This Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a quick, no-fuss dessert of warm, gooey apples topped with a sweet, buttery crust. This is one of those easy apple recipes that you can make without spending hours in the kitchen. You can make it with just 3 ingredients!
If you want a dump cake recipe that you can make in the slow cooker, try our Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake with Salted Caramel.
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What makes this cake so popular is its simplicity. Dump cake is one of those dessert recipes that tastes like you spent a lot of time making it. Plus, it’s also versatile - you can serve it alone or pair it with ice cream.
Apple Dump Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s delicious and uncomplicated, apple dump cake is for you! You don't need to peel or slice apples or even mix ingredients. It almost sounds too good to be true! But with dump cakes, you simply dump, bake, and enjoy.
With only three ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy days or whenever you are short on time. It is the perfect dessert for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays, as everyone loves the combo of apples and buttery cake.
Recipes Made With Apples
Apples are incredibly versatile and can be used in various sweet recipes since they add flavor and texture. They provide a natural sweetness that works well with cinnamon. Here are some of our favorite apple treats:
- Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Apple Butter Recipe
- Apple Pie Fried Wonton Recipe
- Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid
Ingredients For Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Canned Fried Apples – These make the perfect gooey, sweet filling with minimal effort. Make sure to drain them first!
- Yellow Cake Mix – Box cake mix is used to make the crusty, buttery topping.
- Butter – Sliced and evenly spread over the cake mix. Helps the cake mix to crisp up.
How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9x13-inch pan and spread the drained canned apples across the bottom. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed.
Next, take your dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it over the apples. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfectly even layer - it all comes together as it bakes.
Finally, cut slices of butter and place them across the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt into the mix as it bakes, creating that buttery, golden top layer. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes.
Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispier golden brown crust. Serve warm, and add a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling fancy! We use vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and it was perfect!
Tips for Making the Perfect Dump Cake
Tip 1: You can switch out the apples with other canned fruits like peaches, cherries, or mixed berries. If the canned fruit has a thicker, jelly-like consistency, you don't have to drain it.
Tip 2: Always make sure the apples go on the bottom, followed by the cake mix and butter on top. Be sure not to mix it together. Letting the cake bake as-is creates the perfect texture.
Tip 3: The butter will be easier to slice if it is cold.
FAQS For Fried Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned ones in dump cake?
Yes, you can! If you want to use fresh apples, peel and slice about six medium apples, then toss them with sugar and cinnamon for added flavor. You may need to bake the cake a little longer for the apples to become soft and tender.
How do I store leftover apple dump cake?
To store, wait for the cake to cool completely and cover the leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it up in the microwave or oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Can I use apple pie filling in this dump cake, or do they have to be fried?
You can definitely use cans of apple pie filling for your dump cake! Fried apples aren't necessary, though they can add a different texture and flavor if you prefer.
3 Ingredient Recipes
3 ingredient recipes are super simple, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious, crowd-pleasing desserts that taste just as good as more complicated recipes. So go ahead and indulge with these yummy recipes:
- 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy
- 3 Ingredient Christmas Cookie Recipe
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- 3- Ingredient Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe
Kitchen Tools For Dump Cake
To make this dump cake recipe, you’ll need a 9x13-inch baking pan to hold everything, a carrier if you plan to bring it to a party, an apron, and some pot holders. If you don’t have these, you can find affordable options on Amazon.
Pyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear Container40 Piece Food Storage Containers with Lids(20 Containers & 20 Lids), Plastic Food Containers with Lids for Kitchen Storage and Organization Includes Labels & PenPot Holders for Kitchen Heat Resistant Cotton Linen with Silicone Non-Slip Texture Thick Terry Lining Set of 2 Noble FlowerIce Cream Scoop, 3Pcs Cookie Scoop Set, Stainless Steel Cookie Scoops for Baking Set of 3, Cookie Scooper for Baking, Ice Cream Scooper with Trigger Release, Cookie Dough Scoop, Cupcake ScoopPinknoke Vintage Pinafore Apron Dress for Women with Pockets Cute Floral Chef Aprons for Kitchen Cooking Baking Gardening (Tawny)QEES Insulated Casserole Carriers for Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Dish Bag Carrying Case,Food Carrier Warmer Container Bag For Travel Picnic.Pioneer Woman Kitchen Stuff.Fits 9
With only three ingredients and almost no prep time, this apple dump cake recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert when you need something quick and delicious.
Dump Cake Recipes
📖 Recipe
Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans fried apples Drain both. 14.5 oz each
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks butter
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 350°.
- Start by spreading both cans of apples evenly in a 9x13 ungreased pan.
- Next, evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the apples.
- Cut the butter into slices and arrange them on top of the cake mix, making sure to spread them out evenly.
- Do not mix any of the ingredients.
- Bake covered in preheated 350° oven for 35-40 minutes.
- Top with ice cream, if desired.
Video
Notes
- You can swap the apples with other canned fruits like peaches, cherries, or mixed berries. If the canned fruit is thick and jelly-like, no need to drain it.
- Always layer the apples on the bottom, then add the cake mix and butter on top. Don't mix them! Letting the cake bake just like that gives it the perfect texture.
- It's easier to slice the butter if it's cold.
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