Apple Dump Cake

Crisp Apple Dump Cake is an easy homemade dessert that is homey and delicious! It’s heavenly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dump cakes are so easy to make thanks to the use of cake mix. This apple version is perfect in the fall, and so is Pumpkin Dump Cake! During the summer, Peach Dump Cake and Blueberry Dump Cake are great, too.

Scoop of freshly baked apple dump cake.

10 MINUTES TO PREP!

Dump cake is similar to a cobbler, except cobbler uses a biscuit or pie crust topping, whereas dump cake uses dry cake mix. Be sure that you use only the dry cake mix, do not make it into a batter. 

I love that this cake is SO simple to make and tastes heavenly. My fav part is the cake layer on the top, but the filling just hits the spot.

Best part, if you’re not feeling apple just choose your favorite fruit filling! Serve this up with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients for apple dump cake laid out.

How to make APPLE PIE DUMP CAKE

PREP. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

FILLING. Pour apple pie filling (1 ½ – 2 cups) into a greased 9×13 pan, and set aside.

Mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and sugar and sprinkle over the apple pie filling in the pan.

CAKE LAYER. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over apple pie filling and spices. Place butter evenly over cake mix. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.

BAKE + SERVE. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until cake is golden and bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Apple layer for apple dump cake.

Alternative baking method

Crock Pot: you can make this cake in the crockpot, just note that it won’t have as crisp of a crust.

  • Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray and spread the pie filling on the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle on sugar and spices.
  • In a separate bowl, stir melted butter and the the cake mix together.
  • Spread the cake mixture over the pie filling. Add pecans.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or Low for 4 hours. 
Cake layer topped with butter for apple dump cake recipe.

recipe Variations

You can adjust the flavor a bit with some easy changes such as:

  • Try carrot cake mix or yellow cake mix 
  • Top with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Butter Pecan Ice Cream 
  • Top with a drizzle of Chocolate, White Chocolate or caramel sauce 
  • Use chopped walnuts or slivered almonds
  • Use 1 tablespoon of brown sugar instead of white.
  • You can use fresh apples and make Homemade Apple Pie Filling 
  • Substitute the can of apple pie filling with another flavor of pie filling such as cherry or pumpkin pie.
  • For a More of a crumble topping, sprinkle oats or coconut on top before baking. 
Layering apple dump cake in a baking dish.

Storing info

STORE. You can bake this ahead of time or store leftovers for later. Cover and keep it on the counter for 1-2 days or in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To FREEZE. wrap the pan with plastic and again with foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight or on the counter for 2-3 hours.

  • Note: If you baked this in a metal plan, then make sure you don’t store it in the pan for longer than 2 days otherwise it can start taking on metallic taste. 

REHEAT. For individual servings, reheat them in the microwave in 20 second intervals, until warm. To reheat a whole cake, preheat the oven to 325F and heat for cake for 15-20 minutes or until warm throughout.

Apple Dump cake served in a bowl and topped with vanilla ice cream.

for more Cobblers and Crisp:

Apple Dump Cake Recipe

5 from 15 votes
Crisp Apple Dump Cake is an easy homemade dessert that is homey and delicious! It's heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 15
Calories 403 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Equipment

  • 9×13 baking pan

Ingredients

  • 1 (18.25 oz) package spice cake mix or carrot cake mix
  • 1½-2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ cup butter sliced into 24 sections
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Pour apple pie filling (1 ½ – 2 cups) into a greased 9×13 pan, and set aside.
  • Mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and sugar and sprinkle over the apple pie filling in the pan.
  • Sprinkle cake mix evenly over apple pie filling and spices. Place butter evenly over cake mix. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  • Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until cake is golden and bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    This is one of the dessert recipes I use when company comes over because it’s so easy and appeals to adults and kids alike. This apple dump cake is one of my favorites!

  2. 5 stars
    I love that this dump cake has all the flavors of apple cobbler, but it’s a thousand times quicker and easier to prep! Not to mention it’s sooooo tasty.

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve taken this to my in-laws & it was a hit!! It was a cinch to make! It’s one of our favorite fall desserts!