Apple Dump Cake Recipe

When fall rolls around, there's no doubt that apple season is in full force. People flock to the apple orchards for a family adventure, and most of the time, they end up with a massive bucket of apples that they need to utilize. Sure, you can enjoy apples plain or dip them in caramel, but why not use apples for a simple dessert instead? This apple dump cake is far easier than apple pie and requires just a handful of ingredients to make. With just little prep time, this recipe is pretty much a no-brainer to fix up for the apple lover in all of us.

Recipe developer Melissa Olivieri created this great dessert to serve a crowd. "This is probably the easiest dessert you can make with all the flavors of fall! A great dessert you have on hand for the upcoming holidays," Olivieri shares. "The fact that it is so quick and easy to make — it is amazing for last minute guests," Olivieri says." So, what makes it so easy to make? Well, you won't be making the cake part from scratch — instead, you'll use a box cake mix, which is ready to take on those warm fall flavors. "The addition of the apple pie spice gives it a nice fall flavor I love," Olivieri says.

Gather the ingredients for the apple dump cake

This recipe is as easy as they come, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Head to the store and get vanilla cake mix, apples (preferable Gala or Cortland), lemon juice, apple pie spice, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter.

Preheat the oven and begin mixing

To start the prep work, set your oven to 375 F and take out a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it and then set to the side.

Then, grab a medium-sized bowl and add the chopped apples and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples in lemon juice. Then, add the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Add the sugar and spices

Take out the granulated sugar and sprinkle it over the apples. At this time, you can also add another excellent fall flavor — apple pie spice, which is also the secret ingredient for this recipe. "The apple pie spice is definitely a nice addition that most people wouldn't think to add," Olivieri says. Use a wooden spoon to stir the apples and coat well in the sugar and apple pie spices.

Toss in the cake mix and butter

Now, it's time for the box of vanilla cake mix. Open it up and add it to the top of the apples, and mix once again to combine. Then, pour the melted butter over the dish and shake to distribute evenly. If you find clumps of cake, simply use a wooden spoon to break them apart.

Bake the apple dump cake

Pop the apple dump cake into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Once the top turns a nice golden brown color, that's a good indicator that it's done cooking. Olivieri warns not to overcook this dish. "When it is golden on top and bubbling around the edges it is done," she says. 

Serve and enjoy

Are you ready to dig in? Believe it or not, the prep work and baking are done, and it's already time to enjoy this fall-inspired dessert. Serve on a plate or in a dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Olivieri also shares a few other serving suggestions to jazz up this dish. "We enjoyed it with whipped cream at our Thanksgiving dinner and it was so nice," she shares. "Sometimes you want that little bit of creamy vanilla but don't want the heaviness of ice cream!" 

If you have a little left, save it for a rainy day. "Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge," Olivieri says. "I would say no longer than 3 days, but honestly the leftovers won't even last that long."

Apple Dump Cake Recipe
5 (27 ratings)
Easy to make and infused with apple pie spice, this apple dump cake is the perfect dessert for a crisp autumn evening.
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
35
minutes
Servings
6
servings
apple dump cake on plate
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 6 apples, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to coat. Add the apples to the prepared baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle sugar and apple pie spice over the apples and mix with a wooden spoon to coat.
  4. Sprinkle cake mix over top of the apple mixture, then pour butter over the top and gently shake the dish to distribute. Use the wooden spoon to press down any clumps of cake mix.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden.
  6. Serve while warm.

Nutrition

Calories per Serving 752
Total Fat 28.3 g
Saturated Fat 15.9 g
Trans Fat 0.9 g
Cholesterol 61.0 mg
Total Carbohydrates 124.6 g
Dietary Fiber 5.7 g
Total Sugars 44.1 g
Sodium 533.2 mg
Protein 4.9 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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