Apple Dump Cake Recipe
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My apple dump cake recipe makes a cozy, comforting dessert packed with sweet cinnamon apple flavor and a buttery spice cake topping. It’s easy to prepare in just 5 minutes and is made with simple ingredients like box cake mix and canned pie filling!
If you love the crumbly texture of this apple dessert, you’re going to love my apple crumble cheesecake and apple crisp recipe without oats, which are just as satisfying and made with similar ingredients.
Why I keep coming back to this easy dessert!
This apple dump cake recipe is a comforting treat that hits the spot at any time of the year. Whether we’re in the first week of fall or the peak of summer heat, this is one of the recipes that my son Connor asks for on repeat.
I make this dessert multiple times a year for occasions like Thanksgiving and 4th of July, but no matter how many times he’s had it, Connor still gets so excited to dig in!
It’s similar to my easy apple cobbler recipe, but what makes this dump cake unique is that it only requires a total of 4 ingredients. Plus, one of those ingredients is canned pie filling, which is the ultimate shortcut in treats like this one and my cinnamon roll apple pie recipe.
Now when I say this apple dump cake recipe is easy, I really do mean easy! There’s no mixing or measuring required. All you need to do is dump and layer the ingredients in your baking dish, then pop it in the oven.
Apple dump cake ingredients
- Butter – For this apple dump cake recipe, unsalted butter works best since the box cake mix already has salt in it. It helps create a beautiful golden brown topping without making the cake overly salty.
- Canned apple pie filling – You’ll need two 21-ounce cans. This filling is thick and syrupy with notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, and the apples land right between sweet and tart.
- Box spice cake mix – Packed with warm and cozy spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this box cake mix is the key ingredient that makes this dessert so easy and comforting.
- Caramel sauce – I use store-bought caramel to keep things simple. You can drizzle the sauce on top or serve it on the side if you’d like.
How to make apple dump cake
STEP ONE: While the oven preheats to 350°F, grease a 9×13 baking dish.
STEP TWO: Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer that reaches all the corners.
STEP THREE: Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer.
STEP FOUR: Cut the cold butter into thin slices and lay them evenly over the cake mix.
STEP FIVE: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
STEP SIX: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
STEP SEVEN: Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle some of the caramel sauce on top. Serve the remaining caramel sauce on the side if desired, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Use cold, thin slices of butter. I like to keep my butter refrigerated right until it’s time to cut it. It will melt as this dump cake bakes, forming a crisp and flaky topping.
- I use a fork to fix any dry patches. Working gently, I spread the dry mix into any open spaces to ensure full coverage.
- Do not mix the ingredients! Unlike traditional cakes, a dump cake is all about the layers. If you mix them together, the top won’t crisp up, so be sure to keep those layers separate.
- Watch your cake closely. Oven temperatures can vary, so you may need to adjust the uncovered baking time to keep it from browning too quickly.
Variations
- If you prefer a homemade apple pie filling, see how I make my own in this apple turnover recipe.
- Experiment with different box cake flavors. Spice cake is my personal favorite for this caramel apple dump cake, but vanilla or classic yellow cake would also work well! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for some warmth.
- Chopped nuts can be added on top of the cake mix layer for an extra crunch. I would opt for pecans or walnuts since they pair so well with apples.
- For extra sugar and spice, I like to sprinkle cinnamon streusel on top. The homemade streusel topping I use for my coffee cake muffins works perfectly with this apple dump cake recipe too.
What to serve with dump cake
A heaping scoop of ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream will take this apple dump cake recipe to the next level! This cake is best served warm, so a cold and creamy topping adds the perfect contrast and another delightful layer of sweetness. I love serving this dessert with my classic vanilla ice cream recipe if I want to indulge, but my best whipped cream recipe comes in handy when I want to keep it light.
Apple Dump Cake Recipe FAQs
Why is my dump cake powdery on top?
Powdery spots happen where the dry cake mix never touched anything wet. Before it bakes, I run a fork over any dry areas and pull the mix toward the filling. Laying the butter down in thin slices helps too, since it spreads as it melts instead of pooling in one spot.
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
I use the canned filling because it is the whole shortcut here, so that is what I reach for. You can absolutely go homemade though. I make my own filling in my apple turnover recipe, and it works in this cake too.
Do I have to use caramel?
You do not have to. The cake is good on its own, and the caramel is just a drizzle at the end for anyone who wants it. Skip it and you have a 3 ingredient dessert.
Can I make it ahead?
I bake this the day before a party fairly often and it holds up well. Keep it covered in the fridge overnight, and set it out about 30 minutes before you serve so it isn’t fridge cold. A quick warm in a 300°F oven brings the crisp top back.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, either wrapped tightly in the dish or moved to an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months too, so I’ll tuck a few portions away when I know we won’t finish the pan. Let a frozen piece thaw in the fridge overnight before you warm it.
More Dessert Recipes
- Pineapple dump cake
- Cherry dump cake recipe
- Canned peach cobbler with cake mix
- Pineapple upside down cake with crushed pineapple
- No bake cheesecake with cool whip
Apple Dump Cake Recipe (4 Ingredients!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
- 1 box spice cake mix, 15.25 ounces
- ¾ cup caramel sauce, store-bought, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer.
- Cut the cold butter into thin slices and lay them evenly over the cake mix.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side if desired.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
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