Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
This Apple Dump Cake is one of those easy apple desserts that feels fancy but is actually super simple. It’s perfect if you want quick apple desserts, simple apple desserts, or just something sweet to make with fresh apples. I have tried a lot of apple recipes dessert ideas, from apple pies to little apple treats, but this one honestly takes the cake—literally. It’s one of the best apple desserts I have made, and I love that it counts as one of those simple apple recipes that anyone can do, even on a crazy day.
If you are looking for apple dessert recipes easy enough to make while juggling kids, chores, and life in general, this is it. It’s one of those fresh apple recipes easy enough for weeknights but still feels like a treat. Seriously, if you want easy apple desserts with fresh apples that everyone will fight over, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients You Need
- 5–6 fresh apples, peeled and chopped (or leave the skins on if you are lazy like me)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick butter, sliced (or a bit more because butter makes everything better)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, this step is super important or your cake will stick and we don’t want that.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop your apples into small chunks. If you are like me and short on time, you can skip peeling—they still taste amazing. Toss the apples with cinnamon and brown sugar so every piece is coated.
Step 3: Layer the Cake
Dump the apple mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, just like that, no need to mix or anything. Slice the butter and scatter it on top of the cake mix.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the apples should be bubbly and soft. The house will smell so good your kids will start hovering around the oven.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Watch everyone fight for seconds while you pretend it’s just a casual dessert.
FAQs About Apple Dump Cake
Can I use any type of apples?
Totally! I usually go with a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith. It gives the cake a nice balance, but really any fresh apples work. Even if you only have one kind, it’ll still taste amazing.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! Sometimes I peel them if I feel fancy, but most of the time I just wash them and chop them up. The skins soften while baking and add a little texture, so it’s really up to you.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. It might change the texture a tiny bit, but it’s still super yummy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep it the night before and keep it in the fridge, then bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Apple Dump Cake?
Yes! I usually bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tight and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and warm it up in the oven. Kids still love it just as much.
Apple Dump Cake Recipe Card
Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Toss chopped apples with cinnamon and brown sugar. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the apples. Scatter slices of butter on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and apples are bubbly.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- Cake can be made ahead and baked the next day.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
This recipe is one of the best apple desserts I’ve made, and it’s perfect if you want quick apple desserts, easy apple desserts with fresh apples, or just a simple apple dessert for your family. It’s one of those apple treats that everyone loves, and I honestly think it deserves a spot in your list of apple dessert recipes easy to make anytime. Between all the chaos of being a mom, this dessert is my go-to for apple recipes dessert that feels fancy but is totally simple.
So next time you have a bunch of apples sitting around and are wondering what to do with them, remember this cake. It’s one of those fresh apple recipes easy to make, one of the simple apple desserts that makes everyone happy, and one of the easy apple desserts that will have your kids begging for more. Trust me, it’s a winner every time.
