Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Some nights you just need dessert on the table fast with zero fuss, and this apple dump cake recipe is exactly that. Five ingredients, one pan, and 10 minutes of hands-on time. The oven does everything else. It comes out warm, gooey, buttery, and smells absolutely incredible.
This is the kind of recipe that sounds too simple to be good — but trust me, it absolutely is. Fresh apples on the bottom, a box of yellow cake mix on top, butter scattered all over, and into the oven it goes. No mixing, no creaming, no fuss at all. Just dump and bake.
It is one of those easy apple desserts that works for a weeknight treat, a last-minute gathering, or honestly just a cozy afternoon at home. Kids love helping layer it too, which makes it even better.
These apple dessert recipes are the ones you will come back to every single fall — easy, cozy, and made with fresh apples you probably already have sitting on the counter.
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.
And there you have it — the easiest apple dump cake you will ever make. Warm, golden, bubbling around the edges, and ready in just about an hour. It is the kind of dessert that feels way more impressive than the effort it actually takes, which is honestly the best kind.
Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear. It is one of those simple apple desserts that just hits right every single time, no matter the season.
Save this one for fall, make it for the holidays, or pull it out whenever you have apples sitting on the counter and want something delicious without turning the kitchen upside down. You will come back to this recipe again and again.
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