For a dessert that's quick, easy, and scrumptiously satisfying, this apple dump cake recipe is the one to try. This sweet treat blends the tangy taste of fresh apples with the comforting richness of a buttery cake, all complemented by the crunchiness of pecans and a hint of cinnamon. It's perfect for those last-minute gatherings or for when you're just craving something sweet but don't want to fuss over complicated baking steps.
The ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry, except perhaps for the apple fruit filling and yellow cake mix. These are easily found in the canned fruit and baking aisles of your supermarket, respectively. The apple filling adds a delightful fruity contrast to the cake, while the yellow cake mix serves as a convenient and flavorful base. Make sure to get pure apple fruit filling for the best flavor and texture, and choose a cake mix brand that you trust.
Ingredients for Apple Dump Cake
Apple fruit filling: This provides the fruity component of the cake, with its sweet-tart flavor and soft, luscious texture.
Yellow cake mix: Used as the base for the cake, it lends a sweet, buttery flavor and a tender crumb.
Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice enhances the flavors of the apple and adds a touch of comforting familiarity.
Pecans: These offer a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery taste that contrasts nicely with the softness of the apples and cake.
Butter: This adds richness and moisture to the cake, and helps it to bake up golden brown.
One reader, Aura Scanlon says:
This apple dump cake recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The combination of the sweet apple filling, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible. Plus, the buttery cake topping is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Baking Techniques for Perfect Apple Dump Cake
How to prepare the pan: Grease a 9x13 inch pan to prevent the cake from sticking to the sides and bottom during baking.
How to sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the combined cake mix, cinnamon, and chopped pecans over the apple filling to ensure a consistent distribution of flavors and textures.
How to add the butter: Distribute the cubed butter evenly over the top of the cake mix to help create a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.
How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking until done.
How To Make Apple Dump Cake
As its name suggests, this dump cake is a delicious combo of apples, yellow cake mix, and pecans all dumped together to make a fall-worthy desert.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cansapple fruit filling
- 1boxyellow cake mix
- 2tspcinnamon
- ½cuppecans,chopped
- 1cupbutter,cubed
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and place apples evenly into the bottom.
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In a medium sized bowl combine the cake mix, cinnamon and chopped pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake.
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Add the cubed butter to the top of the cake. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 351.49kcal
- Fat: 19.90g
- Saturated Fat: 10.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.72g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Carbohydrates: 42.73g
- Fiber: 1.92g
- Sugar: 19.09g
- Protein: 2.44g
- Cholesterol: 40.67mg
- Sodium: 322.31mg
- Calcium: 109.27mg
- Potassium: 103.56mg
- Iron: 1.28mg
- Vitamin A: 146.42µg
- Vitamin C: 1.52mg
Crucial Technique for Mastering Apple Dump Cake
To ensure an even distribution of flavor in your apple dump cake, it's crucial to spread the cake mix, cinnamon, and pecans evenly over the apple fruit filling. This will allow every bite to have a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. Additionally, when adding the butter, make sure it's evenly distributed in small cubes across the top. This will help the cake to brown evenly and create a deliciously rich and buttery crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the apple filling and cake mix the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use pre-chopped nuts: Opt for pre-chopped pecans to save time on the preparation process.
Set a timer: While the cake is baking, use a timer to keep track of time, allowing you to multitask efficiently.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in quality tools: Quality tools such as a good baking pan and a reliable oven can make the baking process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Apple Dump Cake Recipe
apple fruit filling - Substitute with canned peach slices: Canned peach slices can provide a similar sweetness and texture to apple fruit filling, while adding a unique flavor to the dump cake.
yellow cake mix - Substitute with vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix can be used as a substitute for yellow cake mix, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the dessert.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, offering a warm and slightly sweet flavor to complement the other ingredients in the dump cake.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dessert.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, providing a similar fat content and flavor to the dump cake.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Apple Dump Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the apple dump cake, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a minimalist approach, allowing the golden brown cake to be the star of the show.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on the plate to create a contrast against the warm tones of the cake. This simple addition will enhance the overall presentation.
Garnish with fresh fruits: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the plate with thinly sliced apples or a few fresh berries. This not only adds visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the dish.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Delicately place a few edible flowers on the plate to add a touch of sophistication. The vibrant colors will create a stunning visual impact.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by using negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the cake and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Dump Cakes
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
9x13 inch pan: A baking pan with a rectangular shape, commonly used for baking cakes and casseroles.
Medium sized bowl: A bowl of moderate size, typically used for mixing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Knife: A cutting tool used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Mixing spoon or spatula: Utensils used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Oven mitts or kitchen towels: Used for handling hot dishes and pans safely.
Chopping board: A sturdy board used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Baking rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Apple Dump Cake
Let the apple dump cake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the apple dump cake. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen apple dump cake can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat the cake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
If you plan to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled cake into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This way, you can easily thaw and enjoy a single serving whenever you like.
How To Reheat Apple Dump Cake Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover apple dump cake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the desired portion of cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too much, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the cake's texture and ensures even heating.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat individual portions of apple dump cake in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cake is warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cake to become rubbery.
For a crispy top, you can reheat the apple dump cake under the broiler. Place the cake in an oven-safe dish and heat it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the cake is heated through. Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent burning.
If you want to enjoy your leftover apple dump cake cold, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off. This method works well during the summer months or when you're in the mood for a refreshing treat.
To add a touch of indulgence, reheat your apple dump cake and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cake and the cool, creamy topping is simply irresistible.
Interesting Trivia About Apple Dump Cakes
The apple dump cake recipe is a simple and delicious dessert that requires only a few ingredients. It consists of apple fruit filling, yellow cake mix, cinnamon, pecans, and butter. The preparation involves layering the apple filling in a greased pan and then sprinkling the cake mix, cinnamon, and pecans on top. Cubes of butter are added before baking the mixture until it turns golden brown and bubbly. This dessert is a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks due to its ease of preparation and delightful taste.
Is Making Apple Dump Cake Cost-Effective?
This apple dump cake recipe is incredibly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for families. The use of canned apple fruit filling and basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. Additionally, the simplicity of the recipe reduces the need for expensive or specialized ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-12, making it an economical dessert option.
Is Apple Dump Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The apple dump cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. The main culprits are the high amounts of butter and sugar, which contribute to the cake's rich flavor but also add significant calories and saturated fat. Additionally, using a boxed cake mix means the dessert likely contains preservatives and artificial ingredients.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Swap the boxed cake mix for a homemade version using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, and adding healthy ingredients like oats or ground flaxseed
- Replace some or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on saturated fat
- Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe
- Opt for a low-sugar or no-sugar-added apple filling to decrease the overall sugar content
- Increase the amount of cinnamon, as it has potential health benefits and adds flavor without extra calories
- Serve smaller portions and pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and a creamy texture
Editor's Opinion on This Apple Dump Cake Recipe
This apple dump cake recipe is a delightful combination of sweet apple filling, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a golden, buttery cake. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious dessert. The flavors and textures come together beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying treat. The ease of preparation and the familiar, comforting flavors make this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
Why trust this Apple Dump Cake Recipe:
This apple dump cake recipe is a tried and true classic that's been passed down through generations. The combination of apple fruit filling, yellow cake mix, and pecans creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and a generous amount of butter, this dessert bakes into a golden brown masterpiece. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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