Welcome to the world of effortless desserts! A dump cake is the ultimate shortcut to a delicious treat, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. This particular version, an easy apple dump cake, combines sweet apples with a golden cake topping. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, bringing comfort in every simple spoonful.

The concept of a dump cake, where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a pan, gained significant popularity with the rise of boxed cake mixes in the 1950s, making dessert preparation even simpler.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dump Cake

This recipe will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons:

Incredibly Easy: You literally dump ingredients into a pan and bake. There are no complicated steps or techniques.
Pantry Staples: You likely have most of these common ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Deliciously Comforting: Warm apples under a buttery cake topping create a cozy, nostalgic dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves this classic flavor combination, making it ideal for any occasion.
No Mixing Bowls: Skip the extra cleanup! All the magic happens right in your baking dish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple items to create your delightful apple dump cake:

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) salted butter, cut into thin slices, plus more for the baking dish
2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
Jarred caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this amazing dessert. If you don’t have apple pie spice, make your own with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. The combination of spices found in apple pie spice offers more than just flavor; it can also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Pumpkin pie spice also makes a fantastic autumnal alternative. Feel free to use other canned fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or mixed berry for different flavor profiles. Spice cake mix or butter pecan cake mix can replace the yellow cake mix for an extra layer of flavor. Using salted butter balances the sweetness beautifully, but unsalted butter works too; just add a tiny pinch of salt to the fruit layer.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen items to make this simple dump cake:

9-by-13-inch baking dish
Measuring spoons
Oven

Instructions

Creating this easy apple dump cake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly golden and bubbly dessert:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This prepares your dish for the delicious layers.

First, dump both cans of apple pie filling directly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom. Next, sprinkle the apple pie spice generously over the entire fruit layer. This adds warmth and depth to the apples.

After the spice, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the fruit and spice layers. Do not stir it in. The dry mix will absorb the moisture from the fruit and butter as it bakes. This is key for the unique texture of a dump cake.

Finally, distribute the thin slices of butter evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. Make sure the slices cover as much of the cake mix as possible; this helps the cake mix become golden and crispy.

Bake the apple dump cake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is beautifully brown and the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. The golden crust indicates it’s perfectly baked.

Serve the warm dump cake immediately. Drizzle with optional caramel sauce and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy this comforting dessert!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect apple dump cake is simple with these pointers. Always ensure your butter slices are thin and evenly distributed over the cake mix; this promotes even browning and a consistent topping. Remember, the golden rule of this quick dessert is to avoid stirring the layers after assembly. The magic happens as the ingredients meld together during baking. Keep an eye on your oven; the cake is done when the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling merrily.

Common Mistakes

Overmixing ingredients: Resist the urge to stir! A dump cake relies on separate layers for its unique texture.
Uneven butter distribution: If butter isn’t spread well, you might end up with dry patches of cake mix.
Underbaking: Make sure the cake bakes long enough for a golden top and bubbly filling to avoid soggy spots.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This easy apple treat offers delicious flexibility for serving and can be stored for future enjoyment.

Serving: This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, or a luxurious drizzle of jarred caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage: Let any leftovers cool completely before covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the dump cake for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven until heated through.
Variations: Get creative with your dump cake! Experiment with other canned fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or mixed berry for different flavor profiles. Try different cake mix flavors such as spice, chocolate fudge, or lemon. For added crunch, sprinkle pecans or walnuts over the fruit layer. Mix in chocolate chips before baking for a sweet surprise.

Nutrition Information

This delightful dessert offers a comforting treat. Please note that nutritional values can vary slightly based on specific brands and exact ingredient amounts used. This information is an estimate per serving and does not include optional toppings like ice cream or caramel sauce.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	250mg
Total Carbs	45g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	30g
Protein	3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What exactly is a dump cake?
A: A dump cake is a simple dessert where you “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish without mixing. It bakes into a cake-like dessert with a delicious, often crispy, topping.

Q: Do I really not stir the ingredients?
A: Yes, absolutely do not stir them! The distinct layers are crucial for the texture; the dry cake mix absorbs moisture from the fruit and butter during baking, creating a unique crispy topping for this dump cake.

Q: Can fresh fruit be used instead of canned?
A: You can use fresh fruit, but it requires some adjustments. You’ll need to sweeten and thicken the fresh fruit first, usually by cooking it with sugar and cornstarch, similar to a pie filling.

Q: Can I freeze leftover dump cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover dump cake. Wrap cooled individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This easy apple dump cake truly lives up to its name, offering a fantastic dessert with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, comforting apple pie flavors and a deliciously crisp cake topping, all achieved with almost no effort. You can’t beat the simplicity and deliciousness of this delightful treat. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the oven do all the hard work for you. Happy baking!

Delicious apple dump cake with a golden crumble topping, vanilla ice cream, and rich caramel sauce on a white plate.

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