Looking for a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert? This Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake is the perfect solution. Inspired by old-fashioned comfort foods, it combines fresh apples, warm spices, and rich gingerbread flavors in one simple, customizable dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dump cake is a balanced, one-pan treat everyone will love. Enjoy the nostalgic taste of homemade dessert without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly easy, this Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake is a must-try. This old-fashioned apple gingerbread dump cake combines tender, spiced apples with moist gingerbread topping, creating a warm, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. What makes this apple dump cake so special is how effortlessly it comes together—no mixing bowls or complicated steps, just layers of fresh apples, gingerbread mix, and butter.
This easy apple gingerbread dump cake is fully customizable. Add caramel drizzles for a sweet twist, or sprinkle with nuts for extra crunch. Its one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy schedules. Whether you’re craving the nostalgia of an old-fashioned apple gingerbread dump cake or simply want a delicious, hassle-free dessert, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time. Perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream, it’s a dessert that never disappoints.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a warm, comforting dessert. Fresh, peeled, and sliced apples form the base, bringing natural sweetness and a tender texture. Brown sugar enhances the apples’ flavor, while a blend of aromatic spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—gives this old-fashioned apple gingerbread dump cake its signature cozy flavor. A box of spice cake mix serves as the easy gingerbread topping, creating a moist, slightly crispy layer when baked. Melted butter binds everything together, adding richness, while optional walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch.
Each ingredient in this easy apple gingerbread dump cake is carefully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, and texture, resulting in a foolproof dessert that’s quick to assemble yet full of classic flavors. With these simple ingredients, you can make a homemade apple dump cake that tastes indulgent but requires minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 box spice cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake is incredibly simple, yet it delivers the rich flavors of an old-fashioned dessert. Start with fresh, peeled, and sliced apples—they form the base of the cake and provide natural sweetness and a tender texture. Sprinkle brown sugar and a warm mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg over the apples to create the classic spiced flavor that makes this apple dump cake so irresistible. Next, layer a box of spice cake mix over the apples, followed by melted butter, which soaks through the cake mix as it bakes, creating a moist, golden topping. Optional chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add a satisfying crunch, but the cake is equally delicious on its own.
This easy apple gingerbread dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy fall desserts. Its one-pan assembly makes cleanup effortless while still delivering the rich, nostalgic flavor of homemade apple gingerbread.
📝 Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 4 cups peeled and sliced apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg over the apples.
- Evenly pour 1 box spice cake mix over the apple layer.
- Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter evenly on top.
- Optional: sprinkle ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans over the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Expert Cooking Tips
To get the best results with this Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake, start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh, peeled, and sliced apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, give the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Brown sugar enhances the apples’ natural flavor, while spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg bring the warm, nostalgic taste that makes this old-fashioned apple gingerbread dump cake so irresistible. Using a box of spice cake mix ensures a moist, golden topping, and melted butter helps it bake evenly. Optional chopped nuts add texture and crunch, making this easy apple gingerbread dump cake extra special.
Follow these tips to elevate your dump cake: choose firm apples, evenly layer ingredients, drizzle butter slowly, and allow it to cool slightly before serving. These simple steps ensure your apple dump cake is consistently delicious and perfect for any occasion.
💡 Expert Tips & Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 box spice cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
FAQS
1. What makes this recipe an old-fashioned apple gingerbread dump cake?
This dessert combines fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a gingerbread cake mix layered in a single pan. It’s called a “dump cake” because the ingredients are simply “dumped” together for a quick, hassle-free dessert that delivers nostalgic flavors.
2. Can I use fresh apples in this apple dump cake?
Absolutely! Fresh apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work best. They provide natural sweetness and a tender texture that enhances this easy apple gingerbread dump cake.
3. How can I make a caramel apple dump cake?
To make a caramel apple version, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer before adding the cake mix. You can also fold in caramel bits or top with a caramel glaze after baking for extra indulgence.
4. Is this similar to Pioneer Woman’s apple dump cake?
Yes! This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman apple dump cake, offering a quick, one-pan dessert with the same warm, comforting flavors but with the spiced twist of gingerbread for a unique variation.
Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.
See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.
Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.
Apple-Based Dump Cakes: The Best One-Dish Apple Dessert
Easy Vegan Dump Cake: Classic Apple Cinnamon Recipe for Any Occasion
Apple Caramel Dump Cake – Classic, Sweet, and Irresistible Treat
The Best Apple Walnut Dump Cake for Quick and Delicious Treats
Apple Cranberry Dump Cake: A Simple One-Pan Comfort Dessert
Apple Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake – Cozy, and Family-Favorite
Vegan Dump Cake: Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – Easy, Cozy, and Family-Favorite
Easy Apple Pecan Dump Cake with Pecans and Caramel Twist
Apple Spice Dump Cake: The Best One-Pan Fall Dessert
Best Apple Butter Dump Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Quick to Make
This Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake is the perfect combination of warm spices, tender apples, and easy, old-fashioned comfort. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dessert or a special treat for family and friends, this easy apple gingerbread dump cake delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. From fresh apples to the golden, spiced topping, every bite is a cozy, delicious reminder of classic desserts. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing finish that everyone will love.
Print
Apple Gingerbread Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This dump cake combines tender apples with warm gingerbread spices and a buttery cake topping. It’s a simple, comforting dessert with all the festive flavors of gingerbread.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 box spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Apple Layer: Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the dish.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts if using.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
- Can add ½ cup raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American