Apple Dump Cake is one of the simplest desserts to prepare, yet every bite tastes rich and homemade. Layers of apple pie filling, warm cinnamon, a dry cake mix, and melted butter bake into a dish with a crisp, golden top and a tender, saucy apple interior—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dessert.
“Dump cakes like this one make the best desserts—only a few ingredients and so easy to prepare!”
-Becky
This recipe is ideal when you want something impressive without spending a lot of time. It comes together quickly: assemble the layers, bake, and let the oven do the work while your home fills with the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic finish.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make Apple Dump Cake
- Tips
- Storage
- FAQ’s
- More Easy Apple Desserts
- Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 cans apple pie filling (about 21 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces) — white, spice, or butter-pecan cake mix can also be used
- 3/4 cup salted butter, melted — salted butter adds a subtle balance to the sweet filling; unsalted also works
Variations
- Spice Cake Mix: Use spice cake mix for deeper autumn flavors.
- Chocolate: Try chocolate cake mix for a richer twist.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for crunch.
- Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix for a caramel-apple version.
- Apple Pie Spice: Substitute apple pie spice for cinnamon for a slightly more complex spice profile.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the prepared dish and sprinkle the cinnamon over the top, stirring briefly to combine the cinnamon with the filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir; the layered approach creates the signature texture.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter across the surface to wet as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This helps form the crisp topping.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest about 10 minutes so the filling sets slightly.
- Serve warm, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Keep the layers separate. Don’t stir after adding the cake mix—this preserves the contrasting textures.
- Cover the dry mix well. Drizzle melted butter evenly so there are no dry pockets after baking.
- Serve warm. The cake is best fresh from the oven with melting ice cream.
- Choose good pie filling. A quality apple pie filling enhances the overall flavor.
- Allow a short rest. Ten minutes of cooling helps the filling thicken for easier serving.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until hot. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
FAQ’S
Yes. You can bake it earlier in the day and gently reheat it before serving. Cover and refrigerate after it has cooled.
No. Yellow cake works well, but white, spice, or butter-pecan mixes are good alternatives.
Absolutely. Homemade apple filling is an excellent, flavorful option.
That usually means the butter didn’t fully cover the dry cake mix. Try spreading the butter more evenly over the surface before baking.
Yes. After it cools, cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to four days.
More Easy Apple Desserts
Breakfast
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Desserts
Apple Pie Recipe
Desserts
Caramel Apples
Desserts
Apple Roses
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Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling (21 ounces each)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish and mix in the cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples without stirring.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top to moisten the cake mix.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling bubbles at the edges.
- Let cool about 10 minutes, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if you like.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers—keeping them separate creates the classic dump cake texture.
- Drizzle butter carefully so the dry mix is evenly moistened and no powdery spots remain.
- Best when served warm; leftovers refrigerate well for up to four days.
Nutrition (approx.)
Carbohydrates: 61 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 13 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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