Easy Apple Dump Cake: Delicious & Simple Fall Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s ridiculously simple yet incredibly delicious, let me introduce you to my Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe. This is one of those throw-it-together treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for those cozy evenings or last-minute gatherings. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same once you try it!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: You basically dump ingredients into a pan and bake—no mixing bowls or complicated steps!
Comforting Fall Flavors: The cinnamon and apple combination delivers that cozy, warm feeling we all crave during cooler months.
Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples, and you’re set for a fantastic dessert without the hassle.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always the first thing to disappear at gatherings.

A large white baking dish filled with a baked oatmeal square that has a rough, uneven top layer made of light brown and golden crust with textured, cracked patterns. The edges of the oatmeal are a darker golden brown, showing slight crispiness, while the center is lighter with visible bumps and swirls of cooked oats. The surface looks dry but soft, with some tiny holes and small spots of darker color across. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly, combining convenience and flavor in a way that feels effortless but tastes homemade. Here are the key players you’ll want to have on hand.

Apple pie filling: I like to use canned apple pie filling because it’s already sweetened and spiced, which makes this dump cake even easier.
Yellow cake mix: The boxed cake mix adds a buttery, cakey topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Light brown sugar: Just a touch to boost sweetness and add a little depth of flavor.
Ground cinnamon: This warms up the whole dessert with that familiar, comforting fall spice.
Salted butter: Thinly sliced and scattered on top—it melts down into pockets of rich goodness while baking.
Chopped pecans (optional): I like adding pecans for a little crunch, but you can definitely skip these if you’re nut-free or want to keep it simpler.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with a few tweaks depending on what I had in the pantry or the flavor mood I was in, and it always turns out great.

Use fresh apples: When I have fresh apples, I dice them and toss with a bit of sugar and cinnamon before layering—adds a fresher texture and subtle tartness.
Swap cake mix flavors: Vanilla or spice cake mix both work if you want to change things up.
Gluten-free option: Try a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling is gluten-free—easy enough to make this dessert approachable for all.
Add a crumble topping: I’ve sprinkled some oatmeal crumble over the butter for an extra crunchy finish that my family adores.

How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get your oven warming and your pan ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish for a thicker cake, or go for a 9×13-inch pan if you want thinner layers. Then pour the entire 28-ounce can of apple pie filling into the bottom. This even layer forms the juicy, flavorful base—no need to stir or prep the apples beforehand!

Step 2: Mix up the topping and layer it carefully

In a medium bowl, stir the dry yellow cake mix together with brown sugar and cinnamon until they’re evenly combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple pie filling. Then, lay thin slices of salted butter all over the top—don’t be shy here! The butter turns this cake into a golden, crispy masterpiece. If you like pecans, sprinkle those on as well for some extra texture and nuttiness.

Step 3: Bake and enjoy the irresistible aromas

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling around the edges. It smells amazing as it bakes—I swear the scent alone will pull everyone into the kitchen. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before scooping it out and serving it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Use Thin Butter Slices: I learned that slicing the butter thinly ensures even melting and prevents soggy spots in your topping.
Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar: It adds a nice caramel note that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes helps it set and makes serving so much easier.
Watch Your Bake Time: Check around 35 minutes to avoid over-baking—the top should be golden but not burnt.

How to Serve Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

A piece of apple crumble dessert is shown on a white plate, placed over another white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden brown crumbly crust with a rough texture. Above it is a layer of soft cooked apple chunks in a shiny caramel sauce, with some more crumbly bits on top. The dessert is finished with a generous swirl of white whipped cream dusted with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, the best topping is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts over warm cake—pure magic! You can also dollop on fresh whipped cream, or even sprinkle a bit of extra chopped pecans on top for some crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dump cake is dreamy on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a bigger meal, it pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a fall feast, I like to serve alongside a light salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, for a family gathering, I served the dump cake in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh mint—it made everyone feel like they were enjoying something really special. You could also layer it in clear glasses for a rustic dessert parfait look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover dump cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and honestly tastes even better the next day once the flavors have all melded together.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dessert! I like to freeze single portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, pop a serving into the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place it in a warm oven around 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream after reheating, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh apples work well. Just peel, core, and chop them, then toss with sugar and cinnamon before adding to your baking dish. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to keep them from browning and bake a little longer to ensure the apples soften fully.
Is it necessary to use salted butter?

Using salted butter adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, but if all you have is unsalted, that’s fine too—just consider adding a tiny pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Can I make this dessert vegan?

It’s a bit tricky since most boxed cake mixes and canned pie fillings contain animal products. However, if you find vegan-friendly cake mix and pie filling, plus use vegan butter substitutes, you can definitely experiment to make it vegan.
How long does the Easy Apple Dump Cake keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 4 days. Beyond that, the texture might change, so freezing leftovers is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes, or you can skip nuts altogether if you’re allergic or prefer a nut-free dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe has become my absolute fall favorite because it’s quick, fuss-free, and always a hit. Whenever I’m pressed for time or want something homey and comforting without a lot of effort, this recipe saves the day. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll love the way those familiar apple and cinnamon flavors come to life layered under the buttery cake topping. It’s like your favorite apple pie, but way easier—and your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s baking!