Can I Make Apple Dump Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dessert ahead of time and refrigerate the leftovers after baking. For the best topping texture, however, it's ideal to bake it shortly before serving. The topping naturally becomes softer as the dessert sits.

Do I Have to Peel the Apples?

Peeling is recommended because it creates a softer, more consistent filling. Apple skins can become slightly chewy after baking, so removing them gives the dessert a texture closer to traditional apple cobbler.

Why Is My Dump Cake Still Powdery on Top?

This usually happens when some areas of the dry cake mix don't receive enough melted butter. Try to drizzle the butter slowly and evenly across the entire surface, including the corners. Avoid stirring the layers together.

Easy Apple Dump Cake – 5-Ingredient Fall Dessert

Name: Apple Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-498353H33M33S
Total time: PT-498353H33M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 5–6 medium apples); 1/3 to 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks); Vanilla ice cream, optional, for serving; Whipped cream or whipped topping, optional, for serving; Caramel sauce, optional, for serving

Description

This easy Apple Dump Cake is a delicious 5-ingredient dessert made with fresh cinnamon-sugar apples, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. Baked until golden and bubbly, it features a tender apple filling and a buttery, crispy cake topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or an easy family dessert. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 5–6 medium apples)
1/3 to 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
Vanilla ice cream, optional, for serving
Whipped cream or whipped topping, optional, for serving
Caramel sauce, optional, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Gently pat the surface if needed, but do not stir or mix the layers.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer, making sure to cover the corners and edges as evenly as possible.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking for even browning.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Granny Smith apples create a pleasantly tart dessert, while Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, and Fuji apples provide a sweeter flavor.
Adjust the brown sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples.
Spice cake mix can replace yellow cake mix for additional fall flavor.
Do not stir the cake mix and butter together. Keeping the layers separate helps create a golden, crispy topping.
Distribute the melted butter as evenly as possible to avoid dry patches of cake mix.
Glass and metal baking dishes both work. Metal pans may bake faster, so check the dessert earlier.
For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/3 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before adding the cake mix.
Start checking the cake around 30 minutes, especially when using a metal baking pan.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 10–20 seconds or until warmed through.
The topping naturally softens during storage. Reheat in a 300°F oven if you want to restore some crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 487 kcal
Sugar: 42 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 67 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 61 mg