Foolproof Dump Cake Recipe
An incredibly easy apple dump cake that uses pantry staples for a warm, bubbling dessert. This recipe features a unique cold butter crumble technique that guarantees a perfectly crisp, golden topping with no dry spots of cake mix.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Pastry cutter (or forks/fingers)
Ingredients
- 2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes Using cold butter is key to the crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional, for added crunch and flavor.
Instructions
Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set out a 9x13 inch baking dish. It is not necessary to grease the dish.
Build the Fruit Layer
- Pour the apple pie filling directly into the baking dish and spread it into a single, even layer to cover the bottom completely.
Make the Secret Crumble Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix and the optional chopped pecans. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the cake mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping mixture evenly over the entire surface of the apple pie filling in the dish.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is a rich golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This allows the hot filling to set and thicken slightly.
- Serve warm by scooping into bowls. It's delicious on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap the apple pie filling for other flavors like cherry, peach, or blueberry. Two 21-ounce cans work perfectly.
Spice it Up: For extra flavor, mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or apple pie spice into the dry cake mix before adding the butter.
Serving: This dessert is best served warm to get the contrast between the gooey fruit and the crisp topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing!
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.