There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dessert to wrap up a Southern meal. That’s why Apple Dump Cake is such a classic in our household. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always reminds me of family gatherings filled with love, laughter, and lots of good food.
Every time I make this dessert, I’m transported back to afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She would always have something baking in the oven, and her Apple Dump Cake was one of her signature treats. The sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the house still brings a smile to my face. This simple dessert has been passed down through the generations, and now I’m excited to share it with you!
A Southern food classic
Southern cuisine is all about comfort, tradition, and bringing people together. Apple Dump Cake holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that always feels like home. I remember my grandmother telling stories while she baked, and we’d sit around the table sharing dessert, just enjoying each other’s company. It’s these kinds of memories that make Southern food so meaningful. The warm, familiar flavors bring a sense of connection to our roots and to the people we love.
Apple Dump Cake is a perfect example of Southern food that is simple yet full of warmth and nostalgia. It’s one of those recipes that reminds us of the importance of family, tradition, and taking the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Ingredients
How to make Apple Dump Cake
Prepare the apple pie filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. The apples will create a delicious base for the cake to sit on top of.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir them together to evenly mix the ingredients. This will be sprinkled over the apples later.
Add the cake mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Make sure it’s spread out as evenly as possible, covering the apples completely.
Add butter and pecans
Arrange the sliced butter on top of the cake mix, making sure the pieces are spread out. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them over the butter. These will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake, serve and enjoy!
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, but trust me, the smell will let you know when it’s done! Once your Apple Dump Cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Serving suggestions
Apple Dump Cake is at its most irresistible when served warm straight from the oven. For a true taste of Southern hospitality, top each serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped cream. The coolness plays beautifully against the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s the perfect finish to a classic Southern meal of buttermilk fried chicken, oven-baked ribs, or chicken-fried steak. Pair it with sweet tea, iced coffee, or even a glass of chilled apple cider for a relaxed, comforting way to round out your meal.
Storage tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week if you prefer. To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. The cake will stay delicious and comforting, just like the first time you made it.
Southern farewell
Apple Dump Cake holds a special place in my heart because it represents the simplicity and comfort of Southern cooking. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, but always delivers big on flavor and nostalgia. Every time I serve it, I’m reminded of family gatherings, long talks around the dinner table, and the joy of sharing a meal together.
I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Medium bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce can apple pie filling
- 1 15.25-ounce yellow cake mix
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons salted butter thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready to bake the cake once you’ve put everything together.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. The apples will create a delicious base for the cake to sit on top of.
- In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir them together to evenly mix the ingredients. This will be sprinkled over the apples later.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Make sure it’s spread out as evenly as possible, covering the apples completely.
- Arrange the sliced butter on top of the cake mix, making sure the pieces are spread out. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them over the butter. These will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, but trust me, the smell will let you know when it’s done!
- Once your Apple Dump Cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
