Apple Pie Dump Cake (Easy 4-Ingredient Fall Dessert)

Apple pie filling, cake mix, butter, cinnamon and a scoop of ice cream: that’s all it takes to make this apple pie dump cake. There’s no mixer, no mess and no stirring, and it’s ready in under an hour. The top bakes into a golden, buttery crust over warm, bubbling cinnamon apples.

why make this recipe

This is the easiest fall dessert you can make from pantry staples. You dump, sprinkle, top and bake.

• Only 4 ingredients: apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter and cinnamon.
• No mixer and no mess: everything goes right in one baking dish.
• Ready in under an hour: about 10 minutes of prep and 45 to 50 minutes in the oven.
• Great for crowds: perfect for potlucks, tailgates, Thanksgiving and weeknight family dinners.

how to make apple pie dump cake

Ingredients

For the dump cake

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix, dry
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, thinly sliced

For serving

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the apples: Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the dish and spread them into an even layer.
3. Season: Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the apples.
4. Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples in an even layer. Don’t stir and don’t pack it down.
5. Top with butter: Lay the butter slices over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as you can.
6. Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Rest: Let the dump cake cool for 10 minutes so the filling thickens slightly.
8. Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if you like.

how to serve apple pie dump cake

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also works well. It’s a great dessert for a Thanksgiving table, tailgate or a casual fall dinner party.

how to store apple pie dump cake

Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. The topping is crispiest the first day and softens as it sits.

tips to make apple pie dump cake

• Don’t stir. The layers are what make the buttery topping.
• Slice the butter thin and cover as much of the cake mix as possible to avoid dry, powdery spots.
• Use a spoon to break up any lumps in the cake mix before sprinkling.
• Check at 40 minutes. The topping should be golden and the edges bubbling.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets a little.

variation

• Spice cake mix: swap in spice cake mix for extra fall flavor.
• Nutty crunch: sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before the butter.
• Caramel apple: drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix.
• Oat crunch: add ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats over the cake mix.
• Melted butter: drizzle the cake mix with melted butter instead of slices for a more even, cobbler-like crust.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?
It’s an easy dessert where you layer fruit filling and dry cake mix in a pan, add butter on top and bake it without mixing.

Do you stir a dump cake?
No. Leave the layers as they are so the cake mix bakes into a crisp, buttery topping.

Can I use fresh apples?
Yes. Cook sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice until slightly soft, then use them in place of the canned filling.

Why are there dry spots on my dump cake?
The butter didn’t cover the cake mix. Slice the butter thin and spread it evenly, or use melted butter.

What cake mix is best for apple dump cake?
Yellow cake mix is the classic choice. Spice cake mix gives a stronger fall flavor.

Can I make apple pie dump cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it up to a day ahead and reheat individual portions before serving with ice cream.

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Ellie

Apple Pie Dump Cake

An easy apple pie dump cake made with apple pie filling, cake mix, butter and cinnamon. No mixer, no mess, ready in under an hour and perfect with ice cream.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans 21 ounces each apple pie filling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 box 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, dry
• ¾ cup 1½ sticks butter, thinly sliced
• Vanilla ice cream for serving
• Caramel sauce for serving (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Spatula
• Large spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the apple pie filling into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir or pack it down.
5. Arrange the butter slices over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
6. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
7. Cool 10 minutes.
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.

Notes

Yield: about 12 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 45 to 50 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour. Course: Dessert. Cuisine: American. Storage: covered in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat portions in the microwave 30 to 45 seconds. Do not stir. Cover the cake mix with butter to avoid dry spots. Substitutions: spice cake mix for extra spice; melted butter in place of slices. Add-ins: ½ cup chopped pecans or ⅓ cup oats over the cake mix. Contains wheat, dairy and eggs (check the cake mix label).