After a long day, I needed something quick to satisfy my hungry kids. I grabbed some Honeycrisp apples, coconut sugar, and gluten-free cake mix. It all came together faster than I expected, and the whole pan disappeared in no time. Now, it’s my go-to for busy weeknights.
This Easy Apple Dump Cake works because the coconut sugar adds a rich sweetness, while the pumpkin pie spice enhances the apples’ natural flavor. It’s simple—perfect for when you want a treat without the fuss.
Ingredients in Easy Apple Dump Cake
This dessert’s magic lies in a few key ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need to make this treat.
- Honeycrisp Apples: These apples hold their shape while baking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Coconut Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the apples’ flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend that brings depth and complements the apples.
- Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cake; it simplifies the process while ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden, crispy top.
- Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: Keeps the batter moist and adds a bit of tang.
- Whole Milk: Ensures the batter comes together smoothly for a thick consistency.
How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake
This Easy Apple Dump Cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to cook. It’s straightforward, so you can whip it up even on the busiest of nights.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with the butter wrapper to ensure nothing sticks. You want that golden crust, so don’t skip this step!
Mix Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced Honeycrisp apples, coconut sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. You’ll see the sugar start to melt slightly from the moisture of the apples.
Layer Apples: Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer. It should look like a nice, even bed of sweet apples waiting for the cake.
Combine Batter: In the same bowl, add the gluten-free yellow cake mix, melted butter, whole milk Greek yogurt, and whole milk. Stir until combined. The batter will be thick, which is good because it’ll sit nicely on top of the apples.
Dollop Batter: Use a spoon to dollop the thick batter all over the apples. Spread it out as evenly as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect—this is a dump cake after all!
Cook: Place the dish in the middle of the oven and cook for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are bubbly and the top is golden.
Once it’s done, let it cool a bit before slicing into squares. Enjoy it warm!
Switch It Up: Easy Variations
Some nights, I like to mix things up a bit. Here are a few ways to customize this Easy Apple Dump Cake while keeping it simple and quick.
Diced Pears Variation: Swap out the apples for diced pears or mix both for a fun twist. Pears add a different texture and sweetness that pairs well with the cake.
Dairy-Free Swap: If you need a dairy-free option, replace the unsalted butter, Greek yogurt, and whole milk with dairy-free butter, dairy-free yogurt, and nut milk.
Cinnamon Spice Substitution: Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Use ground cinnamon and a pinch of both ground ginger and nutmeg instead for that warm spice flavor.
Regular Cake Mix Option: If gluten’s not a concern, feel free to use regular cake mix instead of the gluten-free variety. It works just as well!
Storing Leftover Easy Apple Dump Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for about three months. Make sure it cools completely before sealing, so you don’t trap any moisture inside, which can change the texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your microwave’s power. If you prefer, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This way, the top stays nice and crisp while the apples get warm and bubbly again.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Apple Dump Cake shines on its own, but a few select toppings can make it even more enjoyable.
- Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a melty-gooey element that pairs well with the warm cake.
So, which toppings will you choose to make this dessert your own? I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Easy Apple Dump Cake for Quick Family Desserts
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Using the butter wrapper, grease a 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
- 2. In a medium bowl, add the diced apples, coconut sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer to the pan and spread into an even layer.
- 3. In the same bowl you mixed the apples in, add the cake mix, melted butter, yogurt, and milk. Stir until combined. The batter will be very thick. Using a spoon, dollop the batter all over the fruit, distributing it as evenly as possible.
- 4. Slice into 12 squares.
- 5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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