Apple Dump Cake Recipe

I always enjoy a twist on dessert when I make my Apple Dump Cake Recipe. I mix a can of apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter and cinnamon sugar for a rich blend bursting with flavor. Every bite brings back memories and a sense of simple creativity.

I’ve been experimenting with desserts that are super simple yet satisfyingly delicious and this Apple Dump Cake totally won me over. One afternoon I decided to throw together a quick treat and discovered that you really don’t need a fancy mixing bowl for this one.

All you gotta do is pour out a can of apple pie filling, sift in a box of yellow cake mix, drizzle half a cup of melted unsalted butter, and sprinkle two teaspoons of ground cinnamon sugar all into your baking dish. In less than an hour, I found myself enjoying a homemade apple cake that delivered all the fun of a dessert party.

This recipe is perfect when I want something easy that still feels like a special win. It’s great for last minute dessert ideas and even works for festive occasions when you’re in the mood for something a little unexpected.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really dig this recipe for a few reasons. First, it’s super simple—it only takes four ingredients and there’s no need for a mixing bowl which makes cleanup a breeze. Second, I love that the apple pie filling and cake mix create this unexpected, yummy flavor combo that feels both comforting and exciting. Third, it cooks up quick enough that I can get a warm, delicious dessert on the table in under an hour without a ton of work. Fourth, the way the cinnamon sugar and melted butter come together gives it a perfect, homey taste that reminds me of fall and makes me smile every time I make it.

Here’s the lowdown on how I make it:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish real light so nothing sticks. Then, just dump a can of apple pie filling into the dish and spread it out evenly. Next, toss a box of yellow cake mix on top of the apples without stirring it in at all. Drizzle half a cup of melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, doing your best to cover as much of it as possible. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon sugar all over and pop the dish in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it around the 45-minute mark to see that the top is turning a light golden brown. Once it’s done, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping out portions. I like to top it off with a bit of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I’m feeling fancy. Enjoy your easy apple dessert!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (about 1 stick)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon sugar

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Dump the apple pie filling into the dish and spread it out evenly.

3. Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the apple pie filling without stirring.

4. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter on top of the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of it as possible.

5. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over everything.

6. Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes.

7. Check the cake around the 45-minute mark; the top should turn a light golden brown.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

9. Scoop out portions and enjoy your easy apple dessert while warm.

10. If desired, you can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to preheat and bake your dish
2. A 9×13-inch baking dish that you can lightly grease
3. A microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan to melt the butter
4. A measuring cup for the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
5. Measuring spoons to scoop out 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon sugar
6. A spatula or spoon for spreading out the apple pie filling and cake mix
7. A serving utensil like a scoop or spoon to portion out the dessert when its done

FAQ

Apple Dump Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the apple pie filling, you can use about 2 cups of chopped fresh apples tossed with 1/4 cup sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic that sweet and tart flavor.
• If you don’t have yellow cake mix, try using another boxed mix like vanilla or spice cake mix, or even whip up your own blend of flour, sugar, baking powder and a little salt.
• If unsalted butter isn’t available, margarine works just fine; you can also use salted butter, just reduce the extra salt in your recipe.
• Don’t have pre-mixed cinnamon sugar? No worries, just combine 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon with a couple teaspoons of sugar until it gets evenly mixed.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the apple pie filling is spread out evenly in the pan so you dont end up with dry spots; if some parts have less filling, they might get too crumbly after bake.
2. When you drizzle the melted butter, try to cover every bit of the cake mix. This help it crisp up and fuse with the spices so you get more flavor in each bite.
3. Keep an eye on the dish around the 45-minute mark. Ovens sometimes heat unevenly so its better to check early and often rather than risk overcooking parts of your dessert.
4. Let the dessert cool for at least 10 minutes before scooping. I know it nt sounds like much, but that extra time really helps set the cake mix and makes serving easier even if you have the urge to dig in right away.