In the world of baking, dump cakes are by far the easiest to make. They’re like a secret shortcut that only the baker knows about. I took a basic recipe and amped it up to the next level to create this Stupid Easy Apple Dump Cake recipe. Now it’s a fall family favorite. I added a little bit of crunch and an extra touch of sweetness. There’s no need to buy canned apple filling, but this recipe calls for fresh apples – which makes it 10x better!

I got into the world of easy cakes when I made my Stupid Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe first. It inspired me to keep going and make an apple version. So you can call this the sister recipe to the pumpkin version. However, the more I researched my options, the more disappointed I was.

I’m well known for my Caramel Apple Pie which has a delicious stuffing. Other apple dump cake recipes called for plain apples without seasoning or canned apple pie filling. Both just sound awful to me.  I knew I had to come up with something better and after a few takes, this delicious recipe was born. I took the base of my Caramel Apple Pie and turned it into a dump cake.

Stupid Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

We make this recipe after a trip to the North Georgia Apple Orchard. You can use any sweet apple. I like Gala, Honeycrisp or Fuji. Tart apples will work, but I find the flavor is better with a sweet version.

What Makes This Apple Dump Cake Recipe Unique

You bake the cake in a square 9×9 inch baking dish. To create an extra special touch, add a layer of caramel before putting your apple filling on top of it. It helps to thicken and create a sauce with the filling. The second addition that makes this recipe unique is the added crunch from nuts. They don’t overpower the apples, but add another dimension. I used walnuts, but you can do pecans too – either would work out great.

What To Alongside This Recipe

I like making this recipe for an easy weeknight dessert option. It’s definitely casual and comes together quickly. So that makes it a great weeknight option. Since we enjoy it in the fall, I’ll make it as a sweet ending to our Award-winning Beef Chili recipe or after a simple pork roast. It’s not a fancy dessert, so I don’t make it for holidays.

How Long Does Apple Dump Cake Last Before Expiring?

If you have any leftovers, you’ll want to store it in an air-tight container or add plastic wrap to store it in the original baking dish. Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator. To reheat the leftovers, just nuke for 1.5 – 2 minutes in the microwave on high. You cannot freeze this dump cake recipe. 

Best Topping For Apple Dump Cake

Put the finishing touches on your dump cake when you serve it. I like to enjoy mine with a drizzle of caramel and some vanilla ice cream. Cinnamon ice cream is another great option too. If you’re a fan of whipped cream, you can use store-bought to keep it super simple. Of course, it’s an excellent dessert with a hot cup of coffee too.

What To Buy For This Recipe:

• Fresh Apples (Gala, Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
• Yellow Cake Mix Box
• Caramel Topping 
• Chopped Walnuts or Chopped Pecans
• Apple Pie Seasoning
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla
• Unsalted Butter, melted

How To Make Apple Dump Cake With Fresh Apples

Preheat the oven to 350º and spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together apples, vanilla, cornstarch, nuts and apple pie seasoning. Mix well.

Spread the caramel sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Pour the apple mixture evenly on top.

Sprinkle all of the yellow cake mix on top of the entire filling. Pour the melted butter of the top of the cake mix.

Bake for 40 minutes until slightly browned and sides are bubbly. Let sit for five minutes and serve.