Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that takes just minutes to toss together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when I want that cozy, homey apple flavor without all the peeling and mixing fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to desserts for every season.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these pantry staples come together to create something that tastes so much more special than the effort it takes to make. Each ingredient works perfectly to give you that classic apple dessert taste without any extra hassle.

• Apple pie filling: Canned apple pie filling is your shortcut here—it’s already sweetened and spiced just right.
• Yellow cake mix: It forms that golden, fluffy topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven without needing any extra prep.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel flavor and richness to the cake topping.
• Ground cinnamon: This warm spice ties the apples and cake topping together for that classic apple dessert flavor.
• Salted butter: Thin slices melt through the cake mix for moistness and buttery goodness.
• Chopped pecans (optional): A little crunch that I always like to add for texture contrast, but feel free to skip or substitute walnuts.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to play around depending on the season and what I have on hand.

• Add fresh fruit slices: When I first tried adding thinly sliced fresh apples or pears under the pie filling, it gave an even fresher, juicier texture—that’s a neat twist if you want to spotlight fresh fruit.
• Make it gluten-free: I swapped the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version once for a friend with allergies, and it still gave me that sweet, cakey top.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon elevates the autumn vibes—my family goes crazy for this version around the holidays.
• Nut-free version: Feel free to omit the pecans or swap in sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free dessert option.

How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then grab your 9×9-inch baking dish—if you want the cake layer a little thinner, a 9×13-inch works too. I love how this size gives a nice, thick layer of that cakey topping nestled over the apple goodness. No need to grease the pan since the butter takes care of that once it melts.

Step 2: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Pour the entire 28-ounce can of apple pie filling directly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This part is so satisfying – no slicing or peeling! Just smooth it out evenly. You’ll see those juicy apple chunks waiting to shine once baked.

Step 3: Mix and Sprinkle the Cake Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix with the brown sugar and cinnamon until everything’s evenly combined. I like to really mix the cinnamon in so each bite has that cozy spice. Then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple layer—don’t worry if it looks a little rough, the butter will help everything come together.

Step 4: Dot with Butter and Add Pecans

Slice your salted butter thinly and scatter about 10 to 12 tablespoon-sized pieces all over the top of the cake mix. This butter melts into the topping creating that irresistible, golden crust I absolutely love. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if you’re using them. The nuts toast up perfectly in the oven adding crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to look for a bubbly apple filling around the edges and a deeply golden cake topping. I check mine around the 35-minute mark so it doesn’t get too dark. If the edges brown too fast, you can loosely tent the cake with foil.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

This is best enjoyed warm—either on its own or, my personal favorite, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. My family always requests the ice cream topping. The cold creaminess contrasts so well with the warm, spiced apples and buttery cake.

How to Serve Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream when serving, and sometimes a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce if I’m feeling fancy. Whipped cream works just as well if you want something lighter, and a few toasted pecans on top of the garnish add a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more festive touch, I sometimes serve it alongside some spiced cider or even a sharp cheddar cheese plate to contrast the sweetness—a surprisingly delightful combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dump cake in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick garnish and a sprig of fresh mint—it makes a simple dessert feel extra special and guests always compliment the presentation. You can also layer it with whipped cream in clear glasses for a layered trifle effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover apple dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days, though in my house it rarely lasts that long because everyone loves grabbing seconds!

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing this cake in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or pop the whole pan in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a scoop of ice cream after reheating is my tried-and-true trick to bring it back to fresh-baked perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe truly holds a warm spot in my heart—the kind of dessert that’s uncomplicated but makes everyone feel cozy and cared for. It’s helped me turn around busy evenings or impromptu get-togethers with friends when I didn’t feel like fussing. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and that hint of spice as much as my family does. So go ahead, try it out, and let this recipe become your fall (or any time!) sweet treat favorite. You won’t regret it!

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