Apple Dump Cake is one of those cozy, no-fuss desserts that tastes like it took hours to make — but comes together in minutes. It’s a warm, gooey mix of spiced apple pie filling topped with a buttery, golden cake layer that’s crisp at the edges and soft in the center. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its name: you simply “dump” everything into the baking dish, bake it, and enjoy. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight treats, or holiday dinners when you want something easy yet comforting. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.
2. Ingredients
-
2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
-
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
-
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
-
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
-
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
3. Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. -
Add the apple layer:
Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples for extra warmth and flavor. -
Add the dry cake mix:
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples. Don’t stir — just spread it out so it covers the filling completely. -
Add the butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible; this helps form a crisp golden crust as it bakes. -
Add nuts (optional):
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness. -
Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. -
Cool and serve:
Let the dump cake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Scoop it warm into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
4. Preparation Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 8–10 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Sugar: 34 g
Sodium: 380 mg
7. Tips
-
For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter.
-
Add a twist: Mix caramel sauce or toffee bits into the apple layer for a caramel apple version.
-
Make it lighter: Use a sugar-free cake mix and light apple pie filling.
-
Keep leftovers covered: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
-
Change it up: Substitute the apples with cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling for different flavors.
8. Final Thought
Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert — simple to prepare, full of cozy apple spice flavor, and deliciously indulgent. With its soft, sweet filling and buttery crisp topping, it’s like apple pie meets cobbler, but without any of the effort. Whether served warm with melting ice cream or chilled the next day, this dessert delivers pure comfort in every bite.
