🍏 Apple Dump Cake: Your Easiest Route to Warm, Spiced Comfort

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There are some desserts that just whisper “cozy home,” and for me, Apple Dump Cake is at the very top of that list. Imagine a golden-brown crust, buttery and slightly crisp, giving way to a warm, bubbling ocean of sweet, spiced apples. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your entire kitchen smell like autumn, even in the middle of spring. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but simply don’t have the time for elaborate baking, or when you need a comforting treat to share with loved ones around the kitchen table. Its humble origins hide a truly spectacular flavor and texture, a delightful blend of tender apples and cakey goodness that melts in your mouth with every single bite.

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Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 8 servings

💥 Vibe: Cozy, Effortless, Soul-warming

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Apple Dump Cake
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Apple Dump Cake is as straightforward as the recipe itself! You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to create this warm, inviting dessert that tastes like pure autumn bliss.

• 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

Get ready for the easiest, most rewarding baking experience! This recipe lives up to its name – simply dump and bake your way to dessert heaven.

1. Preheat your oven to a comforting 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish; this helps with easy serving.
2. Open those lovely cans of apple pie filling. Pour both cans into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly with a spatula. You want a nice, consistent layer of those sweet, tender apples.
3. If you’re using it, sprinkle the ground cinnamon generously over the apple filling. This adds an extra layer of warmth and spice that truly elevates the dish.
4. Now for the “dump” part! Open your box of yellow cake mix. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the apple filling. Do not stir it in! We want those distinct layers to work their magic.
5. Drizzle the melted butter all over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter is key to creating that delightful, crumbly, golden crust.
6. Pop your dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. A delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making each spoonful utterly perfect.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While perfect on its own, an Apple Dump Cake is also a wonderful canvas for creativity! Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Caramel Drizzle Dream: A generous swirl of warm caramel sauce over the top before serving takes this cake to an entirely new level of decadence.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the dry cake mix before drizzling the butter for an added layer of texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends! A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of ginger can add lovely depth to the apple filling.
• Ice Cream & Whipped Cream Extravaganza: The absolute classic way to serve this warm dessert is with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm and cold is pure bliss!
• Different Cake Mix Fun: Don’t limit yourself to yellow cake! Try a spice cake mix for an even more autumnal vibe, or a white cake mix for a lighter, sweeter profile.

Reviews

Our community absolutely adores this Apple Dump Cake! Here’s what some of our fans are saying:

Sarah M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a lifesaver! So easy to throw together on a busy weeknight and tastes absolutely incredible. My family devoured it, especially with a scoop of ice cream. Definitely a keeper!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m not a baker, but this came out perfect! The apple filling was warm and gooey, and the topping had that lovely buttery crunch. My go-to for potlucks now.”

Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Pure comfort in a dish! The cinnamon addition makes all the difference. It smells amazing while baking and tastes even better. Five stars aren’t enough!”

FAQ

Curious about perfecting your Apple Dump Cake? Here are some common questions we hear:

Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
A: While you certainly can, using fresh apples would require pre-cooking them with sugar and spices to soften them and create a filling-like consistency. For the true “dump cake” ease, canned pie filling is recommended, as it’s already perfectly sweetened and thickened.

Q: What if I don’t have yellow cake mix? Can I use another flavor?
A: Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, a spice cake mix would enhance the autumnal flavors beautifully. White cake mix also works well for a slightly different, sweeter profile.

Q: How should I store leftover Apple Dump Cake?
A: Store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can gently reheat individual servings in the microwave or a warm oven for a few minutes.

Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, definitely! Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the dry cake mix before drizzling with butter for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about creating a dessert that feels so special, yet demands so little of your precious time. This Apple Dump Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor a moment of warmth, and share genuine smiles around a table. Whether it’s the star of your next family dinner, a comforting treat after a long day, or a joyful offering to friends, this cake promises to deliver pure, unadulterated happiness. So go ahead, embrace the simplicity, breathe in those incredible aromas, and let this effortless dessert bring a little extra comfort and sweetness into your life. Happy baking, dear friends!

Recipe Note

For the best, most evenly golden-brown crust, ensure the melted butter is drizzled thoroughly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. This allows the cake mix to absorb the butter and crisp up beautifully, creating that irresistible top layer.