Hey y’all! If you’re craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert that comes together in minutes, you’re about to fall in love with this Apple Dump Cake recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a satisfyingly sweet, cinnamon-kissed treat that’s absolutely perfect for cozy evenings, holidays, or when you need a last-minute dessert. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Dump Cake
- Unbelievably easy—no mixing bowls or fancy techniques required!
- The blend of tender apples and buttery cake is pure comfort in every bite.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks and family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or fruit additions.
- Bakes up golden and delicious with minimal effort (and cleanup!).
Apple Dump Cake Ingredients
- 2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions: How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Dump in the Apple Filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon (and nutmeg, if using) over the apples for extra warmth and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple filling. Gently smooth it out with a spoon or spatula—but do not mix!
Step 4: Add Butter and Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them over the top for crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Dump Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes: Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake
- For a less sweet version, use homemade or unsweetened apple pie filling—here’s a great recipe.
- Make sure to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible to avoid dry cake spots.
- This recipe works beautifully with other fruit fillings—check out these dump cake variations for inspiration.
Apple Dump Cake Variations
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding cake mix.
- Spiced Apple Dump Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon allspice and a pinch of cloves to the filling for a bold flavor punch.
- Apple-Berry Dump Cake: Mix 1 cup fresh or frozen berries into the apple filling for a fruity twist.
Required Equipment for Apple Dump Cake
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Oven mitts
Storage Instructions for Apple Dump Cake
Let the cake cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Apple Dump Cake
- Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a mug of hot coffee or apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Drizzle with extra caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake
- For an ultra-crispy top, use cold grated butter over the cake mix instead of melted—try this technique from King Arthur Baking.
- Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to help the juices thicken up for easier serving.
- Don’t stir the cake mix into the filling; the layered effect is what makes dump cakes so special!
Apple Dump Cake FAQ
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Just peel and slice 5-6 medium apples, toss with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and use in place of the canned filling.
Can I make Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake as directed, let it cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this Apple Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. Check out more tips at Celiac Disease Foundation.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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3Sprinkle ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar evenly over the apple filling.
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4Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple mixture, making sure to cover all the fruit.
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5Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
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6Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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