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3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

When you think about quick and satisfying desserts, the 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake often comes to mind. With just Granny Smith apples, a box of yellow cake mix, and melted butter, it’s hard to believe such simplicity can yield such delicious results. This classic recipe has roots in Southern church cookbooks dating back to the 1920s, yet it’s remained a staple in many kitchens today. But what makes this dessert so appealing, and how can you customize it to make it your own? Let’s explore further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert that’s easy to whip up, this 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is the perfect choice. You’ll love how quickly you can prepare it, with just 5 to 20 minutes of prep time. The process is straightforward—simply mix the ingredients and dump them in a baking pan. Using fresh Granny Smith apples gives the cake an excellent texture and flavor, while a crunchy topping forms as it bakes. You can also customize the recipe by adding nuts or spices. This dessert is not only quick to make but also features an appealing flavor profile similar to cinnamon coffee cake. Serve it warm with ice cream for a delightful treat. Plus, it’s a great option for gatherings and can easily be made ahead and frozen for later enjoyment.

History

The history of dump cakes is as rich and comforting as the dessert itself, tracing back to its early origins in a Southern church cookbook from 1924 called “Carolina Cookery from Quaker Kitchens.” These simple recipes, which combined wet and dry ingredients, laid the groundwork for what would evolve into the popular dessert we recognize today. In the 1950s, the introduction of boxed cake mixes transformed dump cakes into an easier option, leading to their peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. You could find various recipes in Southern community cookbooks and newspapers, often featuring classic fruits like canned peaches or cherry pie filling. The rise of prepared cake mixes in the post-WWII era significantly contributed to the spread of dump cake recipes across American households. Over the years, adaptations emerged, making dump cakes versatile while maintaining their comforting charm.

Recipe

3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake****

Apple dump cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the moistness of a cake mix, resulting in a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a warm, comforting dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. While traditional recipes call for fresh apples, you can easily substitute with apple pie filling for a quicker option. In fact, many people enjoy using common pantry items to create this delectable dessert.

Whether you choose to stick with fresh apples or take the shortcut, the end result is a decadent dessert that can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Ingredients:
– 6 cups coarsely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples)
– 1 box of yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist)
– 3/4 cup melted butter
– Optional: sugar, cinnamon, and other spices
– Optional: apple pie filling instead of fresh apples

Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In the baking dish, mix the chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon, if desired, making sure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Evenly spread the dry cake mix over the apples, gently shaking the pan to guarantee an even distribution of the mix.
4. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, tilting the pan to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

For the best results, allow your apple dump cake to cool for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut.

You can enhance the dish further by adding caramel bits or pecan pieces for an extra layer of flavor, or serve it with ice cream or whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience. Remember to choose apple varieties that hold up well during baking, such as Braeburn, Fuji, or Honey Crisp, to guarantee a perfect texture in your dump cake.

Final Thoughts

While you might think that a dessert with just three ingredients would lack complexity, apple dump cake proves otherwise with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Its versatility allows you to experiment with different fruit fillings, cake mixes, and toppings. Try using cherry or blueberry fillings, or switch to a spice cake mix for a unique twist. Any pie filling can be substituted for apple pie filling, making it even more adaptable.

You can enhance the cake with chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.

Remember to let it cool before storing it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for freshness.

If you want to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave to restore that gooey goodness.

Enjoy this delightful dessert any time!

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect apple dump cake? One common mistake is overmixing, which can ruin those lovely layers.

Stick to a yellow or white cake mix; specialty mixes like chocolate can overpower the apple flavor. Don’t forget to grease your pan to prevent sticking!

Baking time is essential—42 to 50 minutes should do it, but check for a golden top. Proper timing is crucial to avoid overbaking or sogginess.

Layering matters too; uneven layers can lead to dryness or sogginess.

If you have leftovers, refrigerate them or leave them at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the best experience!