Apple Dump Cake
Apple Dump Cake That’ll Make You Feel Like a Dessert Genius
Listen, babe… this dessert is literally so easy it almost feels like cheating. Apple dump cake is the kind of recipe you throw together when you want something warm, cozy, and sweet without pulling out the stand mixer or stressing over measurements. It’s the “lazy girl magic trick” of baking — you just dump, bake, and boom: you’re eating a golden, bubbly dessert that tastes like fall in a pan.
I first made this on a random Sunday when I was craving apple pie but didn’t have the energy to roll dough. I tossed everything in the dish, said a little prayer, and 40 minutes later my kitchen smelled like a bakery. That first bite? Sweet, soft apples with a buttery, golden topping that had just the right crunch. I swear I did a little happy dance with the fork still in my hand.
Why I Love This Apple Dump Cake Recipe
This recipe is ridiculously easy. No mixing bowls. No fussy steps. Just layers of cozy ingredients that come together in the oven like magic. It’s perfect for those last-minute get-togethers, family dinners, or when your sweet tooth won’t quit but your energy level is at zero.
And here’s the best part: it tastes like you spent hours baking. The apples get all warm and caramel-y, the cake mix on top transforms into a golden crust, and every bite gives you that comforting “grandma’s kitchen” vibe. Seriously, this cake is giving cozy-sweater energy in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Dump Cake Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds cozy depth)
Optional Decorations
- Vanilla ice cream (the cold + warm combo is unmatched)
- Whipped cream for a fluffy finish
- Caramel drizzle for extra drama
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, you don’t want sticky apple goo stuck forever.
2. Layer the Apples
Dump the apple pie filling straight into the dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the top. At this point, your kitchen already smells cozy.
3. Add the Cake Mix
Take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t stir. Don’t fuss. Just let it sit there like a little golden blanket.
4. Butter It Up
Pour the melted butter all over the top. Try to cover as much as you can. Some spots might stay dry — that’s okay, it’ll bake into beautiful crumbles.
5. Bake the Magic
Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. When the top is golden and the apples are bubbling, it’s done. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy apple orchard.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Scoop it into bowls while it’s warm. Add ice cream if you’re living your best life. Take that first bite and say it with me: “Whoa, I made this?!” Yes girl, yes you did.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Dump Cake
- Don’t stir the layers — the magic happens when they stay stacked.
- Use cold butter if you want chunkier golden spots instead of a smooth crust.
- Want it less sweet? Use unsweetened apples or make your own filling with fresh apples.
- Always serve it warm. This is a cozy dessert — it’s meant to hug your soul.
Variations You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding cake mix.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
- Spiced-Up Cake: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for major autumn vibes.
- Berry Apple Mash-Up: Toss in a cup of frozen raspberries or blueberries with the apples for a tart surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Apple dump cake is a star on its own, but let’s be dramatic:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for café vibes.
- Pair it with hot coffee or a chai latte for the coziest combo ever.
- For breakfast (no judgment), enjoy it cold with a dollop of yogurt.
Apple dump cake is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a dessert queen with barely any effort. It’s sweet, cozy, crunchy, and ridiculously good. Next time you need something comforting but easy, just dump it, bake it, and watch the magic happen.
Love you long time,
Maria
Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Apple Dump Cake Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling or homemade if you’re feeling fancy
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg optional, but adds cozy depth
Optional Decorations
- Vanilla ice cream the cold + warm combo is unmatched
- Whipped cream for a fluffy finish
- Caramel drizzle for extra drama
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking
Instructions
Prep Your Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, you don’t want sticky apple goo stuck forever.
Layer the Apples
- Dump the apple pie filling straight into the dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the top. At this point, your kitchen already smells cozy.
Add the Cake Mix
- Take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t stir. Don’t fuss. Just let it sit there like a little golden blanket.
Butter It Up
- Pour the melted butter all over the top. Try to cover as much as you can. Some spots might stay dry — that’s okay, it’ll bake into beautiful crumbles.
Bake the Magic
- Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. When the top is golden and the apples are bubbling, it’s done. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy apple orchard.
Serve & Enjoy
- Scoop it into bowls while it’s warm. Add ice cream if you’re living your best life. Take that first bite and say it with me: “Whoa, I made this?!” Yes girl, yes you did.
Notes
- You can use homemade apple filling instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
- Don’t stir the layers — the magic comes from the separate textures baking together.
- Add nuts, caramel, or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger for cozy vibes.
- Best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
