Apple dump cake is the epitome of an easy dessert recipe! Some people might consider it a lazy version of an apple pie, similar to an apple cobbler, or apple crisp but I just call it pure genius!
You might also enjoy my Boston Cream Poke Cake for another easy dessert.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Why you’ll love this recipe:
- It’s simple to make requiring little effort, a few simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, and less than an hour of your time.
- Delivers the comfort and fall flavors of an apple pie with the simplicity of a quick and easy dessert.
- It’s the perfect dessert for all occasions whether it’s a dessert for a weeknight meal, Sunday supper, or the holidays!
Apple dump cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that consists of layers of sliced apples, cake mix, butter, and sometimes nuts.
It is called a “dump cake” because all the ingredients are simply dumped into a baking dish without much mixing or fuss.
This apple version (see the FAQs for other ideas) is made with all the flavors of a classic apple pie recipe without having to work with a pie crust or make a homemade pie filling. Although, Southern fried apples would be all kinds of amazing in this apple dump cake recipe.
It’s a simple dump cake recipe made with apple pie filling, a boxed cake mix, butter, and cinnamon. Because, fall vibes and all.
Talk about a budget-friendly way to serve a crowd!
Once apple pie filling because warm and syrupy, coated in buttery sugar cinnamon, and then it’s topped with a cakey topping.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce to top it off, and you’ve got yourself an effortless way to satisfy your fall dessert cravings!
If you love apple recipes, check out my Apple Cinnamon Waffles, my Apple Crisp Cheesecake or my super easy Apple Dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
Would you believe that this recipe is so easy that the biggest mistake you could make is to stir it? That’s right, just dump it according to the recipe directions, in the order stated, and leave it alone!
Can I use a different fruit with this recipe?
Absolutely! Use any type of pie filling and make a different dump cake recipes every time. Turn this apple cake into a cherry dump cake, a strawberry dump cake, a blueberry dump cake, a peach dump cake, pumpkin dump cake – you name it!
What about a different cake mix flavor?
Yellow cake mix is pretty standard but I don’t see why you couldn’t swap it with a vanilla cake mix, white cake mix, or a spice cake mix for a depth of flavor.
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
If you have a little extra time and want to make it a little more from scratch, use 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (about 3 of them) mixed with brown sugar. Gala and Honeycrisp apples are nice and sweet while Granny Smith are slightly more tart. A combination of all three would be great.
What to serve with Apple Dump Cake
Let me tell you, it doesn’t need much! Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always great. You could also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Kylee’s Notes
What to do with leftovers
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. There is no rush in transferring it to the fridge, however. Keep it out at room temperature as long as people are enjoying it.
Substitutions/Additions
Try making it in the slow cooker to make room in your oven. Add the fruit filling and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with the cake mix, followed by the butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Finish it under the broiler to get a golden brown topping.
Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans) to the top of the cake mix, before you pour in the melted butter.
Instead of apple pie filling, use fresh fruit! You’ll need 4 cups sliced and peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp). Just cook these with some sugar, water and some apple pie spice until you have tender apples.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Apple pie filling. Grab a can of this in the baking aisle.
- Boxed yellow cake mix. Any brand you like.
- Butter. I use salted butter.
- Cinnamon. Use some apple pie spice, or a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon.
- To serve: Vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup for drizzling.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
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- Baking dish. Use a 9 x 13 dish for this recipe.
- Cooking spray. You’ll need to grease the dish to prevent the sugars from sticking.
- Can opener. For the canned pie filling.
- Spatula. Needed for spreading the filling evenly into the pie dish.
- Peeler. This is only if you choose to peel fresh apples.
How to make this recipe
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Melt the butter and open the pie filling.
- Assemble
Spread the pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apple filling. If you like, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or other spices for extra flavor.
Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the apples. You don’t need to mix it in; just spread it evenly.
Pour the melted butter over the top, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible so there are no dry spots.
Bake
Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender (if you used fresh apples).
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Serve
Serve the apple dump cake warm, and if desired, top it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup for a delightful treat!
More delicious desserts:
- Slutty Brownies Make this decadent dessert from scratch! With cookie dough on the base, Oreos in the middle, and brownie batter poured over the top, these are the ultimate dessert!
- Oreo Dirt Pudding Parfaits. Make this classic chocolatey deliciousness into individual servings, for an easy dessert!
- Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie. Flaky pie crust filled with a custard-like filling, that will invoke memories of times gone by.
- Apple Dumplings. Tart apples wrapped in a flaky biscuit and smothered in a buttery vanilla sauce. Topped with crunchy cinnamon sugar, this is a super easy recipe that delivers on taste!
- Blondies. A super easy recipe for a classic, this Blondie Recipe mixes up fast, contains only 7 ingredients, and tastes amazing!
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Apple Dump Cake
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 2x 21 ounce cans of apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15-18 ounces)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick )
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel syrup for drizzling
Directions
Get prepped
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the 1/2 cup butter, and open the 2x 21 ounce cans of apple pie filling.
Assemble
- Spread the pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the pie filling. If you like, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or other spices for extra flavor.
- Evenly distribute the 1 box yellow cake mix over the apples. You don’t need to mix it in; just spread it evenly.
- Pour the melted butter over the top, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Bake
- Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Serve
- Serve the apple dump cake warm, and if desired, top it with Vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup for a delightful treat!
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Notes
Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans) to the top of the cake mix, before you pour in the melted butter.
Instead of apple pie filling, use 4 cups sliced and peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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