This recipe is incredibly simple—just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. There’s no need for mixers or fancy techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers or last-minute desserts. The result is a gooey, apple-filled base with a crisp, buttery cake crust that tastes like apple cobbler with half the work.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Canned apple pie filling
Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter, melted or sliced thin
Ground cinnamon
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples for extra flavor.
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple filling—do not stir.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top, or place thin slices of butter across the surface to cover as much as possible.
If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and bake time is 45–50 minutes. Total time: approximately 50–55 minutes.
Variations
Caramel apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the filling before baking.
Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the top for extra texture.
Spiced twist: Use apple pie spice or add nutmeg and cloves along with the cinnamon.
Cranberry apple: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for a tart balance.
Different cake mix: Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake or white cake mix for a new flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover apple dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. This dessert can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish—usually fruit, dry cake mix, and butter—then baked without stirring.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first with sugar, spices, and a bit of cornstarch until softened and syrupy.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely. Cherry, blueberry, peach, or mixed berries all work well with the same method.
Why is my dump cake dry in spots?
If the butter doesn’t fully cover the cake mix, some areas may stay powdery. Try drizzling melted butter evenly or using thin slices spread out well.
Can I make dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake it ahead and reheat before serving. It’s best served warm but still tastes great at room temperature.
Does dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, store leftovers in the refrigerator since it contains fruit and butter.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor. Use a stick margarine, not a tub-style spread, for best results.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown and bubbling at the edges. The center should no longer look dry or powdery.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling is gluten-free.
What toppings go best with apple dump cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are classic and delicious options.
Conclusion
Apple dump cake is a no-fuss, all-flavor dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or need a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving, this comforting dish comes together with ease and never disappoints. Serve it warm, top it with ice cream, and enjoy every spoonful of its buttery, apple-filled goodness.
Apple dump cake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that layers spiced apple pie filling with buttery yellow cake mix—no mixing required. It’s the easiest way to enjoy the flavors of apple cobbler with minimal effort.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:8–10 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted or sliced thin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: caramel sauce, for serving
Optional: vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples.
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apples. Do not stir.
Drizzle melted butter over the top, or place thin slices to cover as much surface as possible.
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top, if using.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Top with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for added warmth.If using fresh apples, cook them first with sugar, spices, and cornstarch until soft.Ensure butter covers the cake mix to avoid dry patches.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture.
