The 4-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake That Disappears at Every Party
There is always that one dish at a family gathering that people hover around, scraping the pan clean before the night is over. This humble apple dump cake is exactly that dish. With just four simple ingredients and almost no effort at all, it produces a bubbling, golden, caramel-scented dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. The crumbly, buttery topping paired with that thick, glossy apple filling underneath is pure autumn comfort in every single bite.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. No mixing bowls, no electric mixer, no complicated steps. You just layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do all the magic. Whether you are bringing it to a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving table, or just a cozy weeknight at home, this dessert never fails to impress and never fails to vanish completely.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, dry
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.
- Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread them out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Pour the dry yellow cake mix straight from the box directly over the apple filling, spreading it as evenly as possible without stirring or mixing it into the apples below.
- Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible so the topping bakes up golden and crumbly rather than powdery.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. It is absolutely delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Results
Make sure your butter slices are placed as close together as possible across the top of the cake mix. Any dry spots that the butter does not reach may remain powdery after baking. If you notice any dry patches halfway through baking, you can carefully drizzle a small amount of melted butter over those areas to fix them.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before laying down the butter slices. The nuts toast beautifully in the oven and give the topping a wonderful crunch that takes this already incredible dessert to a whole new level.
Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat perfectly in the microwave. Though if experience is any guide, there rarely are any leftovers to worry about.
