Best Apple Butter Dump Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Quick to Make

If you love quick, easy, and family-friendly desserts, this Apple Butter Dump Cake is the perfect treat. Inspired by old-fashioned comfort foods, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s customizable and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a sweet, spiced apple flavor and effortless preparation, this easy apple butter dump cake brings warmth to any table—making it one of the best and most satisfying apple dump cakes you’ll ever try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Butter Dump Cake is the ultimate old-fashioned dessert that’s both simple and irresistible. If you’re searching for the best apple butter dump cake, this recipe delivers soft, spiced apples layered with sweet, buttery cake in just one easy pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or special occasions, it’s an easy apple butter dump cake that requires minimal prep but offers maximum flavor.

Fans of the Pioneer Woman apple dump cake will love this version, which is customizable with fresh apples, caramel, or a streusel topping for extra decadence. Whether you want a cozy fall dessert, a quick weeknight treat, or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, this apple dump cake ticks all the boxes. Its comforting flavors, quick preparation, and versatility make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t underestimate the simplicity—this apple butter dump cake proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The magic of this Apple Butter Dump Cake starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a rich, spiced, and comforting dessert. At the heart is smooth, flavorful apple butter, which gives this recipe its signature moist texture and deep apple flavor. A classic yellow or spice cake mix adds structure and sweetness, making it an easy apple butter dump cake you can prepare in minutes. Melted butter sprinkled over the top ensures a golden, bubbly crust, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the fall-inspired taste. For added crunch and texture, optional chopped pecans or walnuts make this apple dump cake extra special—perfect for a cozy dessert or holiday treat.

Ingredients for apple butter dump cake
Best Apple Butter Dump Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Quick to Make 13

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups apple butter
  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

This combination ensures your best apple butter dump cake is flavorful, moist, and delightfully easy to make.

How to Make This Recipe

Making the best apple butter dump cake is incredibly simple and requires no complicated mixing. Start with the star ingredient: apple butter. Spread it evenly in your baking dish for a moist, flavorful base. Next, sprinkle the yellow or spice cake mix over the apple butter—it doesn’t need to be stirred, keeping this recipe quick and easy. Melted butter poured on top creates a golden, crisp crust, while cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm, comforting flavors of this apple dump cake. Optional chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, making this easy apple butter dump cake perfect for family dinners, holidays, or a last-minute dessert.

🟫 Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread 2 cups of apple butter evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 box of yellow or spice cake mix evenly over the apple butter.
  • Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter over the cake mix.
  • Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) on top.
  • Optional: sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

This method ensures your apple butter dump cake is moist, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious.

Apple Butter Dump Cake bubbling in oven
Best Apple Butter Dump Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Quick to Make 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Even a simple Apple Butter Dump Cake can be elevated with a few expert tips. Using high-quality apple butter is key for rich, flavorful results, while a yellow or spice cake mix ensures the perfect sweet, tender base for this easy apple butter dump cake. Melted butter should be evenly drizzled to achieve a golden, crispy top, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the signature apple flavor. For added texture and depth, optional nuts like pecans or walnuts make your apple dump cake stand out as a crowd-pleasing dessert.

🛒 Tips & Ingredients:

  • Use 2 cups of high-quality apple butter for maximum flavor.
  • Choose 1 box of yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz) for a soft, sweet base.
  • Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter evenly for a crisp, golden top.
  • Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg for warm, comforting spice.
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and texture.

Following these expert tips ensures your best apple butter dump cake is moist, flavorful, and unforgettable every time.

Four versions of apple butter dump cake
Best Apple Butter Dump Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Quick to Make 15

FAQs

1. What is an Apple Butter Dump Cake?

An apple butter dump cake is a simple, old-fashioned dessert where apple butter, cake mix, and butter are “dumped” into a pan and baked. It’s an easy apple butter dump cake that produces a moist, flavorful dessert with minimal effort.

2. Can I make a Pioneer Woman Apple Dump Cake?

Yes! The Pioneer Woman apple dump cake often includes fresh apples or caramel, making it slightly more decadent. You can follow this recipe and customize it with fresh apples for extra flavor.

3. What variations of Apple Dump Cake can I try?

Popular variations include caramel apple dump cake, using fresh apples instead of apple butter, or adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. These tweaks make your best apple butter dump cake unique.

4. How do I store leftover Apple Butter Dump Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a warm, comforting dessert.

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

This Apple Butter Dump Cake is the ultimate easy, old-fashioned dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making the best apple butter dump cake for a busy weeknight, a cozy family gathering, or inspired by the Pioneer Woman apple dump cake, this recipe delivers moist, spiced apples and a golden, buttery crust every time. Quick to prepare and customizable with fresh apples, caramel, or nuts, this easy apple butter dump cake is sure to become a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Print
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Apple Butter Dump Cake served hot

Apple Butter Dump Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet, spiced apple butter forms the base for this easy dump cake, topped with a golden, buttery cake layer. The result is a rich, flavorful dessert that tastes like fall in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups apple butter

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

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

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

  2. Apple Butter Layer: Spread apple butter evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

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

  4. Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle chopped nuts if using.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

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

Notes

  • Use homemade apple butter for a richer, less sweet flavor.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a vegan cake mix.
  • Try adding ½ teaspoon ginger or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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