Introduction
When the temperature drops and you are looking for a warm, fragrant dessert that requires minimal effort, the Cozy Cinnamon Apple Dump Cake is the perfect solution. As the name implies, this dessert is famous for being effortless—you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking pan without mixing and let the oven do the work.
Featuring a bubbling, spiced apple pie filling beneath a golden, buttery, cake-like crust, it is the ultimate comfort food for cool evenings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and your entire kitchen will smell like autumn.
Ingredients
- The Star Base:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Apple Pie Filling
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- The Crust/Cake Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow or Spice Cake Mix
- The Buttery Crown:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, very cold and sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional, for a great textural crunch)
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: Well-greased.
- Spatula or Spoon: To spread the filling.
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 10 to 12 people
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray or butter.
2. Layer the Apple Filling
Pour the two cans of apple pie filling directly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using your spatula. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the apples for an extra warming punch.
3. Add the Cake Mix
Open the box of dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apple pie filling. Do not mix the cake mix with the apples! Gently pat the cake mix flat, but leave it as a powdery layer on top.
4. Add the Butter
Arrange the cold, sliced pats of butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible so the dry spots get moistened. If using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the top right now.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are bubbling, and the top is a beautiful golden brown and crisp to the touch.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the dump cake sit for 10 minutes before scooping, as the hot apple filling will be very bubbly.
Tips and Tricks
- The Dry Cake Mix Trick: Don’t worry about the dry-looking cake mix on top. As the butter melts and combines with the moisture from the fruit during baking, it creates a delicious, crumbly cobbler-like crust.
- The Butter Slices: Cutting the butter into thin, evenly spaced pieces ensures that all the dry cake mix gets moistened.
- Pecan Crunch: The contrast of the crunchy, buttery nuts against the soft, spiced apples is divine.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Apple: Drizzle 1/2 cup of thick, warm caramel sauce over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix.
- Spice Cake Variation: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even deeper autumnal cinnamon-nutmeg profile.
- The Peach-Apple Cobbler: Use one can of apple pie filling and one can of peach pie filling for a delicious summer-to-autumn crossover.
Serving Suggestions
- À la Mode: Serve large, warm scoops with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Drizzles: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Cozy Cinnamon Apple Dump Cake is a foolproof, high-reward dessert that gives you all the comfort of an apple pie or cobbler with a fraction of the work.
Are you making this for a cozy weekend treat, or are you looking to bring a warm dessert to a gathering tonight?