This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Apple Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make, but you would never know it by the first bite. Layers of sweet apple pie filling, warm cinnamon, buttery cake mix, and melted butter bake together into a dessert with a crisp, golden topping and a soft, warm apple filling that’s perfect for any occasion.
“Dump cakes like this one, make the BEST desserts! Only a few ingredients are needed, and it’s so easy to make!”
-Becky
I love recipes that look impressive but take almost no effort, and this is one of them. It’s one of those desserts I can throw together in just a few minutes, pop in the oven, and let it do all the work while the house fills with the smell of warm apples and cinnamon.
If you’re a fan of easy desserts, be sure to try my Peach Dump Cake, Cherry Dump Cake, or these beautiful Apple Roses. For simple recipes with just a few ingredients, you will love this Oreo Mug Cake and these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- apple pie filling
- ground cinnamon
- box yellow cake mix- you can also use white cake mix or check out my other variations below!
- salted butter, melted- I’ve tried making this cake with unsalted and salted butter. While the taste difference is so small, most people won’t notice, I like the tiniest hint of salt with the flavors of apples.
Variations
- Spice Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for even more warm fall flavor.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: This adds a decadence for the chocolate lovers in your life!
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added crunch.
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the cake mix.
- Apple Pie Spice: Replace the cinnamon with apple pie spice for a slightly different flavor.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray, a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the apple pie slices filling evenly in the prepared baking dish, then add the cinnamon and stir to mix.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Don’t stir the layers. Keeping the ingredients layered creates the signature dump cake texture.
- Cover the cake mix well. Try to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible so there aren’t dry patches after baking.
- Serve warm. This dessert is at its best fresh from the oven with melting ice cream on top.
- Use quality pie filling. A good apple pie filling makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Let it rest. Giving the cake about 10 minutes to cool helps the filling set slightly before serving.
Storage
Store leftover Apple Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until heated through.
FAQ’S
Yes! You can bake it earlier in the day and gently reheat it before serving.
No. Spice cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or even white cake mix all work well.
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling is a delicious substitute if you have it on hand.
This usually happens when the butter doesn’t completely cover the dry cake mix. Try spreading the butter more evenly with the back of a spoon before baking.
Yes. Once it has cooled, cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to four days.
More Easy Apple Desserts
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling, 21 ounces each
- 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie slices filling evenly in the prepared baking dish, and mix with the cinnamon.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the apple filling. (Don't stir the mix.)
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Video
Notes
- Don’t stir the layers. Keeping the ingredients layered creates the signature dump cake texture.
- Cover the cake mix well. Try to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible so there aren’t dry patches after baking.
- Serve warm. This dessert is at its best fresh from the oven with melting ice cream on top.
- Use quality pie filling. A good apple pie filling makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such a simple dessert! It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just family gatherings!