Apple Oat Dump Cake – Apple slices, oats, cinnamon, honey.

I still remember the first time I baked a dump cake with my kids, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon. That’s when I realized how comforting and easy family-friendly desserts could be. This apple oat dump cake combines tender fresh apples with a crunchy oat topping, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Quick, customizable, and utterly delicious, it’s one of my go-to recipes for a warm, cozy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate apple oat dump cake recipe, this one is a must-try. Combining tender fresh apples with a buttery, crunchy oat topping, this easy apple oat dump cake brings comfort to every bite. It’s versatile enough to serve as a classic old-fashioned apple oat dump cake or be customized into a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples. Perfect for busy weeknights, a 4 ingredient apple dump cake, or even a 3 ingredient dump cake, this recipe proves that the best apple oat dump cake can be quick, simple, and family-friendly. Whether you’re inspired by the Pioneer Woman apple dump cake style or want a homemade version without cake mix, this apple dump cake recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. From casual desserts to special occasions, it’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This apple oat dump cake recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a comforting dessert. The filling features fresh apples, sugar, and warm spices, which provide a naturally sweet and aromatic base. Adding lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and keeps the flavors bright. The topping combines oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy, golden crust that perfectly complements the tender apples. Optional nuts or caramel sauce take this easy apple oat dump cake to the next level, making it customizable for your taste. This combination makes it an ideal apple dump cake with fresh apples or even a Pioneer Woman apple dump cake-inspired dessert. You can also adjust the recipe to create a 4 ingredient apple dump cake or a 3 ingredient dump cake, proving that the best apple oat dump cake can be both simple and delicious.

Ingredients for apple oat dump cake
Apple Oat Dump Cake – Apple slices, oats, cinnamon, honey. 13

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan):

For the Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh apples (about 6 medium apples)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce for drizzling before baking

How to Make This Recipe

This easy apple oat dump cake recipe is perfect for busy bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps. Using fresh apples and simple pantry ingredients, you can create an apple dump cake with fresh apples that tastes like an old-fashioned apple oat dump cake or even a Pioneer Woman apple dump cake-inspired dessert. Whether you’re making a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples or a quick 4 ingredient apple dump cake, this apple dump cake recipe delivers a tender, bubbly filling with a crunchy oat topping. You don’t need a cake mix—this is an apple dump cake without cake mix that still produces the best apple oat dump cake every time. For a 3 ingredient dump cake version, you can simplify further while keeping the flavor.

🛒 Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, toss peeled and sliced fresh apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional lemon juice for bright flavor.
  • Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish for your apple dump cake with fresh apples.
  • In a separate bowl, mix old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla to create the topping for your easy apple oat dump cake.
  • Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Add optional nuts or drizzle caramel sauce for a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples.
  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are bubbly, creating the best apple oat dump cake.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an old-fashioned apple oat dump cake or try it as a 4 ingredient apple dump cake for a quicker version.
Cooking apple oat dump cake in oven
Apple Oat Dump Cake – Apple slices, oats, cinnamon, honey. 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the best apple oat dump cake requires a few simple tips to maximize flavor and texture. Choosing crisp, fresh apples is essential for an apple dump cake with fresh apples that stays tender but holds its shape. You don’t need a boxed mix—this apple dump cake without cake mix is just as delicious and easy. For a Pioneer Woman apple dump cake twist, layer flavors with cinnamon, nutmeg, or caramel. Whether making a 4 ingredient apple dump cake or a 3 ingredient dump cake, these expert tips will help you create an easy apple oat dump cake or an old fashioned apple oat dump cake that’s always a crowd favorite.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Use crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best apple oat dump cake.
  • Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning in your apple dump cake with fresh apples.
  • Mix the topping until crumbly but not overly wet to ensure a golden, crunchy texture.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce for a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  • Bake uncovered to let the topping brown while the filling bubbles, perfect for an old fashioned apple oat dump cake.
  • For a quick version, try a 4 ingredient apple dump cake or a 3 ingredient dump cake using minimal ingredients.
  • This easy apple oat dump cake recipe works for weeknights, holidays, or special occasions.
Variations of apple dump cake
Apple Oat Dump Cake – Apple slices, oats, cinnamon, honey. 15

FAQs

What is an apple oat dump cake?

An apple oat dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering fresh apples with a sweet, buttery oat topping and baking until golden and bubbly. This easy apple oat dump cake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Can I make an apple dump cake with fresh apples without cake mix?

Yes! This apple dump cake without cake mix uses fresh apples and a crumbly oat topping to create a dessert just as delicious as the Pioneer Woman apple dump cake.

How do I make a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples?

Simply layer sliced fresh apples in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, add your oat topping, and drizzle with caramel sauce before baking for a rich caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples.

Can I make a quick 3 ingredient dump cake or 4 ingredient apple dump cake?

Absolutely. For a simple version, use minimal ingredients—apples, sugar, oats, and butter—to create an easy apple oat dump cake that’s still flavorful and comforting.

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This apple oat dump cake is a versatile, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a classic old fashioned apple oat dump cake, a caramel apple dump cake with fresh apples, or a quick 3 ingredient dump cake, this recipe is easy, family-friendly, and customizable. With fresh apples, a buttery oat topping, and simple ingredients, it’s an apple dump cake without cake mix that delivers the best apple oat dump cake experience every time. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing treat that will become a go-to dessert for weeknights, holidays, and special occasions.

Print
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Classic apple oat dump cake served hot

Apple Oat Dump Cake


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

Description

A warm, comforting dessert that combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy oat topping. This easy dump cake uses simple ingredients and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for a quick family treat or holiday dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan):

For the Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh apples (about 6 medium apples)

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch

  • ¼ cup caramel sauce for drizzling before baking


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. If using nuts, mix them into the topping before sprinkling.

Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and apples are bubbly. If using caramel, drizzle it over the top during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.

Step 4: Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • Apple Choice: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for a balance of sweetness and texture.

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and topping a day in advance; refrigerate until ready to bake.

  • Variations: Add raisins or shredded coconut to the topping for a unique twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Dump Cake
  • Method: Baked / Easy Prep
  • Cuisine: American

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