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Apple Dump Cake

Apple Dump Cake
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Apple Dump Cake is an incredibly simple and delicious dessert combining tender, cinnamon-spiced fresh apples with a sweet, crumbly yellow cake mix topping. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and pantry staples, this comforting dessert bakes into a golden, crunchy treat perfect for casual dinners, holidays, or cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Spices

  • 6 cups fresh tart apples (such as Granny Smith), washed, peeled, and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice (for extra warmth)

Sugar

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust if using canned apples)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for caramel flavor)

Topping

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or gluten-free yellow cake mix for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or substitute with coconut oil for healthier or vegan options)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
  • Pinch of ground ginger or cardamom (for aromatic spices)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Apples: Wash, peel, and thinly slice the apples evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness within the cake.
  2. Layer Apples in Baking Dish: Evenly place the apple slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and both sugars over the apples and toss gently to coat them well with the spices and sweetness.
  3. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry boxed yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer, covering all the fruit but do not press down.
  4. Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly across the entire cake mix layer, ensuring a gradual and even distribution to create a golden, crunchy topping.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
  • Do not mix the cake mix into the apples to maintain a crisp topping.
  • Drizzle melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix for perfect crispiness.
  • Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
  • For extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the microwave individually or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F.
  • To keep topping crispy when storing for less than 1 day, cover loosely and keep at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, simple dessert, fall dessert, comfort food, gluten-free apple cake

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/apple-dump-cake/