Looking for a simple, delicious dessert that comes together in no time? This Easy Apple Dump Cake recipe is the answer! Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its warm, spiced apple filling and a buttery cake topping, it's an instant crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake

• Use homemade apple pie filling: If you prefer homemade, go ahead and make your own apple pie filling. It’s a great way to use fresh apples if they’re in season!
• Try different cake mixes: While yellow or white cake mix works perfectly, you can experiment with other cake flavors like spice cake, butter pecan, or cinnamon swirl for a unique twist.
• Add extra toppings: For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before adding the butter for a crunchy, nutty texture.
• Serve warm: This dump cake is best served warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes, you can! If you want to use fresh apples, you can make your own apple pie filling by cooking the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice to create a thick, pie-like filling.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow or white cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like cinnamon, spice, butter pecan, or even carrot cake to give your apple dump cake a unique twist.

Do I have to use salted butter?

While salted butter enhances the flavor, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. Just be aware that it might change the taste slightly, so you can adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.

Can I make apple dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple dump cake in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed, and you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can also test it by inserting a toothpick into the cake layer to ensure it comes out clean.

Can I freeze apple dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

What should I serve with apple dump cake?

Apple dump cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I make this without butter?

While butter helps achieve the signature crispy top, you can substitute it with margarine or even coconut oil if needed. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.

Why is it called "dump cake"?

It’s called "dump cake" because you essentially dump the ingredients into the pan—there's no need to mix or prepare the batter. It’s a super easy, no-fuss recipe!

Can I add nuts to apple dump cake?

Yes! If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the cake mix before adding the butter.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Dump Cake:

• 2 (21 oz.) cans of apple pie filling (or homemade apple pie filling)
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 (15.25 oz.) box yellow or white cake mix
• ¾ cup salted butter, melted

How to Make Easy Apple Dump Cake:

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and turns golden brown.

Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray. This will make cleanup easier once your cake is done!

Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Pour the two cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. If you're using homemade apple pie filling, that works just as well!

Add the Cake Mix and Apple Pie Spice
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Make sure the entire surface is covered. Then, sprinkle the apple pie spice on top for an extra burst of fall flavor.

Drizzle the Butter
Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help create that crisp, golden topping as the cake bakes.

Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn't over-brown.

Serve & Enjoy!
Once your easy apple dump cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Dump Cake

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests. It’s so simple to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! The apple pie filling and apple pie spice bring that classic fall flavor, while the buttery cake mix topping adds a perfect texture and sweetness. It's also incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch up the cake mix flavor or add nuts or caramel for extra richness.

This Easy Apple Dump Cake recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without the hassle of making a crust. Whether you're serving it for a family dessert or bringing it to a potluck, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!