Apple Dump Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Dump Cake Recipe because it’s one of those magical desserts that feels fancy but is oh-so-simple to make. With just three ingredients—apple pie filling, spice cake mix, and butter—it comes together faster than you’d think, yet delivers that cozy, homemade apple dessert everyone begs for at gatherings.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors melded effortlessly without any fuss. Whether it’s for a last-minute dinner party or a weekend treat, this Apple Dump Cake Recipe works beautifully every time, and I know you’ll enjoy how it fills your kitchen with that warm, spiced apple aroma!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet, spiced apple cake with a buttery crust—no mixing bowls required. I always recommend grabbing the best quality canned apple pie filling you can find because it really makes a difference!

• Apple Pie Filling: Choose your favorite brand or make your own canned style—it’s the star ingredient full of tender cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Spice Cake Mix: This adds that perfect warm spiced flavor and light crumb without any extra hassle.
• Butter: Slicing cold butter and dotting it on top helps create the crispy, golden crust we all love.

Variations

One of the fun things about this Apple Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often like to switch up the cake mix or add a few extras depending on the season or who I’m serving it to—feel free to get creative!

• Use Yellow Cake Mix: I tried this once with yellow cake mix and it gave the dessert a lighter, sweeter flavor that my kids adored.
• Add Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a nice crunch—my family goes crazy for this extra texture.
• Mix in Fresh Apples: For a fresher feel, add diced apples with the pie filling; just make sure to toss them in cinnamon and sugar first.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free spice cake mix to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly—this helps the cake release easily and prevents any sticking. Trust me, a little butter or non-stick spray here saves you from a frustrating clean-up later!

Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Pour both cans of apple pie filling directly into the greased baking dish. I like to spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon, so every bite gets that juicy apple goodness. Don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth—the rustic look adds to the charm!

Step 3: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apple layer. It might feel a bit strange not mixing the batter, but this “dump” style is what makes the magic happen—when it bakes, the cake mix soaks up all those sweet apple juices and turns golden and fluffy right on top.

Step 4: Dot Butter Over the Top

Slice your cold butter into thin pats and scatter them over the cake mix layer. These butter bits melt as the cake bakes, creating a rich, crispy topping. Make sure to distribute the butter fairly evenly to avoid dry patches in the finished cake.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes until the cake topping puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown. It’s ready when you see bubbling juice around the edges and a lightly browned top. Let it cool just a bit before serving—warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s pure comfort.

How to Serve Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this Apple Dump Cake Recipe, I love topping warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—there’s nothing like the contrast between cold cream and warm cake for pure bliss. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds an extra special touch too!

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea after dinner. For a festive spread, I sometimes serve it alongside spiced cider or even a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, try serving this dump cake in mini ramekins or individual jars for cute single portions. I once made a trifle layering this cake with whipped cream and extra cinnamon apples—it was a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover dump cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, I let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this Apple Dump Cake freezes well! I portion it into airtight containers, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the cake loosely with foil and pop it in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the topping crisp while warming the apples through—avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Dump Cake Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s the ultimate “easy but impressive” dessert. Whenever I bring it to a gathering or serve it after a cozy meal, I see smiles and get compliments every time. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and you’ll probably find yourself going back to this simple, tasty recipe again and again, just like me.

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