This Apple Pie Dump Cake is a breeze to make and tastes so good! It features sweet apples and a crunchy cake topping that will make your taste buds happy.
I love how easy it is to toss everything together! There’s no need for fancy skills here. Just layer, bake, and enjoy a warm slice with ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use your favorite apples for the filling. I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you don’t have fresh apples, canned pie filling can also work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as fresh.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is typical, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Reduce sugar a bit if using pre-sweetened apples. Agave syrup or honey can also be substituted for a natural sweetener.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the dessert. You could swap in allspice or pumpkin pie spice if that’s what you have. Don’t be shy with the spices—the more flavor, the better!
Cake Mix: Yellow or spice cake mix is traditional, but you can use a gluten-free mix to make it gluten-free. If you prefer homemade, just mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Topping Just Right?
The topping of a dump cake is what makes it special. Here are some tips to ensure it comes out perfect:
- Don’t mix the butter into the dry cake mix! Just drizzle it evenly over the top to create a crispy layer.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top alongside the butter—this adds great texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time: Once golden brown, it’s ready. An easy test is to poke a fork in the apples; they should be tender but not mushy.
Letting it cool for a bit before serving helps it set, so it’s easier to serve up. Enjoying it warm, especially with ice cream, is a must!
How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 to 50 minutes to bake. You will want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in, to let the flavors meld and make it easier to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or butter. This will help the cake come out easily when it’s done.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure all the apples are well-coated in the mixture. This delicious blend will create a flavor-packed filling for your cake!
3. Assemble in the Baking Dish:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the foundation of your dump cake and helps keep everything together!
4. Add the Cake Layer:
Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t worry about mixing it in—just let it sit on top! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cake mix as well.
5. Drizzle with Butter:
Next, take your melted butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of the cake mix and nuts. Again, do not stir! The butter will create a nice crispy topping as it bakes.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and bubbly apples underneath. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Chill and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This helps it set a bit. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the best experience!
Enjoy your delicious and easy Apple Pie Dump Cake! It’s a comforting dessert the whole family will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any apples you like, but I recommend Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter option. Feel free to mix different varieties for a fuller flavor!
What Can I Substitute for the Cake Mix?
If you don’t have cake mix on hand, you can create your own by mixing 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This homemade version yields similar results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven—just warm it gently to keep it delicious!
Can I Make This A Day Ahead?
You can prepare the apple filling the day before and layer it with the cake mix and butter just before baking. This will save time and still yield a fresh dessert!
