easy apple pie dump cake recipe

Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe — Hi, I’m Lina, I’m 33 and living in the United States. My love for cooking started in the most natural way—by spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. I finally made this Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe I pinned months ago, and it turned out even better than expected! The sweet cinnamon aroma filled my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. If you’ve pinned this one too, make it today and tell me how it turned out!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Dump Cake

If you’re a fan of effortless desserts that still taste homemade, this one’s for you. It’s so simple—no mixer, no fancy ingredients, no fuss. Just dump, bake, and enjoy. The beauty of this recipe is that it captures all the cozy, nostalgic flavor of apple pie without the time-consuming crust. It’s family-friendly, perfect for fall gatherings, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Whether you serve it after Sunday dinner or bring it to a potluck, everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling – The star of the show, full of soft apples and cozy cinnamon flavor.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Adds that golden, buttery crumble on top.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Gives the topping its crispy, rich texture.
• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon – For extra warmth and spice (and that amazing fall aroma).

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help your dessert release easily later.

Step 2: Add the Filling

Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish. It doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic desserts have charm! If you like extra spice, sprinkle that teaspoon of cinnamon over the filling.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t stir! Just let it sit on top like a blanket of buttery sweetness waiting to crisp up in the oven.

Step 4: Drizzle the Butter

Pour your melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much as possible for that perfect golden top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling with apple filling. The smell alone will have everyone hovering near the oven.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the dump cake rest for about 10 minutes so the layers can settle. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that “wow” moment.

A Note on the Technique

Dump cakes are the epitome of American comfort baking—simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. The name might not sound fancy, but the results speak for themselves. It’s part cobbler, part crisp, and part cake, combining the best of all worlds into one easy dessert that feels like home.

Serving Suggestions

This easy apple pie dump cake is the kind of dessert that’s best served warm, when the golden topping is crisp and the apples are bubbling underneath. The first spoonful is soft, buttery, and full of that nostalgic apple pie flavor we all crave. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream: The creamy cold ice cream melting into the hot, cinnamon-spiced cake creates that perfect contrast of textures and temperatures. It’s classic and downright heavenly.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence: A ribbon of caramel on top takes this simple dessert to the next level—rich, glossy, and full of buttery sweetness.
• Pair with a mug of hot coffee or spiced tea: The bold, roasted notes of coffee or the cozy blend of cinnamon and cloves in tea complement the sweetness perfectly.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Light, fluffy, and gently spiced—this is a great option if you want something less rich than ice cream but still just as delightful.
• Make it festive: During the holidays, add a dash of nutmeg or a handful of chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and warmth.

However you serve it, this apple pie dump cake brings comfort with every bite and feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Pro Tips for Success

A few small touches can make your apple pie dump cake go from good to unforgettable. Here’s how to make sure yours turns out perfect every time:

1. Even butter coverage: Drizzle melted butter slowly and evenly across the top of the cake mix. Use a spoon to gently spread it if needed—this ensures a golden, crisp crust without any dry spots.
2. Spice it up: Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice adds warmth and depth, making your kitchen smell like a bakery in autumn.
3. Try different cake mixes: Yellow cake is classic, but spice cake brings that cozy, holiday twist. Butter pecan adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with apples.
4. Let it rest before serving: Once baked, give it about 10 minutes to settle. This helps the apple filling thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.
5. Serve it warm: That gooey apple layer and buttery top are at their absolute best when served fresh from the oven.
6. Add texture: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a bit of crunch and a rustic, bakery-style finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dessert like this has a few easy-to-miss steps. Keep these tips in mind to ensure success every time:

Overmixing: Resist the urge to stir! The magic of a dump cake is in the layers—just dump and bake for that perfect gooey bottom and crisp top.
Uneven butter: If your butter doesn’t cover all areas of the cake mix, you’ll end up with dry, powdery patches. Pour carefully and use a spoon to fill in any uncovered spots.
Undercooking: Don’t pull it out too soon. Wait until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with apple filling. That’s your sign it’s done.
Skipping cooling time: Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. It allows the layers to settle ad makes it easier to scoop without falling apart.
Too runny filling: If your pie filling seems watery, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch before baking. This keeps the texture just right.

Storage & Reheating

One of the best parts of this apple pie dump cake recipe is how well it keeps (if you somehow have leftovers!).

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. It reheats beautifully and still tastes like freshly baked apple pie.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven on low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or milk to keep the topping moist. Serve with a fresh scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel to bring it back to life.

Tip: Reheating in the oven helps the topping stay crisp, while the microwave makes it soft and gooey—choose your texture!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade filling works wonderfully—just make sure the apples are tender and not too juicy. If it’s a little thin, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up before layering.

Q2: Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Layer the ingredients just like you would for the oven version, then cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4 hours. The top won’t get quite as crisp, but the flavor will still be amazing—perfect for potlucks or when you want your kitchen to smell like apple pie all afternoon.

Q3: Can I add caramel?
Oh, yes—caramel and apple are a match made in dessert heaven. Drizzle half a cup into the apple filling before baking, or add it after baking for that glossy, sweet finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Q4: What cake mix flavors work best?
You can’t go wrong with yellow cake—it’s classic and buttery. For extra fall flavor, go with spice cake, and if you love nutty notes, butter pecan cake mix is incredible. White cake mix works, too, for a lighter flavor that lets the apples shine.

Q5: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. The bake time may be slightly longerjust watch for that golden top and bubbling edges.

Closing Paragraph

And that’s it—your easy apple pie dump cake recipe is ready to steal the show! It’s warm, sweet, buttery, and filled with all the flavors of homemade apple pie in a fraction of the time. Whether you make it for a cozy night in or bring it to a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this apple pie dump cake, it reminds me why simple recipes are often the best. No stress, no mess—just comfort, sweetness, and a little bit of magic from your oven. I hope this one becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too.