The Ultimate Apple Spice Dump Cake: A Coffee Cake Dream
Imagine a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the comforting sweetness of apples, and the incredible ease of a “dump and bake” method. Our apple spice dump cake is exactly that – a truly effortless treat that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful, coffee cake-like experience. This recipe, featuring your favorite apple pie filling and a boxed cake mix, quickly becomes a go-to for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, offering a taste of homemade comfort without the fuss.
This latest creation has quickly become a family favorite! It’s an exquisite blend of a classic apple pie filling dump cake and the rich, crumbly texture of a cinnamon coffee cake. The result is a wonderfully gooey, flavorful bite that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any time of year, but especially comforting as a fall dessert, this recipe promises to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Spice Dump Cake
Let’s be honest, the primary appeal of dump cake recipes lies in their incredible simplicity. They typically require only 3-5 staple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. This means you can whip up a fantastic dessert on a whim, perfect for those moments when company arrives unexpectedly. Just the other day, I found myself in this exact situation. Thankfully, with all the necessary ingredients on hand, I was able to prepare this delightful apple spice dump cake alongside our popular pumpkin pudding cake to feed a lively crowd of adults and children!
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its convenience. It’s also incredibly versatile. While we opted for apple pie filling, you can easily experiment with other fruit flavors. Once you grasp the basic method, you’ll feel confident swapping out the apple for peach, cherry, or even mixed berry fillings to create new taste sensations. You can choose to use store-bought canned pie filling for ultimate ease, or if you prefer a homemade touch, our pressure cooker apple pie filling recipe is a fantastic option.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Spice Dump Cake
Crafting this incredible apple spice dump cake requires just a few key ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that signature moist, gooey, and flavorful result. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Apple Pie Filling: This is the heart of our easy dump cake. Using canned apple pie filling provides both the delicious apple fruit and the essential gooey, syrupy liquid needed to moisten the dry cake mix as it bakes. This ensures a consistently moist and flavorful cake. For this specific recipe, fresh apples are not recommended because they lack the necessary moisture and glaze to properly hydrate the dry cake mix and achieve the desired dump cake texture. If you’re keen on using canned fruit *other* than pie filling (e.g., sliced peaches in syrup), our Peach Cobbler using Cake Mix recipe offers an alternative approach that accounts for varying liquid content.
- Dry Boxed Coffee Cake Mix: The choice of cake mix is paramount for this recipe. We highly recommend a cinnamon swirl or coffee cake mix, such as the Krusteaz brand I used. These mixes are specifically designed to deliver a rich, spiced flavor and often come with a brown sugar topping mix—a delightful addition you won’t want to skip. A standard yellow cake mix, while versatile, will not yield the same warm, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake taste. If you only have spice cake mix on hand, you might prefer to make our pumpkin pudding cake which is specifically formulated for that flavor profile.
- Melted Butter: Butter is essential for adding richness and additional moisture, contributing to the cake’s luscious texture. It’s poured over the dry mix, helping to create those delicious, crisp edges and moist interior. For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free plant-based butter sticks can be a suitable alternative without compromising flavor or texture significantly.
- Nuts (Optional): A 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts adds a wonderful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor. Walnuts are a classic choice and pair beautifully with apples and cinnamon. For an extra special touch, candied pecans would also be an excellent addition, bringing a hint of sweetness and crunch.
Can you use fresh apples instead of pie filling to make apple dump cake?
For this particular dump cake recipe, following these exact directions, we do not recommend using fresh apples. The specific chemistry of a dump cake relies on the syrupy fruit glaze found in canned pie filling. This rich liquid provides the necessary moisture for the dry boxed cake mix to absorb and bake into a tender, moist cake. Without it, fresh apples simply don’t release enough liquid to hydrate the dry mix adequately, resulting in a cake that could be dry and lack the signature gooey texture.
If your heart is set on using fresh apples, you would need a recipe specifically designed for them, such as a traditional Apple Cake with Cake Mix, which typically incorporates additional liquid ingredients into the batter to achieve tenderness and moisture. Stick to canned pie filling for this dump cake for the best results!
To prepare this delightful dessert, you’ll need a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish, lightly coated with cooking spray to ensure a non-stick finish. Once baked, this apple spice dump cake is divine served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped topping or whipped cream. For an even simpler dessert, you can omit these extras and enjoy it as a classic 3-ingredient dump cake. Feel free to mix and match different cake mix flavors with various fruit fillings to discover your own favorite combinations!
Mastering Your Dump Cake: Tips for Success
One of the most appealing aspects of making this apple spice dump cake, unlike more traditional baked goods like our applesauce spice cake, is that there is absolutely no need for a mixing bowl. This truly is a “dump and bake” dessert! The process is incredibly simple: you just sprinkle, layer, and then bake. This minimal-fuss approach ensures an easy cleanup and a stress-free baking experience.
You’ll notice how the ingredients naturally layer and mingle within your 9×13-inch baking pan. I prefer using a glass dish, but a sprayed aluminum baking pan works just as well. The magic of a dump cake lies in its inherent simplicity; there’s very little mixing involved, allowing all the flavors and textures to meld together perfectly as it bakes in the oven.
Don’t be alarmed if you observe a small amount of dry powder from the cake mix remaining on top after baking. This is quite common with dump cakes and is perfectly normal. Once the cake is served, this minor detail is barely noticeable and doesn’t detract from the deliciousness. We sometimes see a similar phenomenon when making our Instant Pot dump cake.
For the best results, ensure you follow the layering instructions carefully. The goal is a cake that is somewhat firm in the middle when done. The contrast of the warm, gooey cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect dessert experience. These same straightforward directions apply whether you’re making this apple spice version or a Blueberry pie filling dump cake. This generous dessert easily serves 8-12 people, making it an ideal choice to bring to a potluck or any holiday gathering where you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
How do you know when a dump cake is perfectly done?
Determining when your apple spice dump cake is ready is quite simple. The middle of the cake should no longer appear wet. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with wet fruit and moist crumbs of cake attached, but no raw, unbaked dough. If you notice any raw batter, simply return the cake to the oven for another 5 minutes and test again. This dessert is also wonderfully budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice when you need to feed a group without breaking the bank. After you savor this delicious creation, explore a few more of our favorite easy desserts:
Dump Cake with Apple Pie Filling: The Recipe
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Apple Spice Dump Cake Recipe
Justine
10
50
1
12
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
1 9×13 inch pan
Ingredients
-
1 box coffee cake mix, 21 oz., (I used Krusteaz, includes brown sugar topping) -
1/2 cup butter, melted -
1 can pie filling, apple, 21 oz -
1/2-3/4 cup walnuts, chopped, optional
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Pour the entire can of apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to form the first layer.
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If your coffee cake mix includes a brown sugar topping packet, carefully remove it and set it aside for later. Sprinkle the dry coffee cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling layer.
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Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the dry cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
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Now, open the reserved brown sugar packet (if applicable) and sprinkle its contents evenly over the butter and cake mix. This will create a delicious, caramelized crust.
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If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top layer for added texture and flavor. Place the pan into the preheated oven.
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Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the middle of the cake begins to firm up. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs and fruit, but no raw dough.
Video
Video instructions coming soon!
Nutrition
Serving:
3
oz
,
Calories:
337
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
45
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
16
g
,
Saturated Fat:
6
g
,
Cholesterol:
20
mg
,
Sodium:
373
mg
,
Potassium:
190
mg
,
Fiber:
1
g
,
Sugar:
27
g
,
Vitamin A:
250
IU
,
Vitamin C:
0.9
mg
,
Calcium:
50
mg
,
Iron:
2.3
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Dessert
American
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Storing and Reheating Leftover Dump Cake
A dump cake offers wonderful flexibility in how it can be enjoyed. It can be served warm straight from the oven, or even chilled, with or without a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Most enthusiasts agree that a warm slice of pie filling dump cake with a topping is truly heavenly. However, there’s also a unique appeal to the slightly firmer, denser texture of a refrigerated dump cake, which can be a delightful contrast to its warm counterpart. Ultimately, it’s all about personal preference! Rest assured, any leftover dump cake can be safely stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Even for delectable desserts like our Pumpkin pie dump cake, it’s best not to leave them out at room temperature for extended periods once served. The texture can become undesirable, and there’s a higher risk of spoilage. To maintain freshness, simply transfer any remaining cake to an airtight container or cover your baking pan tightly with aluminum foil before refrigerating. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious leftovers for longer.
How do you reheat dump cake?
Reheating your dump cake is incredibly easy, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth once more. If you have individual portions, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until it reaches your desired warmth. For a larger portion or an entire peach dump cake, for instance, it’s best to reheat it in the oven. Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Serve it again with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, and it will taste just as good as when it was first baked! We’d love to hear your thoughts and if you added any special ingredients to your creation in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Spice Dump Cake
While “mushy” might be one way to describe it, a more accurate description would be “very moist” or “gooey.” Dump cakes are not designed to be sliced cleanly like traditional layer cakes. Instead, they have a wonderfully tender, almost pudding-like texture. To serve, allow it to cool slightly (about 10 minutes) to help it solidify a bit more, then use a large serving spoon to scoop out individual portions. Embrace its delightful messiness!
Yes, like most baked goods, dump cake will firm up considerably as it cools. While it will never achieve the same structural integrity as a traditional cake, cooling allows the fruit filling and the cake batter to set more, making it easier to serve and enjoy its rich, dense texture. For the best gooey experience, serve it warm. For a firmer texture, let it cool completely or even chill it in the refrigerator.
This apple spice dump cake is incredibly versatile with toppings! Our top recommendations include a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the “caramel apple” flavor profile. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even a handful of fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries) can add a beautiful garnish and complementary flavors.
Other Effortless Treats You’ll Love
Just like our incredibly popular Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole, this apple spice dump cake is a semi-homemade marvel that tastes completely from scratch. Utilizing ready-made main ingredients is a fantastic time-saver, freeing you up to enjoy your day without endless kitchen prep. Looking to make this dessert even faster and avoid turning on your oven? You can create a similar, wonderfully comforting treat in a slow cooker with our delicious Crockpot Apple Dump Cake recipe! Explore these and more easy dessert ideas on our blog.