If you love quick, easy, and family-friendly desserts, this Apple Pecan Dump Cake is your new go-to recipe. Bursting with warm, comforting flavors and a hint of sweet pecans, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This old-fashioned favorite is completely customizable, letting you add caramel, spices, or a vegan twist to suit your taste. One pan, minimal effort, and maximum deliciousness—what’s not to love about this Apple Pecan Dump Cake?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason this Apple Pecan Dump Cake has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—no complicated steps, no fancy equipment—just dump, bake, and enjoy. The combination of tender apples, crunchy pecans, and buttery sweetness creates a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that feels like home.
This Apple Pecan Dump Cake is also highly versatile. Add caramel drizzle for a rich twist, swap in different nuts, or try a vegan version without losing any flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert, yet elegant enough for holidays or special occasions.
Families love it because it’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved, and the one-pan method means minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making an Apple Pecan Dump Cake for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers warm, cozy flavors every time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to dessert for dessert lovers everywhere.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The magic of this Apple Pecan Dump Cake starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Crisp, peeled apples form the base, giving every bite natural sweetness and a tender texture. A touch of granulated or brown sugar enhances the flavor, while cinnamon and optional nutmeg add a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the nuts.
The boxed yellow or spice cake mix provides the signature “dump cake” texture—golden, slightly crunchy on top, yet soft and moist underneath. Melted butter binds everything together, creating a rich, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples. Chopped pecans add crunch, flavor depth, and a nutty aroma, making this Apple Pecan Dump Cake irresistibly indulgent.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans
This carefully balanced combination ensures your Apple Pecan Dump Cake is easy to make, perfectly flavorful, and wonderfully comforting every time.
How to Make This Recipe
Making a delicious Apple Pecan Dump Cake is simple and satisfying. Start by prepping your apples—they provide the juicy, tender base that makes this dessert so comforting. Toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg to ensure every bite is perfectly spiced. Layering them in your baking dish creates the foundation for the classic dump cake texture.
Next, evenly sprinkle the boxed cake mix over the apples. This is what gives the dessert its signature golden, slightly crunchy top. Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix to bind everything together, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. The result is a warm, indulgent Apple Pecan Dump Cake with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Serve it fresh, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a cozy and irresistible dessert experience.
🛒 Instructions (Step-by-Step):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Peel, core, and slice 4 medium apples
- Toss apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Spread apples evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sprinkle 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz) over apples
- Drizzle ½ cup melted butter evenly on top
- Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the cake mix
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm
Expert Cooking Tips
Even the easiest desserts can benefit from a few insider tricks, and this Apple Pecan Dump Cake is no exception. Choosing the right apples is key—firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape and add a bright, tangy flavor. Properly tossing the apples with sugar and spices ensures that every bite of your Apple Pecan Dump Cake is perfectly balanced between sweet, tart, and warmly spiced.
Using room-temperature butter for drizzling helps the cake mix spread evenly, creating that golden, slightly crunchy top. Don’t overbake; the apples should remain tender while the cake topping stays crisp. Adding chopped pecans last keeps them crunchy and aromatic. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of caramel over the top before serving.
🛒 Expert Tips (Ingredients & Tricks):
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (room temperature for even coverage)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (sprinkle last for crunch)
These small adjustments elevate your Apple Pecan Dump Cake, making it extra flavorful, perfectly textured, and irresistibly comforting.
FAQs
What is apple dump cake?
Apple dump cake is a simple, one-pan dessert where sliced apples are “dumped” into a baking dish, layered with cake mix, butter, and optional nuts or spices. The result is a quick, comforting dessert with a golden, slightly crunchy top and tender, flavorful apples underneath.
Why do they call it dump cake?
It’s called a dump cake because the ingredients are literally dumped into a pan without mixing. This makes the dessert extremely easy and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The most common mistake is unevenly distributing the butter or cake mix. This can lead to dry spots or uneven baking. Make sure the butter is drizzled evenly over the cake mix for the best Apple Pecan Dump Cake texture.
What is the best way to serve pecan dump cake?
Serve warm, straight from the pan, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This enhances the sweet, nutty flavor of the Apple Pecan Dump Cake and creates a cozy, indulgent dessert experience.
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This Apple Pecan Dump Cake proves that the simplest desserts can be the most satisfying. With tender, spiced apples, a golden, buttery cake topping, and crunchy pecans, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick, easy, and customizable, this dessert is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy flavors and nostalgic charm that only an Apple Pecan Dump Cake can deliver.
Print
Apple Pecan Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, tender apples paired with crunchy pecans and a buttery cake topping make this dump cake a fall favorite. Quick to assemble and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar or brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Apple Layer: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the dish.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
- For extra flavor, stir ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter before drizzling.
- 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