Apple Spice Dump Cake: The Best One-Pan Fall Dessert

If you love easy, family-friendly desserts, this Apple Spice Dump Cake is perfect for you. It’s quick to make, customizable, and packed with warm, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight treat or a special occasion dessert, this recipe balances convenience with delicious results. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, this Apple Spice Dump Cake is the ultimate one-pot dessert you’ll keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both effortless and crowd-pleasing, this Apple Spice Dump Cake is a must-try. Bursting with warm spices and tender apples, it delivers all the comforting flavors of a homemade dessert without the hassle. What makes this Apple Spice Dump Cake truly special is how quick and simple it is—perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or holiday celebrations.

This recipe is highly customizable: use fresh apples for a natural sweetness, or add your favorite toppings like nuts or caramel sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for home cooks of any skill level. Families love it because it’s approachable and consistently delicious, while foodies appreciate the rich, cozy flavor profile.

From easy weeknight dinners to festive dessert tables, this Apple Spice Dump Cake fits any occasion. With its effortless preparation, comforting taste, and versatility, it’s no wonder this dessert has become a favorite for so many households.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating the perfect Apple Spice Dump Cake starts with selecting simple, flavorful ingredients that work together for maximum taste and minimal effort. Fresh apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide natural sweetness and a tender texture, forming the heart of this dessert. A touch of sugar enhances the fruit’s flavor, while warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice—bring out that signature cozy aroma. The cake mix adds structure and sweetness without complicated steps, making this recipe a true “dump-and-bake” delight. Melted butter ties everything together, creating a golden, crispy topping. Optional add-ins like raisins or chopped walnuts add texture and extra bursts of flavor, making this Apple Spice Dump Cake even more irresistible.

Ingredients for Apple Spice Dump Cake
Apple Spice Dump Cake: The Best One-Pan Fall Dessert 13

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15 oz)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: ½ cup raisins or ½ cup chopped walnuts/pine nuts

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Apple Spice Dump Cake is delightfully simple, perfect for busy cooks or anyone craving a warm, comforting dessert. Start with fresh, peeled, and sliced apples—the heart of the cake—which provide natural sweetness and a tender texture. Sprinkle them with sugar and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice to infuse the dessert with classic fall flavors. Layer the apples in a baking dish and top with your cake mix, which forms a golden, fluffy crust as it bakes. Finally, drizzle melted butter over the top, ensuring a rich, crisp finish. Optional add-ins, like raisins or chopped nuts, add texture and bursts of flavor, making this Apple Spice Dump Cake even more irresistible.

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Spread 4 cups peeled and sliced apples evenly in the dish.
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and optional ¼ teaspoon allspice over the apples.
  • Evenly pour 1 box of spice or yellow cake mix on top of the apples.
  • Drizzle ½ cup melted butter over the cake mix.
  • Add optional ½ cup raisins or ½ cup chopped walnuts/pine nuts.
  • Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.
Apple Spice Dump Cake bubbling in the oven
Apple Spice Dump Cake: The Best One-Pan Fall Dessert 14

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the ultimate Apple Spice Dump Cake, understanding your ingredients is key. Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and moisture—choose Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. Sugar enhances the fruit’s natural sugars, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice add warmth and depth. The cake mix creates a golden, fluffy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender fruit. Melted butter ensures a crisp, rich crust, and optional add-ins like raisins or chopped nuts bring texture and extra flavor. By paying attention to these ingredients, your Apple Spice Dump Cake will turn out perfectly every time.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Use firm apples for a better texture; avoid overly soft varieties.
  • Spread the cake mix evenly to ensure a consistent golden crust.
  • Drizzle butter slowly to cover all areas; this makes the top crispy.
  • Add nuts or raisins sparingly to avoid sogginess.
  • Bake until bubbly and golden for optimal flavor.
  • Let the cake cool slightly to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Variations of Apple Spice Dump Cake
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FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making an Apple Spice Dump Cake?

The most common mistake is unevenly layering the ingredients. Make sure the apples are spread evenly and the cake mix is sprinkled uniformly. This ensures your Apple Spice Dump Cake bakes consistently with a crisp, golden top.

Can you add apples to a spice cake mix?

Absolutely! Adding fresh apples enhances flavor and moisture. This is the core of the Apple Spice Dump Cake, giving it its tender, fruity center.

What is an Apple Dump Cake?

An Apple Dump Cake is a quick, one-pan dessert where apples, sugar, spices, and cake mix are “dumped” together and baked. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy nights.

How do you make a 2-ingredient Apple Spice Dump Cake?

For a super-simple version, use canned apple pie filling and a box of spice cake mix. Top with melted butter and bake until golden. Even with just two ingredients, you get a classic Apple Spice Dump Cake flavor.

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This Apple Spice Dump Cake is the perfect combination of simplicity, comfort, and delicious flavor. With fresh apples, warm spices, and a golden, buttery topping, it’s a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or a cozy weeknight treat, this Apple Spice Dump Cake delivers consistently delicious results. Try the optional add-ins like nuts or raisins to make it your own, and enjoy the effortless, comforting sweetness that this one-pan wonder brings to any table.

Print
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Apple Spice Dump Cake served hot

Apple Spice Dump Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples, aromatic warm spices, and a golden, buttery cake topping. Quick to assemble, this cake captures all the flavors of fall in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

  • 2 tablespoons granulated or brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

  • 1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15 oz)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • Optional: ½ cup raisins or ½ cup chopped walnuts/pine nuts


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Apple Layer: Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Spread evenly in the dish.

  3. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir.

  4. Top with Butter & Optional Add-Ins: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle raisins or nuts if using.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are bubbly.

  6. Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel.

Notes

  • For extra depth, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
  • To make it vegan, substitute plant-based butter and a vegan cake mix.
  • Swap in pear slices or a mixture of apples and pears for a fruity twist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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