I absolutely love sharing this Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe because it’s one of those magical desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It combines the cozy flavors of apple pie and spice cake in a breezy, no-fuss way that even the busiest baker will appreciate. Honestly, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find this recipe incredibly satisfying when you want something sweet without all the fuss—and without a million ingredients cluttering your counter.
When I first tried this recipe, I was drawn to how quickly it comes together and how reliably it turns out moist, flavorful, and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering, a casual weeknight dessert, or just craving that nostalgic apple pie taste, this Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe comes through every single time. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without stressing out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need three main things: apple pie filling, spice cake mix, and butter—easy to keep on hand.
- No Mixing Required: This dump cake means exactly that—you layer it right in your dish and bake, hassle-free.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The spice cake adds warmth and spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or last-minute dessert, this recipe always impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are staples you might already have, and they come together effortlessly to create that perfect apple dessert vibe. Using canned apple pie filling saves you tons of prep time and guarantees consistent flavor.
- Apple Pie Filling: Canned filling is a lifesaver here—you get that sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness without peeling or slicing.
- Spice Cake Mix: Look for a classic spice cake mix; it adds nice depth with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Butter: Use real butter, sliced evenly on top—it melts into the cake mix to create that golden, crispy topping we all crave.
Variations
I love that this recipe invites a little creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Over time, I experimented by swapping out pie fillings and trying different cake mixes to suit the season or mood.
- Use Pear or Peach Pie Filling: I swapped in peach filling once during summer and it was just as amazing, giving a fresh twist while keeping the cozy vibe.
- Try Yellow or Buttercake Mix: When I wanted a lighter spice profile, a yellow cake mix worked perfectly without overpowering the apples.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For extra texture and a bit of chew, I tossed in chopped walnuts or raisins before sprinkling the cake mix—it adds a nice surprise!
- Make It Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free spice cake mix makes it accessible to more folks without losing any of the charm.
How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to make sure your cake doesn’t stick. I like to use a glass or ceramic dish here—it helps the edges brown up nice and even.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Dump both cans of apple pie filling evenly into your greased baking dish. I always give the cans a little swirl before opening to make sure the cinnamon and juices are well mixed—it makes a difference in flavor balance!
Step 3: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire dry spice cake mix over the top of the apple filling. Don’t worry about mixing it in; that’s the beauty of this recipe—the cake mix bakes right on top and blends as it melts.
Step 4: Top with Butter Slices
Take cold butter and slice it into thin pats, then evenly distribute them all over the top of the cake mix. I’ve learned that smaller slices melt more evenly, creating that irresistible crispy, buttery crust we all look forward to.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top. The aroma when it’s almost done? Pure heaven! If you notice the edges getting too dark before the time’s up, loosely cover with foil to keep it from burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Warm
Once baked, allow the dump cake to cool slightly—about 15 minutes is perfect. This helps the filling set just enough so it won’t run everywhere when scooping. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the full experience.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe
- Use Cold Butter: I always chill my butter before slicing—it helps create the signature crunchy topping rather than just soaking in.
- Don’t Mix Layers: Resist the urge to stir the layers; the dry cake mix bakes into the apples beautifully as is.
- Check Early for Browning: If your oven runs hot, check the cake around 50 minutes and tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Use a Glass Dish: I discovered that glass baking dishes help the cake cook evenly and develop that perfect crust on the sides.
How to Serve Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve this cake, I love topping it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts over the warm cake—pure bliss. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for a little crunch, or a dusting of cinnamon to amplify those fall flavors.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte—the warm spices complement each other so well. For a more formal dinner, I like to serve it alongside whipped cream and maybe some fresh apple slices to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or potlucks, I like to bake this cake in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. You can also layer it with whipped cream in clear dessert glasses to make a quick parfait that’s a beautiful, inviting twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have melded even more, but the crust is best enjoyed fresh or reheated.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I portion the dump cake into freezer-safe containers before baking, and then bake straight from frozen—just add 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This way, I can have a warm, cozy dessert ready anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute, or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes to retain moisture. I avoid overheating to keep that tender, juicy apple texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully and lets you control the sweetness and spice levels. Just make sure your filling isn’t too watery to avoid a soggy cake—drain excess juices if necessary before assembling.
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What if I don’t have spice cake mix—can I use something else?
You can substitute yellow, butter, or even carrot cake mix if that’s what you have on hand. Each brings a slightly different flavor, but all work well with the apple pie filling to make a tasty dump cake.
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Is the butter necessary for this Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe?
Yes! Butter is key here because it melts over the cake mix layer to create a rich, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples underneath. Skipping it will change the texture and final result quite a bit.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly—check for bubbling edges and golden top to know when it’s done. If you don’t have a bigger pan, consider making two separate batches.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s reliable, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. I hope it becomes one of your go-to desserts when you want to wow your family or friends with minimal stress. Grab those three simple ingredients, bake it up, and get ready to enjoy a slice of apple-spiced heaven—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling and Spice Cake Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Apple Dump Cake combines the sweet, tender flavors of apple pie filling with the moist, spiced crumb of a cake mix. With only three simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe creates a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion, served warm and optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Apple Pie Filling
- 1 package (about 18 oz) Spice Cake Mix – dry
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Apple Filling: Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, spreading out with a spatula as needed.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple pie filling, covering it completely for consistent baking.
- Add Butter: Slice the butter into pieces and place them evenly over the surface of the cake mix. This will melt and create a crisp topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour (60 minutes), or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Serve: Serve the apple dump cake warm. Optionally add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- This recipe requires only three ingredients and comes together in under an hour of baking time, making it a quick and easy dessert.
- Use a spice cake mix to add warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg that complement the apple filling.
- Butter slices on top create a beautiful golden crust and moist crumb.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want a comforting apple dessert without fuss.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
