Easy Thanksgiving Dump Cake Recipe: A No-Fuss Dessert for Your Feast
Thanksgiving is a time for bringing family and friends together, and while the main course is always the star of the show, no feast is complete without a delightful dessert. This year, save time and stress with our easy Thanksgiving dump cake recipe. This no-fuss dessert is not only incredibly simple to make but also impressively delicious.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake, also known as a depression cake or wacky cake, is a simple, old-fashioned dessert that requires minimal effort. It's called a "dump cake" because you literally dump all the ingredients into a pan and mix them together. Despite its humble origins, this cake is incredibly moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving.
Why Choose Our Easy Thanksgiving Dump Cake Recipe?
- Time-saving: With our dump cake recipe, you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
- Easy ingredients: Our recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: While we've provided a classic apple dump cake recipe, you can easily swap the fruit for your favorite Thanksgiving flavors like pumpkin or cranberry.
- Impressive results: Despite its simplicity, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its tender crumb and delicious flavor.
Easy Thanksgiving Dump Cake Recipe: Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Canola oil | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) | 2 cans (21 oz each) |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Nuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving) | As desired |
Easy Thanksgiving Dump Cake Recipe: Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced apples over the batter, sprinkle with cinnamon, and top with nuts (if using).
- Drop the remaining cake batter by spoonfuls over the apples. It's okay if it's not perfectly covered.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Easy Thanksgiving Dump Cake
Here are a few tips to help you make the best easy Thanksgiving dump cake:

- Use canned apples for convenience, but you can also use fresh apples if you prefer. Just make sure to cook them down a bit before using.
- For a crunchier topping, you can sprinkle some reserved cake mix or streusel topping over the apples before adding the final layer of batter.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
With our easy Thanksgiving dump cake recipe, you'll have a delicious, no-fuss dessert that's sure to be a hit at your feast. Happy Thanksgiving!