You’re looking for an incredibly simple and satisfying dessert? This Spiced Apple Dump Cake is a heartwarming treat that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for an easy cake recipe that tastes like you spent hours.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple Pie Filling: Canned is easiest; homemade apple filling works too.
- Yellow Cake Mix: White or spice cake mix can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter. Margarine can work in a pinch.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that cozy taste.
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools: 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This makes for easy cleanup later.
2. Combine Apple Filling and Spices
Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the apple filling. Stir gently to combine the spices with the apples.
3. Add the Cake Mix Layer
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the spiced apple filling. Do not stir it in; you want a distinct layer of cake mix. This will create a wonderful cake-like topping.
4. Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the dry cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This ensures the cake mix bakes into a delightful crust.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. The cake will be set and fragrant.
Variation Ideas
- Fruit Swaps: Try cherry, peach, or mixed berry pie filling for different fruit dump cake variations.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before baking for added crunch.
- Extra Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice with the cinnamon and nutmeg for more depth.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Spiced Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can gently reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if baking from cold.
What does “dump cake” mean?
It means you simply “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish without much mixing, making it a super easy cake recipe.
Do you need to stir the cake mix into the apples?
No, do not stir the cake mix. Sprinkling it dry over the fruit is key to forming the delicious cake-like topping.
Can you use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
You can, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and spices first to create a pie-filling consistency. Canned makes this an easy cake recipe.
Why is my dump cake soggy?
This might happen if you don’t use enough butter or if the cake is underbaked. Ensure the topping is golden brown and set.
What’s the best way to serve apple dump cake?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly delightful dessert.