Apple Dump Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert You'll Ever Make

Have you ever wanted a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually takes minutes to prepare? This apple dump cake recipe is your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that rivals any traditional apple pie. Making this easy apple dump cake recipe at home means you control the quality of ingredients, adjust sweetness to your preference, and enjoy a homemade treat without the stress of complicated baking techniques.

Ingredients List

    • 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6 medium apples)
    • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
    • Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving

For the Apple Mixture:

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Total time: 60 minutes

This dessert is perfect for last-minute entertaining since it requires less than half the time of a traditional apple pie while delivering similar delicious results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform ¼-inch pieces for even cooking. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness to balance the sweetness.

Step 2: Layer the Apples Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure the apples form a relatively level layer so the cake mix distributes evenly. This simple apple dump cake recipe relies on proper layering for the best texture.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the apples without stirring or mixing. Ensure complete coverage—any exposed apples may become too soft. This "dump" method is what makes this recipe so wonderfully easy.

Step 4: Butter and Nuts Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. The butter helps create that golden, crispy topping everyone loves.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving—this allows the filling to set slightly while remaining warm and gooey.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 285
    • Protein: 3g
    • Carbohydrates: 42g
    • Fat: 13g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 6% DV
    • Iron: 4% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version, or substitute coconut oil for butter to make it dairy-free. For a lower-sugar option, reduce the added sugar by half and choose naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

Flavor Variations: Mix in fresh cranberries for tartness, add a caramel drizzle before serving, or use spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra warmth. Try combining apples with pears for a different fruit profile.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the apple mixture and measure your ingredients the night before. Store apples in lemon water in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation, then drain and assemble just before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Pre-Made Pie Filling While tempting, canned filling often contains excessive sugar and artificial flavors. Fresh apples provide better texture and allow you to control sweetness levels.

Mistake 2: Not Covering Cake Mix Completely with Butter Dry spots of cake mix will remain powdery and unpleasant. Use a spoon to drizzle butter methodically across the entire surface, or spray any missed spots with cooking spray.

Mistake 3: Cutting Apples Too Thick Large apple chunks won't cook through properly in 45 minutes. Aim for consistent ¼-inch slices so everything bakes evenly and becomes tender.

Mistake 4: Overbaking A burnt top ruins the dessert. Check at 40 minutes—if the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until apples are tender.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover apple dump cake recipe covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The texture stays remarkably good when properly covered.

For reheating, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish covered in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The easy apple dump cake recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed. For best results, add fresh nuts after reheating to restore crunch.