Description
This classic Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert perfect for using crisp, tart baking apples. Layered with a spiced apple filling and topped with a buttery, golden cake layer, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 8 cups prepared apple slices from crisp, tart baking apples
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Apple Pie Spice (or substitute with cinnamon)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix (Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (or substitute with cinnamon)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Adjust oven rack to the center and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Place prepared apple slices in an even layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle lemon juice over the apples and fold gently to incorporate. Spread into an even layer.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the apples, followed by apple pie spice and cornstarch. Fold gently to combine and smooth into an even layer, arranging apple pieces to fill gaps. Wipe the interior sides of the dish with a paper towel for a cleaner look.
- Mix Cake Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix and apple pie spice until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple filling. Use a spatula to lightly level the dry cake mixture without pressing down.
- Add Butter: Melt ¾ cup (1½ sticks) of the butter and slowly drizzle it over the cake mix to cover as much as possible. Slice the remaining ½ stick of butter thinly and place pieces on any dry spots of the cake mix to mimic traditional dump cake topping texture.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until the apples are thickened, glossy, bubbling at the edges, and the cake topping is nicely browned.
- Serve: Best enjoyed warm, about 25-30 minutes after baking, optionally with scoops of vanilla ice cream. The cake can be prepared 6-8 hours ahead and kept uncovered at room temperature for best results.
Notes
- Use crisp, tart baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- The Apple Pie Spice can be homemade with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves if unavailable.
- Do not cover the cake when storing if made in advance; keep it uncovered at cool room temperature.
- For a more traditional dump cake texture, you may skip placing the sliced cold butter on the top.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
