Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

There are few desserts easier than this easy apple dump cake recipe. It may not have the prettiest name, but your taste buds won’t care. 

It requires only five ingredients and a few minutes of prep. And it’ll delight anyone who takes a bite.

Trust me, you’ll crave this fruity, flavorful, and buttery treat every day of the week. 

5-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Apple dump cake is one of the most popular dump cakes of all time.

It’s a fun and easy dessert that calls for “dumping” the ingredients into a baking dish. It’s also budget-friendly and fuss-free!

The sweet, slightly spiced apples are topped with a crumbly, buttery cookie-like crumb. The result is a cross between a cobbler and apple crisp. 

No mixing, no extra dishes, no mess. Heck, you can even make it in a Crockpot!

Ingredients 

As mentioned, you’ll need only five ingredients for this simple recipe. They are:

• Apples. Use any you like, but Granny Smiths are perfect. The tartness balances the sweetness perfectly, and they’re sturdy enough to stand up to baking. You can also try a combo of sweet and tart apples. (Honeycrisp AND Jonathans, for example.)

• Sugar. For sweetness. It will make the dessert nice, balanced, and super tasty. 

• Cinnamon. Apples and cinnamon go together like peanut butter and jelly – only better!

• Yellow cake mix. Cake mix cuts down on the prep work and keeps the ingredient list short. Use white or yellow for classic results. Or go wild with a spiced cake mix!

• Butter. It melts with the cake mix to create a delectable topping. 

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

As mentioned, this is a super straightforward recipe. You’ll find detailed instructions in the box below. But for now, here are the highlights:

1. PREP: Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.

2. MIX: Add the apples, cinnamon, and sugar to the baking dish and mix well.

3. ADD: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the apples and top with the melted butter.

4. BAKE: Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown.

5. SERVE: Cool for 15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake

The above recipe is already pretty hands-off. But if you want a dump-and-go dessert, here’s the crockpot method:

1. Mix the apples, spices, and sugar and spread evenly in a slow cooker pot.
2. Mix the cake mix and melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the apples.
3. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then leave to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake

I know this recipe is simple, but here’s a few tips anyway:

• Add nutmeg or vanilla. They’ll provide a bump of extra flavor.

• Use different cake mixes. Try a spice cake mix or something else to change up the flavor.

• Tilt the pan. Do this when you pour the butter on top of the cake mix. It’ll help the butter spread out evenly. 

• Leave out the butter. If you want to make it butter-free, substitute lemon-lime soda instead. 

Variations

• Add fruit. Try pineapples, cherries, or berries, for an apple dump cake combo. Just toss in a 20-ounce can of your choice of fruit and mix it with the apples.

• Sprinkle in some chopped nuts. I typically use almonds, walnuts, or pecans. They add a bit of crunch and a nice nutty flavor. 

• Make a caramel apple dump cake. Simply drizzle caramel on top of the apples, or dot chopped caramel candies in the dish. It’ll melt into the apple filling perfectly.

• Make a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free cake mix and follow the directions as normal. 

• Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice. You’ll have a cozy fall dessert in no time. 

How to Store Apple Dump Cake

If you happen to have leftover apple dump cake (I doubt it), storage is easy.

• To store. Cover leftovers with foil and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.

• To freeze. Transfer the cooled cake to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.

• To thaw. You can serve refrigerated apple dump cake straight from the fridge. Or you can let it warm on the counter for 2 to 3 hours. For frozen leftovers, transfer them to the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy chilled or warmed at room temperature.

How to Serve Apple Dump Cake

Apple dump cake tastes fantastic on its own. But to elevate this dessert to the next level, try these irresistible serving suggestions. 

• Ice cream. Warm cake + cold ice cream = dessert heaven. The ice cream will melt and mix with all of the heavenly flavors. Use vanilla, butter pecan, or salted caramel.

• Whipped cream. Lighten it up with whipped cream, or use Cool Whip for an even quicker topping.

• Salted caramel sauce. A drizzle of warm, gooey salted caramel sauce will make the cake extra indulgent. You can buy it ready-made and warm it up on the stove.

• Hot beverages. Serve the cake with a spiced chai latte or a hot toddy. The warm flavors will complement the cinnamon so well.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

Apple Strudel Recipe
Apple Coffee Cake
Apple Brown Betty
Apple Fritters
Apple Bread