Apple Dump Cake
Apple Dump Cake
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This is another variation of our popular Dump Cake recipe — and it is just as delicious. Quick to assemble, easy to make, and perfect when you need a dessert in a pinch. The fried apples get warm and jammy underneath a golden buttery cake crust, and the optional bourbon adds a beautiful warmth that takes it over the top. Serve it warm alone or with vanilla ice cream — either way it won't last long.
🍎 What You'll Need
- 2 cans (15 oz) fried apples — drain juice from ONE can
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 shots bourbon (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 sticks butter, cut into pats
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven or smoker to 350°F.
- Add both cans of fried apples to a cast iron skillet — one can with the juice, one drained.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using). Mix until well incorporated.
- Evenly spread the dry yellow cake mix across the top of the apple mixture — don't stir it in.
- Place the butter pats evenly across the top of the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
- Don't stir the cake mix into the apple filling — the layering is what creates the perfect cobbler-meets-cake texture as it bakes.
- Cover as much of the cake mix surface as possible with butter pats — any dry spots won't brown properly.
- The bourbon is optional but it adds incredible warmth and depth. Even just one shot makes a difference.
- This works great on the smoker too — even a hint of smoke adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.
- Leftovers reheat perfectly in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes — if there are any left.
- Try it with spice cake mix instead of yellow for an extra fall-forward flavor.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is endlessly versatile — swap the fried apples for cherry pie filling, blueberries, or peaches for a completely different vibe. Try a spice cake mix or butter pecan cake mix for extra flavor. Add a handful of chopped pecans on top of the butter pats before baking for a little crunch. The dump cake formula is foolproof — make it your own.
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