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Apple dump cake close-up. Easy fall dessert recipe.

Easiest Apple Dump Cake

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
This Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug on a plate. It's incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion and endlessly customizable, making it a new family favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Peeler
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven
  • Pot holder
  • Optional: Parchment paper
  • Optional: Ice cream scoop

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala or mix
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Place the apple slices in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly in a single layer.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure all apple slices are coated.
  • Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples.
  • Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples, covering the entire surface. Do not stir.
  • Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Distribute as much as possible across the surface.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Don't overbake the cake, as this will result in a dry topping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Consider adding caramel bits, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.