Apple Dump Cake Recipe

I’ve got to tell you, this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magic desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s ridiculously easy to whip up — just three main ingredients and a bit of oven time — but it delivers that perfect balance of sweet and spiced apple goodness that makes everyone smile. I love this because it’s a no-fuss way to bring comfort food to the table without hours of prep.

Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute dessert for friends or craving something cozy after dinner, this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is your go-to. The juicy apple pie filling melds beautifully with the dry spice cake mix and buttery topping to create a delightful treat that’s both rustic and irresistible. You’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so beautifully, because each one plays a crucial role. The apple pie filling gives you that tender, cinnamon-spiced fruit, the dry spice cake mix adds a delightful cakey texture and spice, and the butter ties everything together with rich, buttery goodness. When you shop, look for quality apple pie filling that’s not too watery and a spice cake mix you love because the flavor really shines here.

• Apple Pie Filling: Use canned for convenience — it’s perfectly spiced and soft, making the base easy and flavorful.
• Spice Cake Mix: This dry cake mix brings a wonderful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices that marry beautifully with the apples.
• Butter: Use real butter (not margarine) for a rich, golden finish and that perfect melt-over-the-top effect.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Dump Cake Recipe by switching up the cake mix or adding a few extras. It’s such a forgiving, flexible dessert that you can easily tailor it to your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some variations I’ve tried and enjoyed.

• Use Yellow or White Cake Mix: When I want a lighter flavor or less spice, I swap in a yellow cake mix, which gives a milder sweetness and lets the apples shine more.
• Add Nuts or Raisins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or raisins on top before baking to add crunch and extra texture — it’s a nice touch that guests often ask about.
• Make It Vegan: I’ve successfully used vegan butter and a vegan spice cake mix to keep the recipe plant-based, and honestly, you wouldn’t know the difference!
• Fresh Apples: If you don’t have canned apple filling, peeling and slicing fresh apples with a little added cinnamon and sugar works too — just prebake the apples slightly so they soften.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first — set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, plus you want the butter you add later to shine on top without mixing into the pan.

Step 2: Layer the Apples

Open your cans of apple pie filling and pour both into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly so you have a nice, thick base of those tender cinnamon-spiced apples. The filling is juicy but not too watery, which makes this layer just right.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t worry about mixing it in — the magic here is that the dry cake mix bakes into a crisp, golden topping while the steam from the apples softens it from underneath. Try to cover the surface as evenly as possible so each bite has that perfect cake-to-apple ratio.

Step 4: Dot with Butter

Slice your butter into thin pats and scatter them evenly over the cake mix layer. This step is crucial — the butter melts as it bakes, soaking into the cake mix and apples to create that luscious, buttery crust everyone loves. I always try to space the butter slices well so the top cooks evenly golden.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the dish into the oven and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. I recommend letting it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving; this rest time helps everything set so you can scoop neat portions without the filling running everywhere.

How to Serve Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this Apple Dump Cake Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream — it’s the perfect cool contrast to the warm, spicy apples. Whipped cream works beautifully too if you prefer something lighter. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top takes it over the top for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or serve alongside roasted pork or turkey for a cozy dessert after a hearty meal. I sometimes add a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness if it’s part of dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals, I like to serve this in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick and fresh mint for a festive look. It also goes well in a decorative glass trifle dish where the layers shine through — the rustic charm never fails to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Dump Cake covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded together, but be sure to warm it before serving for that fresh-baked comfort.

Freezing

Freezing this dump cake works well too. I portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. The texture holds up nicely, and reheating brings back that perfect gooey warmth.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or popping it back in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness on top. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out — a small pat of butter on top before reheating can help.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those no-fail comfort desserts that I keep coming back to again and again. It’s simple enough to throw together on a busy night but satisfying enough to feel like a special treat. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it as much as my family and I do — once you try it, it might just become your new favorite! Trust me, it’s a dessert you’ll want in your rotation.

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