Pioneer Woman Apple Dump Cake: The Easiest 3-Ingredient Dessert Recipe

This apple dump cake is a delightful and incredibly easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Imagine tender, warm apples topped with a rich, buttery crumb – it’s a comforting classic that always brings smiles.

What makes this apple dump cake recipe truly exceptional? It’s unbelievably simple to prepare, incredibly quick to bake, utterly delicious, and requires just three simple ingredients. Yes, you read that right – it’s practically the ideal dessert for busy bakers and anyone craving a sweet treat without the fuss.

Apple Dump Cake is my go-to dessert solution when time is short because, honestly, there’s always time for this recipe, even when life feels like it’s pulling you in a million different directions. It’s a recipe that truly embraces simplicity and deliciousness.

During warmer months, I often enjoy making variations like cherry pineapple dump cake, lemon dump cake, cherry dump cake, and peach dump cake. And when the holidays roll around, pumpkin dump cake becomes my absolute favorite! All these dump cake variations are quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

I’m confident your family will adore these variations too. Join the dump cakes craze, my friends! Once you experience the ease and deliciousness, you’ll be hooked.

Let’s get baking this fantastic dump cake!

Close up of sliced butter arranged on top of yellow cake mix in a baking pan

What Exactly is a Dump Cake?

The name “dump cake” might not sound particularly appealing at first, but trust me, this dessert is incredibly delicious, and the concept is wonderfully straightforward. A dump cake is essentially a combination of cake mix, butter, and a filling of your choice. This filling can be fruit, chocolate, caramel, or any other flavor that you’re craving.

The name “dump cake” actually comes from the super easy method of preparation. You simply “dump” all the ingredients into a single baking pan. The final result, after baking, resembles a cobbler in appearance and texture, but it has a distinct cake-like flavor that sets it apart. It’s a delightful hybrid that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Apple Dump Cake: Simple Ingredients

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with just three key ingredients:

Apple Pie Filling: Two cans of your favorite apple pie filling form the flavorful base of this dessert, providing that comforting apple pie taste we all love.
Yellow Cake Mix: One box of yellow cake mix creates the perfect crumbly topping as it bakes with the melted butter.
Butter: One and a half sticks of butter, sliced thinly, are crucial for achieving that signature buttery and crispy topping. Slicing the butter ensures even distribution and perfect texture.

A Note on Butter: Slicing the butter is absolutely key to getting that perfect crumb topping texture. Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts by melting the butter. While melting might seem faster, it doesn’t yield the same delightful results. Melting butter can lead to uneven distribution and potentially create soggy patches in your dump cake, negatively impacting the overall texture. Starting with a cold stick of butter makes slicing much easier and ensures those perfect buttery crumbles.

Tips for Storing, Freezing, and Making Ahead

Refrigerating Apple Dump Cake: According to safe food handling guidelines, apple dump cake will keep well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it within two days of baking. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing Apple Dump Cake: Yes, you can easily freeze apple dump cake! Freezing is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it later. Here’s how to freeze it properly:
- Cool Completely: Allow the dump cake to cool down completely after baking before freezing. Any residual warmth can create condensation, which leads to freezer burn and affects the quality of the dessert.
- Proper Container: Transfer the cooled dump cake to a disposable aluminum container with a lid, if possible. Airtight sealing is crucial for preventing freezer burn and maintaining flavor.
- Freezing Time: When properly sealed and airtight, apple dump cake can be frozen for up to two months. Beyond this time, the flavor and moisture can start to diminish.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Freshly baked dump cake is always best, much like a cobbler. However, in our busy lives, baking ahead is often necessary.
- Bake and Freeze: You can bake the apple dump cake ahead of time and then freeze it for future enjoyment. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
- Bake and Refrigerate: Alternatively, you can bake the dump cake and store it in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer to serve it warm, simply reheat it in a warming oven before serving. This is a great option for potlucks or gatherings where you want to prepare dessert in advance.

Slice of apple dump cake on a white plate with a fork, showing the apple filling and crumb topping

Delicious Dump Cake Variations

Looking to add a little twist to your apple dump cake? Here are some tasty variations to try:

Apple Pineapple Dump Cake: For a tropical touch, create an Apple Pineapple Dump Cake by simply sprinkling a 20-ounce can of drained, crushed pineapple over the apple pie filling before proceeding with the recipe as described in this pineapple dump cake recipe. The pineapple adds a lovely tanginess and juiciness that complements the apples beautifully.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Indulge in a Caramel Apple Dump Cake (without the mess of caramel apples on sticks!) by drizzling ¼ to ½ cup of your favorite caramel topping over the apple pie filling. Alternatively, you can use about ⅓ cup of chopped caramels (the kind you’d use for making caramel apples). The caramel adds a rich, gooey sweetness that elevates the classic apple flavor.
Spiced Apple Dump Cake: To enhance the warm spices, create an Apple Spice Dump Cake. While you can still use a yellow cake mix, mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1 tablespoon of sugar together in a bowl. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix and butter. For extra texture and flavor, consider adding 1 cup of chopped pecans on top of the cake mix when making this spiced version. You can also simplify this by using a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an extra layer of spice.
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake: If your oven is occupied with dinner, you can easily bake this dessert in your slow cooker! To make a crockpot apple dump cake, simply layer all the ingredients in your slow cooker, following the same recipe instructions. Cook on low heat for about 4 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Slow cookers can vary, so start checking for doneness around 1.5 hours on high. The dump cake is ready when it’s set, has a golden brown crust, and bubbly edges. This is a fantastic option for warmer weather or when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
Gluten-Free Apple Dump Cake: For those needing a gluten-free option, you can easily make a gluten-free apple dump cake. Simply substitute the regular yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Follow the recipe instructions exactly as written. Gluten-free cake mixes have come a long way and offer delicious alternatives without compromising on taste or texture.
Pioneer Woman Apple Dump Cake with Pecans: Inspired by Pioneer Woman recipes, adding pecans to the topping makes a delightful variation. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake mix before adding the butter for a nutty crunch and flavor that complements the apple and buttery topping perfectly. This adds a touch of sophistication and texture to the simple dump cake.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Dump Cake

The classic pairing for apple dump cake is vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream, and for good reason! The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly over the warm cake, creating a heavenly contrast. Cinnamon-flavored ice cream is also a wonderful choice if you can find it, enhancing the apple spice notes. You can even easily make your own cinnamon ice cream by mixing ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon per cup of vanilla ice cream.

For beverage pairings, consider serving apple dump cake with:

Milk: A simple and comforting choice.
Black Tea: A robust black tea like Irish Breakfast tea pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Dessert Coffee: A flavored coffee, such as a Guatemalan roast from Antigua with vanilla or maple syrups, adds a touch of indulgence.

Dump Cake vs. Cobbler: What’s the Difference?

While both are warm and comforting fruit desserts, there’s a key difference between a dump cake and a cobbler. As we’ve discussed, dump cake uses cake mix, butter, and a fruit filling. A cobbler, on the other hand, features a similar fruit filling but is topped with a biscuit or cake-like topping made from scratch, rather than a cake mix. Both are delicious, but dump cake prioritizes ease and speed, while cobblers often involve a bit more preparation for the topping.

More Delicious Apple Dessert Recipes

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Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Apple dump cake is a truly delicious and effortless dessert, perfect for any time! The combination of tender apples and a rich, buttery cake with a delightful crumbly topping is simply irresistible.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 10 servings
Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into 24 thin slices

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish.
Evenly spread the yellow cake mix over the apple pie filling and gently press down. Arrange butter slices evenly over the cake mix.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and bubbly. Let set for a few minutes before serving.

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Recipe Notes

Butter is Key: Slicing the butter thinly and evenly distributing it over the cake mix is crucial for achieving the perfect crumb topping texture. Starting with very cold butter will make slicing easier.
- Avoid Melting Butter: While some recipes may suggest melting butter to save time, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Melted butter can result in an uneven texture and potentially soggy spots in the dump cake.

Nutrition Information

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