The 4 ingredient apple dump cake is a simple, quick dessert perfect for those moments when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to bake from scratch. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, this cake delivers flavors reminiscent of a warm, comforting apple pie but with far less effort.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make this dessert, offer some delicious variations, and even provide internal links for additional recipes you can try alongside this treat.
What is an Apple Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a dessert where you layer all the ingredients into a baking dish, bake it, and voila! You have a delicious dessert with little effort. There’s no need to mix, stir, or cream ingredients—just “dump” them in and let the oven do the work. The result is a cake with a buttery, golden top layer and a moist, flavorful base.
For the apple dump cake, the main ingredients—apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter—create a dessert that balances sweetness, tartness, and rich buttery flavor. The best part? It only requires four ingredients!
This type of cake has been a staple in kitchens for decades, known for its convenience. You can learn more about other dump cake variations and why they’ve remained so popular.
Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
As promised, this recipe only requires four simple ingredients, all of which you can easily find at your local store.
You Will Need:
- 1 can (21 oz) of apple pie filling
The star of the dish, apple pie filling gives the cake its sweet, tart, and fruity flavor. - 1 box (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix
Provides the top layer of the cake, creating that golden, crumbly texture. - 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
Essential for creating a moist and flavorful topping. - Cinnamon (optional, to taste)
Adding cinnamon enhances the flavor of the apples, giving the dish a warm, spiced note.
These four ingredients are all you need to create this simple and delicious dessert. However, there are plenty of opportunities to make variations to suit your taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 4 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Open your can of apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon at this stage if you want to enhance the warm apple flavors.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Take your yellow cake mix and evenly distribute it over the top of the apple pie filling. Don’t mix it—just spread it as evenly as possible for a consistent, crumbly top.
Step 4: Drizzle the Butter
Melt your butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix, ensuring as much coverage as possible. The butter helps to create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and you’ll see the apple filling bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Serve
Once the cake is baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added indulgence.
For a twist on this recipe, check out the caramel apple dump cake version, which adds a decadent caramel layer.
Tips for Perfect Apple Dump Cake
While the apple dump cake is incredibly easy to make, a few small tips can help ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Spread the cake mix evenly: Make sure the dry cake mix is spread evenly across the apple pie filling to avoid dry or overly doughy spots.
- Butter distribution matters: Ensure the butter is evenly drizzled across the top to create a perfect golden crust.
- Experiment with flavors: Add some nutmeg or allspice for a spicier kick. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix for a richer dessert.
Want more tips on perfecting dump cakes? You might enjoy this guide to perfecting homemade apple desserts.
Delicious Variations
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, this 4 ingredient apple dump cake provides the perfect base for creative variations.
1. Caramel Apple Dump Cake
For an added layer of sweetness, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix. This gives the cake a caramel apple flavor that’s perfect for fall.
2. Gluten-Free Apple Dump Cake
For those who need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix. There are several excellent gluten-free alternatives available, and you won’t notice the difference in texture or flavor.
3. Apple and Pear Dump Cake
For a twist, mix in a can of pear pie filling with your apple pie filling. The pears add a soft sweetness that complements the tart apples, making for a more complex flavor profile.
4. Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake
This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the same order, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The result will be just as delicious, with a slightly softer texture.
You can explore more creative fruit desserts by checking out this ultimate guide to pecan pie muffins, which can complement your dump cake spread.
FAQs About Apple Dump Cake
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh apples, but you’ll need to cook them down slightly before layering them in the cake. Slice 5-6 apples, sauté them with sugar and cinnamon, and then use them as your base.
Do I need to mix the cake mix and apples together?
No, the key to a great dump cake is not mixing the layers. You want to keep the cake mix dry on top so that it forms a crunchy, golden crust.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven before serving. This cake is best enjoyed warm, so reheat individual servings as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use a vegan cake mix and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Double-check that your apple pie filling is free from animal products as well.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is a crowd-pleaser and can be served in several ways. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
- Top the cake with vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Serve with a warm cup of apple cider or coffee for the perfect fall treat.
Pair your dump cake with other seasonal delights, such as mini pumpkin cheesecakes for a complete autumn dessert table.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of 4 ingredient apple dump cake (based on 10 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 2g
If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider using less butter or opting for a sugar-free cake mix.
Conclusion
The 4 ingredient apple dump cake is an easy and versatile dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who prefers quick recipes, this cake delivers on flavor without demanding much time or effort.
It’s a great option for any gathering, and you can customize it with different fruits, spices, and toppings. Be sure to explore variations like the caramel apple dump cake for something a little different.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the sweet, buttery, apple-filled goodness that’s guaranteed to impress!