasonal Celebrations: This dessert shines in the fall, but it works year-round too! Add a caramel drizzle for a fall touch, or serve it with fresh berries in spring. Pair with a refreshing lemon iced tea or hot cocoa, depending on the season.
Why You'll Love This Apple Cake Recipe
Apple Dump Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a beloved favorite for many delicious reasons:
- Effortless and Quick: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s ready in minutes, making it a go-to treat when time is short.
- Comforting and Delicious: The warm, gooey apple filling paired with a buttery cake mix creates a comforting dessert everyone craves. Each bite brings the cozy flavors of fall, making it a favorite for those chilly evenings.
- Loved by Everyone: Kids and adults alike adore the simplicity and sweetness of Apple Dump Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to any table, no matter the occasion.
This Apple Dump Cake is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to every gathering!
Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh apples. Just peel, slice, and slightly cook them before adding to the recipe.
Does Apple Dump Cake need to be refrigerated?
No, it can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, covered tightly.
How do I make the cake topping crispier?
To get a crispier topping, evenly drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix before baking.
Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Yes, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice to the apple layer enhances the warm, fall flavors.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve Apple Dump Cake?
Serve it warm, straight from the oven, for the best texture and flavor experience.
Can I serve Apple Dump Cake with toppings?
Yes, top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for an extra delicious touch.
Is Apple Dump Cake better served warm or cold?
Apple Dump Cake is best served warm, but it can be enjoyed cold if you prefer a chilled dessert.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This Apple Dump Cake recipe typically serves 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or parties.
Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow our directions, tips, and tricks to store your Apple Dump Cake. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got all the details covered to keep your dessert fresh and delicious.
Can I make Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead. Bake it fully and store it covered at room temperature for up to two days.
How do I store leftover Apple Dump Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to five days.
Can I freeze Apple Dump Cake?
Yes, freeze your Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
How do I reheat Apple Dump Cake?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for ten to fifteen minutes or microwave individual portions for thirty seconds to one minute.
Apple Dump Cake
Apple Dump Cake is an easy, delicious dessert with a gooey apple filling and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s ready in minutes and always a crowd favorite!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 9 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter (cold and sliced into pats)
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the 6 cups of cold water into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ¼ cup of lemon juice to the cold water.
- Place peeled, cored, and diced apples into the lemon water.
- Using a colander, completely drain the diced apples.
- Transfer the drained diced apples back into the same large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the diced apples with the sugars, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Using a large spoon, toss the apples until well coated.
- Pour the coated apples into the buttered baking dish, making sure to spread the apples evenly.
- Top the apples with the cake mix. Gently shake the pan to help distribute the cake mix.
- Arrange the cold butter pats evenly on top of the dry cake mix.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the melted butter between the butter pats.
- Place the apple dump cake in the oven, and bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- When buying the cake mix, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.
- You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your dump cake as the recommended baking time approaches.
- Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 429IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Orpah Brandt says
Every things!