When the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, we often associate the flavors of fall with pumpkin spice. However, there's a hidden gem in the world of autumn desserts that has been quietly stealing the show — the easy apple dump cake. This delightful treat has become our go - to for the ultimate autumn indulgence.

What makes this apple dump cake so special? First of all, it's incredibly easy to make. You don't need to be a professional baker to whip up this masterpiece. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Let's start with the main components. The base of this cake is a box of spice cake mix. The warm, spicy flavors of the cake mix are the perfect complement to the sweet apples. It provides a rich and comforting taste that is quintessentially fall. You can choose your favorite brand of spice cake mix, but make sure it has a good balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices.

Next, you'll need eggs. Eggs act as a binder, holding the cake together and giving it a moist and tender texture. They also add a bit of richness to the cake. Usually, the instructions on the cake mix box will tell you how many eggs to use. Just follow those guidelines, and you'll be on your way to a delicious cake.

The star of the show, of course, is the apple pie filling. The sweet, juicy apples in the filling are what make this cake truly shine. You can use store - bought apple pie filling, which is convenient and saves a lot of time. Look for a filling with big chunks of apples and a good amount of cinnamon and sugar. The apples bring a fresh and natural sweetness to the cake, and their texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the cake.

Now, let's talk about the process of making the apple dump cake. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a baking pan, usually a 9x13 - inch pan, to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the greased pan. The apples will form a lovely layer at the base of the cake.

Then, sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple pie filling. Don't worry about mixing it in at this point; that's why it's called a “dump cake.” You simply dump the dry mix right on top. After that, crack the eggs over the dry cake mix. You can break them up a bit with a fork, but again, no need for extensive mixing.

Finally, pour a layer of melted butter over the top. The butter adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps the cake to brown nicely in the oven. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for the time recommended on the cake mix box, usually around 30 - 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. The cake will continue to set as it cools. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with the warm, spicy cake and sweet apples.

This easy apple dump cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a great way to bring the family together during the fall season. You can make it for a weekend brunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends. It's a simple yet impressive dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So, the next time you're looking for a fall dessert that's easy to make and full of flavor, skip the pumpkin spice and give this apple dump cake a try. You'll be glad you did, and it might just become your new favorite autumn tradition.