Apple Pie Dump Cake
Apple Pie Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the warmth of apple pie with the ease of a cake mix. With its luscious layers of sweet apple filling and golden cake, this recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes as well. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simple preparation; you don’t need any baking expertise to achieve a show-stopping dish. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!
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When I first discovered Apple Pie Dump Cake, I was captivated by its charming simplicity. Growing up, apple pie was a staple at family gatherings, but it often took hours to prepare. This recipe became my go-to for all occasions—from busy weeknights to festive gatherings—because it’s not only quick to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you love the flavors of autumn, this dessert is calling your name—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dessert can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apple filling and buttery cake is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its bubbly filling and golden crust, it’s stunning enough for special occasions.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it warm with ice cream for dessert or enjoy it as a delightful breakfast treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (20 oz) cans Apple Pie Filling: This sweet and spiced filling forms the base of our dish. Look for a quality brand without added sugars for best flavor.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon: A sprinkle of this spice adds warmth and depth to the apple filling. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- 1 (15 oz) box Yellow Cake Mix: This is the heart of the dump cake, providing a moist and tender layer. Stick with a classic yellow cake mix for the traditional flavor.
- 1 cup Butter: Melted or sliced, butter gives richness to the cake. Use unsalted butter for more control over seasoning.
- Caramel Sauce (Optional): Drizzle this over the baked cake for an extra indulgent touch. You can use store-bought or homemade for more depth.
How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Prep the Pan: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
Spread Apple Pie Filling: Pour the contents of the two cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Sprinkle Cinnamon: Evenly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the top of the apple filling. This will enhance the flavors beautifully.
Add Cake Mix: Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling. No need to mix it—just let it sit on top.
Top with Butter: Slice 1 cup of butter into thin slabs and place them over the cake mix. This will melt during baking, creating a delicious topping.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’s incredible warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Apple Pie Dump Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for a few days, or you can refrigerate it for about a week. If you have leftovers, they freeze well for up to three months; just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy again, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through—this will help revive its delightful texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is sliced evenly, so it melts uniformly over the cake mix.
- Don’t worry about spreading the cake mix perfectly; it will even out as it bakes.
- Use fresh apples instead of canned filling if you’re up for a little more work—just sauté them with some sugar and cinnamon.
- If your cake seems too dry, consider adding a little more butter or serving it with a scoop of ice cream to balance the texture.
- This dessert is super versatile; feel free to add nuts or other fruits to the apple pie filling for creative twists.
Apple Pie Dump Cake is not only easy to make but also adaptable; let your imagination run wild! Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped walnuts or even some oats for a crunchy top layer. You can take this classic recipe and give it your personal touch—perhaps a hint of nutmeg or some fun spices to complement the apples.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade apple filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling can enhance the flavor of your dump cake. Just ensure it’s not too watery; you want the right consistency so your cake has a nice texture.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to check that your apple pie filling is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance! Just assemble everything in the pan and cover it. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and pop it in the preheated oven.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce for a rich and comforting treat. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening.
Creating Apple Pie Dump Cake is an experience filled with warmth, nostalgia, and absolute enjoyment. This recipe is a splendid way to bring a taste of comfort to your table without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying that sweet craving, I invite you to give it a try. Prepare for compliments and happy faces as you serve this lovely dessert—and don’t forget to save a slice for yourself!
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📖 Recipe Card

Apple Pie Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the comforting sweetness of Apple Pie Dump Cake. This homemade dessert features apple pie filling, a buttery yellow cake mix topping, and an optional drizzle of caramel. Simple to prepare, it’s the perfect treat for gatherings or a quick family dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 (20 oz) cans Apple Pie Filling
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 (15 oz) box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 cup Butter
- Caramel Sauce, Optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Slice the butter into slabs and place them on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm with ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
For an added flavor twist, mix some chopped nuts into the apple pie filling.
This cake is best served warm for a delightful dessert experience.
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
