Introduction

Apple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that combines tender spiced apples with a buttery, cakey topping. It’s perfect for when you want a homemade treat without a lot of fuss or prep time.

A white bowl filled with a warm apple crumb dessert made of chunky, golden-brown apple pieces mixed with a crumbly, light brown topping, all layered together. On top, there is a scoop of smooth, creamy white vanilla ice cream that is melting slightly over the dessert, with a light sprinkle of cinnamon on the ice cream. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with two shiny silver spoons in the foreground and a glass bottle of milk blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 cups apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/3 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 to 1 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry ingredients evenly over the apples.
Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter over the top, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible to create a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake topping comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex taste and texture.
If you prefer a crispier topping, increase the butter to 1 cup.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Storage

Store leftover apple dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a warm apple crisp dessert with a crumbly, golden-brown topping mixed with soft, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks beneath. On top sits a single scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, slightly melting and dusted with a light sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with two shiny metal spoons nearby and a blurred background showing another similar bowl and a glass bottle filled with milk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen apples can be used but it’s best to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before mixing with the sugar and spices.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.

Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

This classic Apple Dump Cake recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of baked apples with a buttery, cake-like topping. It requires minimal prep by layering ingredients in a dish and baking until golden and bubbly, making it perfect for quick comforting desserts.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Mixture

5 cups apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Cake Topping

2 1/3 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 to 1 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel and cut the apples into 1-inch pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to prepare the cake topping dry mix.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the dry cake topping mixture evenly over the apples.
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry mixture. Using the higher amount of butter (1 cup) will yield a richer, more tender cake.
Bake the Cake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Using 1 cup of butter will make the topping richer and more moist, whereas 3/4 cup will result in a slightly less buttery cake.
Make sure apples are evenly coated with spices for balanced flavor.
You can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for better flavor complexity.
The recipe does not require peeling the apples if you prefer extra texture and nutrients.

Keywords: apple dessert, dump cake, easy apple cake, simple dessert, fall dessert