Simple Pecan and Apple Cider Dump Cake

This simple pecan and apple cider dump cake is the perfect dessert to put you in the mood for fall. This recipe is so simple. The richness of the apples spiced by the cider mix pairs perfect with the yellow cake mix and pecan crumble topping. Serve it hot with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum. Perfect for these cooler temps we’ve been having. Read more how I created this simple and decant recipe in a few easy steps.

I have been loving these cooler temperatures. It’s been in the low 60s when I wake up the last few mornings and I’m obsessed. That huge for Louisiana. I’m so tired of the humidity and the HUGE mosquitos. The crisp, fall air has been so refreshing. This recipe just adds to my excitement for the new season. The apple and spice in this recipe are sure to warm up your home with the rich fall smell.

I’ll be honest. I’m really not much of a baker. I seem to always mess a cake up. This recipe is perfect for us non-bakers. Haha. You literally take a box of yellow cake mix and “dump” it on the apple mixture. That’s it. There are no exact numbers or measuring needed for any ingredient in this dish. Here’s the equipment you’ll need for this apple cider cake recipe…

Equipment You Will Need

I used my favorite Staub 13″ oval casserole dish. Other than a kitchen knife and a pot to simmer down the apples, you won’t need much else!

Ingredients You Will Need

There’s also not that many ingredients needed either. You’ll use your brown sugar and cinnamon for simmering down the apples, plus on the pecan topping. I love recipes like this. Super easy and it seems homemade!

Apples:

The obvious base of this recipe. I used about 6 Fuji apples but you can use whatever kind you’d like.

Yellow Cake Mix:

The cake content. So easy. Just dump it right in from the box.

Apple Cider Drink Mix:

I used one small individual packet of the instant apple cider drink mix to reduce my apples in. The spice in the packet add so much more to the brown sugar and cinnamon. Plus, it’s easy. Just dump it in as well.

Pecans:

I used pecans to create a crunchy crumble on top of my cake. It just adds more of a fall touch to the whole recipe. Kinda like a pecan pie on top?

Brown Sugar:

I used brown sugar in my apple simmer, and on top of the cake for my pecan topping. It helps harden and caramelize the top and gives it that crunchy texture.

Cinnamon:

Again, I added it to my apples and the top of my cake. I just thought a little more cinnamon was necessary.

Butter:

One thing that I also love about this apple cider cake recipe is that it doesn’t require oil or milk or eggs. Just one stick of butter sliced and placed on top of the dry cake mix. So dang easy and quick and no messing up a bunch of mixing bowls.

Step by Step How to Make This Simple Pecan and Apple Cider Dump Cake

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. You’ll slice, core, and peel about 5-7 apples. Add them to a medium sized pot. Add a cup of water and the juice of half a lemon. Let them simmer on high heat for around 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add in your packet of apple cider mix, 2 tbsp of brown sugar, and 1 tbsp of cinnamon. Cover and let simmer for another 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer apple reduction to your casserole dish. Pour your box of dry cake mix on top of the mixture. You don’t have to use the whole box, just enough to where the apple mix is completely covered. Even out the top with a spoon or spatula. Cover the top in the pecans. Sprinkle around a tbsp each of more cinnamon and brown sugar to the top. Slice the stick of butter into thin slices and lay them over the entire dish.

Step 3

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until the top is very nice golden brown. Check about halfway throughout your baking to see if you have any dry cake batter showing. If so, simply place another slice of butter on top of it and bake the remainder of time. Remove from oven. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

What did you think about this super simple dessert recipe for fall? I love apple cider and I love it in this cake as well. Let me know what you think here or in the comments below!