Amazing 4-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

When life gets super hectic, you know what I reach for? My super-simple, utterly reliable Apple Dump Cake. Seriously, this is *the* dessert that saved me more times than I can count when I was juggling deadlines and trying to get dinner on the table after a long marketing day. It uses just a handful of ingredients – often only three or four! – and bakes up into the most wonderfully comforting, bubbly, golden-brown treat. It reminds me so much of the fuss-free baking my Grandma used to do. If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes incredible without a ton of effort, trust me, this is it. You can find out more about my kitchen philosophy over on my about page!

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Dump Cake

Here’s why this dump cake is a staple in my dessert rotation:

• Seriously Easy: We’re talking minimal prep time and a straightforward layering process. Anyone can make this!
• Quick to Whip Up: It comes together in about 10 minutes, so you can easily make it even on a busy weeknight.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. People RAVE about it!
• Fantastic Flavor: Warm, spiced apples with a sweet, golden cake topping? Yes, please!
• Versatile: It’s perfect for fall gatherings, a Thanksgiving shortcut, or anytime you need a comforting dessert.
• Minimal Cleanup: Less fuss means less mess, which is always a win in my book.

Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dessert:

• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 (15 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional, for that extra ooey-gooey factor)
• 1 cup butter, melted

Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake

Okay, so making this Apple Dump Cake is already super easy, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s all about those little details that make a big difference, you know? Trust me, I’ve made plenty of these in my day!

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Choosing the Best Cake Mix for Dump Cake

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a classic yellow cake mix for this recipe. It’s my go-to because it bakes up so wonderfully golden and has a nice, subtle sweetness that really lets the apple flavor shine. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a spice cake mix or even a butter pecan mix would be amazing too! They just add another layer of cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall. Want to dive deeper? Check out my thoughts on the best cake mix for dump cake!

Fresh Apples vs. Canned Filling for Apple Dump Cake

Now, the recipe calls for canned apple pie filling, and that’s my secret weapon for speed and ease. It’s already spiced and sweetened, plus it has that perfect tender texture. But if you *really* want to go the extra mile, using fresh apples is gorgeous too! You’ll want about 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced. Just toss them with a little sugar (maybe 1/4 cup), a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice before spreading them on the bottom of your dish. This gives you a fresher, slightly tarter apple flavor. You can find more detailed tips for prepping apples right here on my guide to using fresh apples!

Making a Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Oh, this is where things get *really* decadent! If you’re a caramel lover like me, you absolutely have to try making a caramel apple dump cake. After you’ve spread the apple pie filling and sprinkled the dry cake mix, just go ahead and drizzle about half a cup of your favorite caramel sauce all over that cake mix layer *before* you pour on the melted butter. It bakes into this incredible sticky, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the apples. It’s pure bliss! My caramel apple nachos are also a fun treat if you’re into that kind of thing!

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How to Make Apple Dump Cake: Step-by-Step

Making this Apple Dump Cake is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do in the kitchen, and the results are just unbeatable for how little effort it takes. It’s almost magical watching it come together! Follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect dessert every time.

Preparing the Baking Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You’ll want to set your oven to 350 degrees F (or 175 degrees C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish – it’s the perfect size for this cake. No need to grease it; the apple filling and butter usually do a great job preventing sticking, but if you’re worried, a quick spray of cooking spray won’t hurt!

Layering the Apple Dump Cake Ingredients

This is the fun part – the ‘dumping’! Pour that can of apple pie filling right into the bottom of your prepared dish. Don’t stir it in! Next, grab your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it as evenly as possible all over the apple filling. If you decided to go fancy with chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle those over the cake mix now. Then, drizzle on that caramel sauce if you’re using it for that extra special touch. Finally, pour that cup of melted butter evenly over everything. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as you can.

Baking Your Apple Dump Cake to Perfection

Now, slide that beautiful creation into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is this gorgeous golden brown and you can see the apple filling bubbling up around the edges. It smells absolutely heavenly! If you want to be extra sure, you can poke a knife into the center—it should come out mostly clean, not with wet batter. Let it cool for just a few minutes before digging in!

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Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake Option

You know, sometimes getting the oven *just* right can be a pain, or maybe you just want another appliance free. Good news! You can absolutely make a fantastic slow cooker dump cake. It’s a game-changer, especially when you want dessert ready after a long day or you’re just not feeling the oven. I’ve made it tons of times, and it comes out just as yummy and comforting as the baked version. It’s a little more hands-off, which is always a plus in my book. You can even get a head start on it in the morning!

To make it, first make sure you grease your slow cooker really well – seriously, don’t skip this! Then, just layer everything exactly like you would for the baked version: apple pie filling on the bottom, followed by the dry cake mix, and any nuts or caramel you’re using. Pour that melted butter all over the top. Seal it up and cook on high for about 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours. You’re looking for that golden-brown topping and bubbly filling. It’s one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, right up there with my apple butter!

Serving and Storing Your Apple Dump Cake

This scrumptious Apple Dump Cake is best served warm, straight from the oven or after a quick reheat. It’s heavenly on its own, but if you really want to take it over the top, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is just *perfect*. That contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is divine! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a serving in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it gently in a low oven until heated through. It’s almost as good the second day, just like my apple cider donuts!

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Dump Cake

Got a question about this super easy Apple Dump Cake? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is so forgiving, but it’s always good to know the little things.

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this Apple Dump Cake?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is my favorite for its classic flavor, a spice cake or butter pecan mix would be delicious too. They’ll add a little extra warmth and spice that pairs wonderfully with apples.

What are the best add-ins for an Apple Dump Cake?

Oh, this is where you can really have fun! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a must for me, giving a lovely crunch. And of course, a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to a whole new level, turning it into a decadent caramel apple dump cake. A little sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before baking is never a bad idea either!

How do I know when my Apple Dump Cake is done?

It’s pretty easy to tell! You want to see that cake topping turn a beautiful golden brown, and the apple filling should be bubbling around the edges. If you want to double-check, just insert a thin knife or a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean – no wet batter!

Nutritional Information Estimate

Please remember that this is just an estimate! Actual nutrition can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the cake mix and apple pie filling. This breakdown is for one approximate serving of the Apple Dump Cake.

• Serving Size: About 1/8th of the cake
• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~22g
• Saturated Fat: ~14g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Sugar: ~55g
• Protein: ~3g
• Sodium: ~300mg

Share Your Apple Dump Cake Creations!

I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all make in your kitchens! Have you tried this Apple Dump Cake? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below sharing your experience or dropped a rating. And if you snapped some photos, feel free to tag me on social media! You can reach me through my contact page – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Easy Apple Dump Cake

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A simple, crowd-pleasing apple dump cake made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for potlucks and easy fall desserts.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 (15 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)
• 1 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
4. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts and drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake mix.
5. Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire dish.
6. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• For a caramel apple dump cake, drizzle caramel sauce over the dry cake mix before adding the butter.
• You can use a different flavor of cake mix, like spice cake or butter pecan, for variation.
• If you prefer using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice about 4-5 medium apples. Toss them with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice before spreading them in the dish.
• This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Spread ingredients as directed in a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until golden and bubbly.
• This dump cake is a great shortcut for fall potlucks and Thanksgiving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 55g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg