Apple Dump Cake

Have you ever found yourself in the mood for a sweet, delicious fall dessert but just didn’t feel like putting in the hours of baking? Well, we have the perfect solution for you. It’s called the Apple Dump Cake. 

It’s an apple dessert that comes together with minimal effort that’s perfect for those spur-of-the-moment sweet tooth urges or last-minute guests. Plus, with customizable flavors this easy dessert recipe is all about making it your own!

Ingredients

Apple pie filling – you can use any kind of pie filling you’d like, but you won’t have an Apple Dump Cake anymore.

Yellow cake mix – you can use white; it won’t affect much. For extra flavor, you can even use spice cake mix. 

Butter – I use salted, but you can use unsalted; there is enough salt in the apple pie filling and the boxed cake mix that you won’t notice the salt missing.

Substitutions and Additions

• 1/2 to 1 cup of caramel sauce can be drizzled over the apples before adding the cake mix for a caramel Apple Dump Cake. You could even use caramels bits from the baking aisle.
• A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful crunch to your cake.  
• A handful of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins could also be mixed with the apple mixture for an extra fall vibe.
• And if you’re a chocolate lover, why not sprinkle some chocolate chips on top? They’ll melt into the cake, creating a sweet, gooey layer that complements the apples perfectly.

How To Make Apple Dump Cake

1 – Set your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees F. Apply baking spray to a 9 X 13 cake pan or baking dish. 

2 – Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the pan, distributing the filling evenly. 

3 – Next, evenly spread the dry cake mix over the apple filling, being sure to break up any clumps. Any piles that are higher will not cook and still be like powder when the cake is done. Any dips will hold more butter and those areas will be thicker and harder to cut or bite in to.

4 – Thinly cut the butter and arrange the slices to cover the surface. 

5 – Finally, bake the mixture in the oven for 50 – 65 minutes or until the top reaches your desired level of crunchiness. We prefer ours to be fairly dark and crispy.

Recipe Tips

• Remember, patience is the key. Let your Apple Dump Cake sit for a bit after you take it out of the oven. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. 
• Apples matter if you make homemade filling. Try using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a blend of sweet and tangy flavors. 
• Want to make your Apple Dump Cake even more irresistible? Serve this delicious dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 
• Don’t stress over perfect slices. This cake is meant to be served in big, messy scoops, brimming with tender apples and rich, buttery cake. It’s rustic charm at its best!

Storage

Your leftover Apple Dump Cake can be covered and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. Pop it into the fridge if you need to keep it fresh for longer. Just ensure it’s covered well to protect it from other flavors in the refrigerator. It will last in the fridge for about a week. 

You can freeze your Apple Dump Cake. Once completely cooled, slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap tightly, then put them in a sealable freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can take out and thaw just the amount you want to enjoy. When you’re ready to eat a slice, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Easy as pie!

Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?

Absolutely! If the apple version isn’t your thing, feel free to try making these dump cake recipes: peach dump cake, blueberry dump cake, cherry dump cake, or even a pumpkin dump cake. Just keep in mind the sweeter the fruit, the sweeter the cake. 

Can I Make Apple Pie Filling from Scratch with Fresh Apples?

We usually use canned apple pie filling for convenience. But making apple pie filling from scratch is doable, and the great part is you can customize it just the way you like. You only need simple ingredients like apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. 

Can I Add Caramel?

Yes! You can add a layer of caramel bits, from the baking aisle, on top of the apple pie filling.

You could also add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of caramel sauce.

We don’t do it, as we find this recipe sweet enough as it is.

Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can! There are plenty of great gluten-free cake mixes available these days. Simply swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free one, and you’re good to go. 

How Do I Know When the Cake is Finished Baking?

Your cake will be golden brown on top, and the fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges. For an extra crispy top, cook until it has turned dark brown, just don’t burn it.

Add Sugar on Top Before Baking?

You can, though this dump cake is already quite sweet. Adding some sugar before baking can create a nice crunch on top. But it’s totally up to you!

MORE CAKE MIX RECIPES THAT MAKE BAKING SIMPLE

• Cookies and Cream Cake
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
• Cherry Dump Cake
• Chocolate Dump Cake

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