This delectable Apple Dump Cake is quick and easy, with just eight ingredients and ten minutes of prep time. I love to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, warm caramel syrup, or fresh whipped cream.
This is a favorite dessert recipe at our house, perfect for last-minute get-togethers, potlucks, and family reunions. If you like this recipe, you should try my pumpkin dump cake, peach dump cake, or cherry dump cake.
Why You’ll Love This
It is incredibly easy and downright foolproof. If you are in a big hurry, ask one of your tweens or teens to prep it.
Although this recipe is easy and quick, it is not short on flavor. It is scrumptious with fragrant fall spices, crisp apple filling, and crunchy nuts. This delicious dessert is a cross between a cobbler and a cake.
The ingredients for this recipe are easily accessible, and you may already have many of them on hand.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Spices: ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. If desired, add a pinch of ground ginger.
- Apple pie filling: Buy the premium apple pie filling. It just tastes better and is made with no high fructose corn syrup. The apples are slightly crispy, and the filling tastes more like homemade. If you have homemade apple pie filling, then by all means, use it.
- Cake mix: I use a golden butter cake mix, but you can use a yellow or spice cake mix.
- Butter: salted or unsalted
- Nuts: pecans or walnuts
How to make Apple Dump Cake
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
First, mix all the spices in a small bowl. Then, pour the canned apple pie filling into a large baking pan. Next, sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the apples. Dust the dried cake mix over the apple mixture using a spatula to level it off.
Now, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Next, sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the butter and top with the chopped pecans. Bake in a preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- Drizzle the butter over slowly to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
- Pour 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the dry cake mix, remaining spices, and pecans to make it a caramel apple dump cake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pour the apple pie filling into a 5-6 quart crock pot. In a large bowl, stir together all the spices, then add the cake mix, pecans, and melted butter. Crumble the mix over the apple pie filling. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Place a layer of paper towels under the lid to absorb condensation during cooking.
To freeze, cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
More Apple Recipes
Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cans (21 ounce) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25-ounce) butter golden cake mix or yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter melted
- ¾ cup coarsely chopped pecans
- optional vanilla ice cream
- optional caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Spoon the cans of apple pie filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mixed spices. Sprinkle with the dry cake mix. Drizzle with melted butter trying to cover as much of the top as possible. Sprinkle with remaining mixed spices and top with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly on the edges. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Notes
- Drizzle the butter over slowly to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
- Pour 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the dry cake mix, remaining spices, and pecans to make it a caramel apple dump cake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Harriet Y
My goodness gracious! This apple dump cake was very, very delicious and easy to make. Thanks for the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Harriet!
Kira
Apples are my favorite so anything apple I am always eager to try. This looks delish and a warm comforting pudding for winter
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kira! Enjoy!
Shelley
This was so delicious, and so incredibly easy to make. It is perfect for the season. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Shelley!
Karen
Omg, the cake was delicious. I am telling you, there was a lot of plate-licking going on, lol. Thanks a lot for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Karen!
Juliana
I do not think I have ever heard of a dump cake before, but it sounds very easy! Thank you for your recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Juliana!
Sammie
When we reach this time of year, it is all about the comfort food and this is definitely the best. We loved every bite.
Tammy
Oh my, this looks so good and with that dollop of ice cream on top!! I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tammy! Enjoy!
Isabella J
This apple dump cake was so delicious and incredibly easy to make! It’s like having the best parts of apple pie without all the fuss. The cake turned out warm, gooey, and packed with flavor.
Claudine
This is absolutely delicious! I made it for dessert last night, and it’s gone already! LOL
Michelle
This apple dump cake was fantastic. I did substitute walnuts because that’s what I had, and that was delicious. Served with ice cream and caramel sauce!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Michelle! So happy that you liked it!
Krystle
Nothing beats watching that ice cream melt into all the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness.
Virginia
What qualifies as premium apple pie filling? Any suggestions?
Beth Pierce
Look for simple ingredients like apples, water, sugar, corn starch, natural flavors, lemon juice, spices. The simpler and more natural the better. Have you tried Duncan Hines?
Valentina
This apple dump cake is the PERFECT dessert for summertime. So easy to make and so good!
Kristyn
Love dump cakes!! They are so easy & taste like you have spent all day making it! Apple is my favorite!
Betsy
So easy! Just dump and cook and presto! Dessert! Tastes amazing, too! Some vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce is so perfect! And a cup of coffee. I need my coffee. So, so, so good.
rika
This apple dump cake looks so good. I have everything I need to make this cake! My kids and I can’t wait to try it this weekend!