This easy apple dump cake recipe is the perfect cozy dessert when you want something homemade with minimal preparation. Simply layer two cans of apple pie filling, one box of dry yellow cake mix, optional cinnamon and nuts, and thin slices of very cold butter in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
The result is a bubbling apple dessert with tender cinnamon-spiced fruit and a crisp, buttery golden topping. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes, then serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an effortless dessert that tastes like a freshly baked apple treat.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple dump cake is designed for busy days, holiday gatherings, and those evenings when a warm dessert sounds wonderful but a complicated baking project does not. There is no mixing bowl full of batter and no need to peel, core, and cook a large pile of apples.
The method is wonderfully straightforward: layer the ingredients, cover the cake mix with butter, and let the oven do the work. The filling stays soft and saucy while the topping becomes golden, crisp, and rich with buttery flavor.
It also makes a generous amount in one pan. With about 12 servings, this dessert is easy to bring to a potluck or set out after a family meal.
For another apple dessert with a more traditional cake texture, you can also try this simple apple cake when you have a little more time to bake from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but each item has an important role in the finished dessert. Choose a sturdy yellow cake mix and keep the butter very cold until you are ready to slice it.
- Apple pie filling: Two 21-ounce cans provide the juicy apple layer and built-in sweetness.
- Yellow cake mix: Use one box weighing about 15.25 ounces, and add it dry rather than preparing it with eggs, water, or oil.
- Unsalted butter: One cup, or two sticks, supplies the moisture needed to turn the dry cake mix into a crisp topping.
- Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon is optional, but it adds a familiar warm spice.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: One-half cup is optional and brings pleasant crunch to every serving.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, look for unsweetened or reduced-sugar apple pie filling when available. You can also add chopped tart apples to the filling for a brighter apple flavor and a little extra texture.
For a richer fruit-and-cake combination, our salted caramel apple dessert is another delicious option for your baking list.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, paying attention to the corners so the fruit layer will be easy to scoop after baking.
Step 2: Open both cans of apple pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish. Use the back of a spoon to nudge the filling into an even layer without crushing the apple pieces.
Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apples. Cover the fruit from edge to edge, and do not mix the cake mix according to the box directions because it needs to remain a dry topping.
Step 4: Sprinkle one teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the cake mix if you are using it. Add one-half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts as well, distributing the pieces so their crunch is spread through the topping.
Step 5: Slice the very cold butter into thin pieces and arrange them across the whole surface. Place the slices close together, especially around the edges, because uncovered areas of cake mix may stay powdery.
Step 6: Bake the dish at 350°F for 45–50 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling around the edges, which are the best signs that the dessert is ready.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the dump cake rest for 10–15 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the filling to settle while keeping the dessert warm enough to serve with ice cream.
Pro Tips for a Golden Topping
The most important detail is butter coverage. A dump cake does not use a traditional batter, so the dry cake mix depends on the butter melting across it during baking.
Slice the butter as thinly as possible while keeping the pieces easy to handle. Arrange them in a grid or slightly overlapping pattern, and fill any visibly bare patches before the pan goes into the oven.
Cold butter is easier to slice neatly and stays in place while you assemble the dessert. If the butter becomes soft, return it to the refrigerator briefly before cutting the remaining pieces.
Do not stir the layers together. The separate layers create the contrast between saucy apples, tender baked areas, and a crisp topping.
- Use a light coating of cooking spray or butter in the baking dish.
- Keep the cake mix layer level for more even browning.
- Check the edges for bubbling before removing the pan.
- Allow the full 10–15 minute resting time before scooping.
If you enjoy apples with plenty of nutty crunch, take a look at this apple and walnut cake idea for another comforting bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert warm in generous spoonfuls so each portion includes apples and plenty of crisp topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic partner because it melts into the hot fruit and creates a creamy sauce.
Whipped cream also works beautifully, especially with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra chopped nuts. For an especially cozy presentation, use shallow bowls rather than plates so the warm filling is easier to enjoy.
The dessert is sweet enough to stand alone, but a small drizzle of caramel sauce can make it feel festive for a holiday table. Keep the garnish simple so the apple flavor remains the star.
When planning a full comfort-food menu, pair dessert with something savory such as this easy ravioli pizza before bringing out the warm apple cake.
Storage & Reheating
Let leftovers cool, then cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate them. The stored cake is best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest fruit and topping texture.
Reheat individual portions gently until warm, or warm a larger amount in the baking dish. The topping may soften in the refrigerator, but a short period of reheating can bring back some of its inviting warmth.
Add ice cream or whipped cream only after reheating. Keeping the topping separate until serving prevents it from melting into the stored dessert.
If you are collecting desserts for different occasions, this almond cream cake offers a lovely alternative with a different flavor profile.
Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions.
- If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon and chopped pecans or walnuts over the dry cake mix.
- Arrange the very cold butter slices across the entire surface, keeping the slices close together so the cake mix is well covered.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool the dump cake for 10–15 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This easy apple dump cake recipe proves that a memorable dessert does not require a long ingredient list or complicated technique. Two cans of apple pie filling, dry yellow cake mix, cold butter, and a few optional additions create a warm, generous dessert with very little hands-on work.
Remember the two details that make the biggest difference: keep the cake mix dry and cover it thoroughly with thin slices of cold butter. Once the top is golden and the apples are bubbling, give the pan 10–15 minutes to rest before serving.
Whether you make it for a weeknight treat, a fall gathering, or a holiday meal, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast of creamy topping, tender apples, and buttery crunch makes this a dessert you will want to make again.