Apple dump cake is an easy, comforting fall dessert featuring tender, crumbly cake topping and warm spiced apple filling. You only need three main ingredients — apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter — to make this cozy treat.
Why this recipe works
Dump cakes simplify baking: no mixing bowls, no creaming, and minimal hands-on time. For this apple version, canned spiced apple pie filling provides tender fruit and syrup while a package of dry yellow cake mix becomes a crisp, cobbler-like topping once baked with butter. The contrast of bubbling apples and a golden, crumbly top makes the dessert feel homemade, even when it’s one of the quickest sweets you can make.
Prep takes about 15 minutes and baking around 40–45 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel for an extra-special finish. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable: swap cake mix flavors, add nuts, or sprinkle extra spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients you will need
A printable recipe with exact measurements and a shopping checklist is included below in the recipe card. The core ingredients are simple pantry staples and widely available throughout the year.
Ingredient info and substitution suggestions
Cake mix: Use one 15.25-ounce package of dry yellow cake mix. You can also use white, French vanilla, or spice cake mixes for different flavors. Do not prepare the cake mix with eggs or oil — it should remain dry to form the topping.
Apple filling: Canned apple pie filling is the quickest option and works perfectly here. You may also use canned “fried apples” or homemade apple pie filling if you prefer a fresher texture and flavor.
Butter: Use cold, sliced butter or thin pats spread across the top of the dry cake mix. Butter is essential for the topping to brown and bake properly; do not omit it. If needed, you can melt the butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix, but pats often give better coverage.
Additions: While canned fillings usually include warm spices, you can boost flavor with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. For a richer dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to make apple dump cake
These step-by-step directions show the simple process: layer, top, and bake. A printable recipe card is below if you want measurements at a glance.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 42 ounces (two 21-ounce cans) of apple pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle one package (15.25 ounces) of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling.
- Slice ¾ cup (1½ sticks) of cold salted butter very thin and distribute the slices across the top of the dry mix, covering as much surface as possible. Alternatively, warm and pour melted butter over the mix. Either method will help the topping brown while baking.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles up around the edges.
- Let the cake cool slightly before scooping. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an optional caramel drizzle.
Frequently asked questions & expert tips
Store the cooled cake covered at room temperature for 3–4 days. Refrigerating it will extend freshness to about 5–7 days.
Yes. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and reheat if desired.
Absolutely. Drizzle caramel sauce when serving, or make a caramel-centered version by incorporating caramel into the filling or topping for extra richness.
Serving suggestions
Serve apple dump cake warm for the best contrast between hot filling and cool ice cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a light caramel drizzle are classic. Other options: a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of apple pie spice, chopped toasted nuts, or mini chocolate chips for texture and added flavor.
More dump cake ideas
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Pineapple Dump Cake
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- French Vanilla Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Blueberry Dump Cake
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Apple Dump Cake
Summary: A quick, comforting dessert made with canned apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter. Prep in 15 minutes and bake to a golden, bubbling finish.
Servings: 12 | Total time: about 1 hour | Calories: approx. 334 per serving
Ingredients
- 42 ounces canned apple pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 15.25 ounces dry yellow cake mix (1 package)
- ¾ cup salted butter, cold and sliced thin
Equipment
- 9×13-inch (13×9) baking dish
Before you begin
- Do not prepare the cake mix with liquids — it stays dry to create the topping.
- Feel free to add extra spices or mix in chopped nuts if desired.
- Check after 30 minutes of baking; add a few more butter slices if any dry patches remain.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the filling.
- Distribute thin slices of cold butter across the top to cover as much of the mix as possible. Alternatively, pour melted butter evenly over the surface.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles at the edges.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream; add a caramel drizzle if desired.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 334 | Carbohydrates: 56 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 13 g | Sugar: 29 g
Note: Oven temperatures can vary. Use an oven thermometer if you suspect your oven runs hot or cold, and adjust baking time as needed. Toaster ovens and countertop ovens may require shorter or longer bake times depending on heat distribution.