Apple Dump Cake - BeCentsational

Apple Dump Cake

August 24, 2024
A close-up of a slice of apple dump cake on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake features a golden-brown, crumbly topping with visible chunks of apple filling beneath. A drizzle of caramel sauce runs down the side, adding a glossy finish.

Pin & Save for Later!

JTR

Apple Dump Cake is a 4-ingredient recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress with your Thanksgiving desserts, need a refreshing summer dessert, or want something cozy for Christmas treats.

This delicious fall dessert is one of the easiest apple desserts you can make, requiring just a single pan and a few simple ingredients.

Dump cakes are known for their ease, and this one-pan recipe is no exception.

Curious to know what a dump cake is? It’s a fuss-free dessert recipe that involves “dumping” ingredients into a dish and letting the oven do the rest.

Let’s dive into this easy dessert recipe and see why it’s a must-try!

A slice of apple dump cake on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake has a crispy, crumbly top with a soft apple filling underneath, and is generously drizzled with caramel sauce. Fresh apples are blurred in the background, adding a pop of color.

Apple Dump Cake Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Apple Dump Cake adds something special, making this dessert both simple and irresistibly tasty.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Apple Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and tart flavor base with the comforting taste of apples and spices. It’s the heart of this dessert, bringing that cozy fall flavor to every bite.
  • 15 Ounce Boxed Spice Cake Mix: Adds a perfect blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This cake mix gives the dessert a warm, aromatic flavor without any extra effort.
  • 1-Minute Oatmeal: Adds a bit of texture and helps create a slightly chewy, crispy topping that complements the soft apple filling.
  • Salted Butter: The key to achieving a golden, crispy crust. The butter melts into the cake mix and oatmeal, creating a deliciously rich and crunchy topping.
  • Caramel Sauce (Optional): For those who love a little extra sweetness, caramel sauce drizzled on top before serving takes this dessert to the next level.
  • Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (Optional): Perfect for serving alongside your warm dump cake, adding a creamy contrast to the rich, spiced flavors.
A close-up of a slice of apple dump cake on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake has a golden, crumbly top with a soft apple filling, oozing caramel sauce. A blurred red apple and a piece of another cake slice are visible in the background, adding a warm, inviting touch.

Tips and Notes

  • Mix Up the Flavors: Don’t have Spice Cake Mix? Use a white or yellow cake mix instead and add 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to achieve a similar flavor profile.
  • Skip the Oatmeal: Not a fan of oatmeal? You can leave it out to make this a 3-ingredient dessert! The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve the Apple Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.
  • Make It Ahead: This cake can be baked the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up in the oven before serving to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
  • Add a Nutty Crunch: If you love a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking. It adds a delicious contrast to the soft apples.
An overhead view of a slice of apple dump cake on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake features a golden, crumbly topping with tender apple filling beneath, drizzled with caramel sauce. A fork rests on the plate, and a partially eaten cake is visible in the background.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix and oatmeal. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the apple pie filling, covering it completely.
  4. Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix and oatmeal layer, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible for an even crust.
  5. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  6. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
A square slice of apple dump cake served on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake has a crispy, crumbly top layer with soft, gooey apple filling visible beneath. A generous drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the dessert's rich, golden appearance.

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: You can freeze this dessert for up to 3 months. Place the cooled cake in a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
  • Reheat: Warm up the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will bring back its crisp topping and gooey filling.

Enjoy making and eating this delightful, easy dessert that’s perfect for any season or occasion

A close-up of a slice of apple dump cake on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake features a golden-brown, crumbly topping with visible chunks of apple filling beneath. A drizzle of caramel sauce runs down the side, adding a glossy finish.
Yield: 15 servings

Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Apple Dump Cake is a 4-ingredient, make-ahead dessert that's perfect for potlucks and any gathering. This easy, one-pan recipe combines a boxed cake mix with apple pie filling for a delicious, fuss-free treat. Perfect for Thanksgiving, summer BBQs, or any time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Ingredients

  • 40 ounces apple pie filling homemade or canned is fine
  • 15 ounce boxed Spice Cake Mix
  • 1 cup 1-minute oatmeal
  • 1 cup salted butter melted
  • caramel sauce optional
  • ice cream optional
  • whipped cream, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix and oatmeal. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the apple pie filling, covering it completely.
  4. Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix and oatmeal layer, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible for an even crust.
  5. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  6. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!A square slice of apple dump cake served on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake has a crispy, crumbly top layer with soft, gooey apple filling visible beneath. A generous drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the dessert's rich, golden appearance.

Notes

  • Mix Up the Flavors: Don’t have Spice Cake Mix? Use a white or yellow cake mix instead and add 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to achieve a similar flavor profile.
  • Skip the Oatmeal: Not a fan of oatmeal? You can leave it out to make this a 3-ingredient dessert! The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve the Apple Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.
  • Make It Ahead: This cake can be baked the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up in the oven before serving to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
  • Add a Nutty Crunch: If you love a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking. It adds a delicious contrast to the soft apples.

Nutrition Information

Yield

15

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 345Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 37mgSodium 404mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 1gSugar 34gProtein 2g
© Be Centsational
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

More Desserts to Try!

an elegantly presented lemon rhubarb bundt cake on a white cake stand. The cake has a golden brown exterior with a white glaze drizzled over the top, emphasizing its moist texture. Fresh yellow lemons and vibrant pink and green rhubarb stalks rest casually on the gray linen beside the stand, suggesting the flavors within. In the background, a glass vase holds a bouquet of white tulips, adding a fresh, spring-like atmosphere to the setting.
Rhubarb Desserts
A vibrant collage featuring four Hawaiian dessert images with a bold title overlay reading "10 Hawaiian Desserts." The montage includes creamy desserts and cupcakes, visually representing a variety of tropical flavors.
Hawaiian Desserts
An elegantly plated chocolate lava cake, with a dusting of powdered sugar and a glossy chocolate glaze on top, is adorned with a vibrant red raspberry. Surrounding the cake are more dusted raspberries, chocolate sauce drizzles, and fresh mint leaves on a white plate. Mother's day desserts.
Mother’s Day Desserts

Pin & Save for Later!

You may also like

Skip to Recipe

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You\'re awesome for doing it!