Apple Dump Cake

Introduction

The first time I made an apple dump cake was on a chilly autumn evening. I was looking for something warm, sweet, and comforting but without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples and fresh apples, I created a dessert that was as effortless as it was delicious. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filled the house, making it feel instantly cozy. Ella Chef, who loves simple yet heartwarming recipes, shares her take on this classic dessert. Apple dump cake is proof that sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones that bring the most joy.

Apple Dump Cake

A simple and cozy dessert made with apples, cake mix, and butter, baked into golden perfection.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake Base

• 6 cups apples peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 box yellow cake mix or spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon ground
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread sliced apples evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
3. Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over apples. Do not stir.
4. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
6. Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or drizzle with caramel before serving.

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How to Make Recipe

To prepare apple dump cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by preparing the apples—peel, core, and slice them thinly, then spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the apples with ground cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and create a warm spiced base.

Next, open a box of yellow or spice cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. It’s important not to stir—this layering method is what gives dump cake its signature texture. Once the cake mix is spread out, drizzle melted butter evenly across the top. The butter will soak into the dry mix as it bakes, creating a golden, crumbly topping while the apples soften underneath.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when tested with a fork. The aroma of cinnamon, apples, and cake will fill your kitchen, signaling that your dessert is ready.

After baking, let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. The contrast of the warm fruit layer and the crisp, buttery topping makes it irresistible. For an indulgent touch, serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This apple dump cake is versatile too—you can mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra richness. The beauty of this dessert is how easy it is to make while still feeling homemade and comforting.

Conclusion

Apple dump cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Ella Chef’s recipe highlights how just a few ingredients can create a dessert that feels both rustic and indulgent. With sweet apples, spiced layers, and a buttery topping, it’s a dish that captures the coziness of fall in every bite. Whether served at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or enjoyed fresh from the oven on a quiet evening, apple dump cake is a timeless favorite. Its effortless preparation and comforting taste make it a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels.