Apple dump cake with fresh apples is a cozy fall dessert that tastes like a cross between apple pie and warm apple crisp, but without all the work. Five ingredients, one pan, and you’re done. There are no mixing bowls and no fancy techniques, just layer everything together and let the oven do the work.
I first made this recipe last fall when I had a bag of apples that needed using and a family wanting dessert. My usual apple pie felt like way too much effort, so I threw this together instead. Now my kids request this over pie, and I have already promised them we will have it for Thanksgiving dessert this year. That tells you everything you need to know about how good it tastes!
What makes this dump cake so perfect is that it captures all the flavors of apple pie: warm cinnamon, tender apples, and that golden, buttery top. The fresh apples cook down into this jammy layer while the cake mix turns into something that’s part cobbler, part crumble, all comfort food.
You get that satisfying homemade taste without actually having to make anything from scratch. And it works just as well for a random Tuesday when you need something sweet as it does for the holidays, when you’re already juggling three other dishes.
I’ll show you exactly how to make it, share my favorite tips for the best results, and give you some tasty variations to try. Your kitchen will smell like fall, and you’ll know you pulled off dessert magic in the time it takes to load the dishwasher.
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Try my recipes for cranberry apple crisp, Bisquick banana muffins, or cherry cola brownies.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Apples: Any baking apple works great here. I like Granny Smith, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold are also excellent choices. Use firm apples that won’t turn to mush while baking.
- Yellow cake mix
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
How to Make Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Peel the apples and dice them into 1-inch pieces.
- Spread those diced apples in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples, and stir them together right in the pan.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over your apple mixture.
- Slice the butter into thin slices. Arrange the slices of cold butter all over the top of the cake mix. Make sure you cover as much of the cake mix as possible. Any dry spots might stay powdery.
- Put it in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the apple mixture is bubbly around the edges.
Serving Ideas
Serving this apple dump cake while it’s still warm from the oven makes it irresistible. The cake is delicious all by itself, but here are some of my favorite ways to serve this cozy dessert:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream – this is my family’s absolute favorite! The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream is pure heaven, and the ice cream tastes exceptional, melting into the cake.
- Topped with fresh whipped cream.
- Drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- With some vanilla yogurt for breakfast (hey, it has fruit, so it counts as breakfast, right?)
How to Store
If you have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
I like to reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- I’ve found that firm, tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work best in this recipe. They hold their shape while baking and don’t turn mushy.
- You can absolutely use canned apple pie filling if you don’t have fresh apples. Just skip the brown sugar and cinnamon since the filling is already seasoned. I’d recommend using two 21-ounce cans for this recipe.
- Slice the butter when it’s cold. And make sure to cover every bit of that cake mix – any dry spots will remain dry.
- If you notice some dry spots after baking, you can spray those areas with cooking spray and return the cake to the oven for a few minutes.
- You can substitute vegan butter if you prefer.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon. You can also toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the butter layer before baking.
- You can use white cake mix, spice cake mix, or butter pecan cake mix. Each gives the dump cake a slightly different but equally delicious flavor!
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Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 apples peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounces
- 8 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Peel the apples and dice them into small pieces.6 apples
- Put the apples in the bottom of the baking dish. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and stir to mix.¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Put the cake mix evenly over the apples.1 box yellow cake mix
- Cut the butter into thin slices and layer them over the cake mix. Spread them out so the butter covers the cake mix evenly.8 tablespoons butter
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- I’ve found that firm, tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work best in this recipe.
- You can use canned apple pie filling if you don’t have fresh apples. Just skip the brown sugar and cinnamon since the filling is already seasoned. I’d recommend using two 21-ounce cans for this recipe.
- Slice the butter when it’s cold. And make sure to cover every bit of that cake mix – any dry spots will remain dry.
- If you notice some dry spots after baking, you can spray those areas with cooking spray and return the cake to the oven for a few minutes.
- You can substitute vegan butter if you prefer.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon. You can also toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the butter layer before baking.
- You can use white cake mix, spice cake mix, or butter pecan cake mix. Each gives the dump cake a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
