Dessert

Apple Dump Cake Recipe

ByAmaya Haris January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

Introduction

This Apple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that captures the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender apples. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly, perfect for busy days when you want a homemade treat without the fuss.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a warm apple crisp dessert. The bottom layer is made of soft, chunky, golden-brown baked apple pieces mixed with a crumbly, light brown crisp topping scattered unevenly over the apples. On top, there is a smooth, white scoop of vanilla ice cream, slightly melting and drizzled lightly over the edges of the apple crisp. The ice cream is sprinkled with a fine dusting of cinnamon. In the soft-focus background, there are more white bowls each with apple crisp and an out-of-focus red apple and a bottle of milk. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 cups apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/3 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 to 1 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla. Add the peeled and cut apples to the mixture and stir well to coat. Spread this apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Using the same bowl, mix together the flour, 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt to make the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
Step 3: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the flour mixture. Tilt the pan gently if needed to help the butter cover as much of the surface as possible.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Step 5: Serve the apple dump cake warm or cold, on its own or with milk, whipped cream, or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of melted regular butter.
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.
If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves.

Storage

Store leftover apple dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cake is delicious both warm and cold.

How to Serve

The image shows two white shallow bowls filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer looks like moist, crumbly cake with a light brown color mixed with some darker brown pieces, likely cinnamon spiced fruit. On top of each bowl is a dollop of creamy white ice cream, slightly melting over the warm dessert and sprinkled with a touch of brown cinnamon powder. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a blurred bottle of milk and a red apple. Two shiny silver spoons are placed on the surface near the front bowl, and a woman's hand holds one of the bowls gently. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.

Apple Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 774 reviews

This Apple Dump Cake is an easy and comforting dessert featuring juicy cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a tender, buttery crumb topping. With minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients, it’s a perfect homemade treat served warm or cold, delicious on its own or paired with whipped cream or ice cream.

Author: Amaya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

5 cups apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Cake Topping

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 to 1 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the peeled and chopped apples, mixing thoroughly until the spices evenly coat the fruit. Spread this apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Make the Topping: Using the same bowl (no need to clean it), stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed. Evenly pour this dry topping mixture over the layered apples in the baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
Add Butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mixture, tilting the pan if needed to help the butter cover as much of the surface as possible. This ensures a moist and crisp topping.
Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the mixture is bubbly.
Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly if desired. Enjoy warm or cold, either on its own or accompanied by milk, whipped cream, or ice cream for an indulgent touch.

Notes

Using 3/4 cup of butter will give a slightly lighter topping, while 1 cup will produce a richer, more buttery crust.
You can substitute the apples with other fruits like peaches or pears for variation.
For easier cleanup, line the baking dish with parchment paper before greasing.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Keywords: Apple Dump Cake, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, dump cake recipe, quick apple cobbler

Amaya Haris

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