Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe
This recipe is simple, sweet, and comforting. You only need a few ingredients, and there is no mixing bowl required. The apple filling becomes warm and bubbly while the cake mix bakes into a buttery, crisp topping. It is also great for feeding a crowd and tastes amazing served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 21-oz cans apple pie filling
1 box spice cake mix
1½ sticks butter, cut into thin slices
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spoon the apple pie filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apple pie filling, if using.
Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Spread it gently with a spatula or knife so it covers the filling.
Place the thin slices of butter in neat rows over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is hot and bubbly.
Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 to 50 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Use yellow cake mix instead of spice cake mix for a milder flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter for extra crunch.
Use caramel apple pie filling for a richer dessert.
Add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for a warmer spice flavor.
Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 325 degrees until warm. The oven helps bring back some of the crisp texture on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, yellow cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or butter cake mix can all work well.
Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything first?
No, the cake mix is sprinkled on dry. The butter melts into it as it bakes.
Can I use fresh apples?
Apple pie filling works best for this quick version, but cooked fresh apples with sugar and spices can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it ahead and reheat it before serving.
Should this be served warm or cold?
It tastes best warm, but it can also be served cold.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, pecans or walnuts are great additions.
Why is my topping powdery?
Some areas may not have had enough butter. Make sure the butter slices cover the top as evenly as possible.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.
Can I freeze apple pie dump cake?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
What goes well with this dessert?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon all pair well with it.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Dump Cake is a fast and comforting dessert that delivers classic apple pie flavor with very little effort. With warm apple filling, spiced cake topping, and melted butter baked to golden perfection, it is an easy recipe you can count on for any occasion.
Apple Pie Dump Cake
This easy Apple Pie Dump Cake combines warm apple pie filling with spiced cake mix and buttery topping for a cozy dessert everyone loves. It bakes into a golden, crisp-topped treat with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, cut into thin slices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spoon the apple pie filling into the baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle cinnamon over the filling, if using.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling and spread gently so it fully covers the filling.
- Arrange butter slices evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Yellow cake mix can be substituted for spice cake mix if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
