What exactly is an apple dump cake?

An apple dump cake is one of the easiest, most comforting desserts you can make. It gets its name from the method: you simply “dump” apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and melted butter into a baking dish—no mixing bowls or fancy techniques required. As it bakes, the buttery cake mix forms a golden, crisp topping over the sweet, gooey apples. The result is something between a cobbler and a crisp, with a rustic charm and cozy fall flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who wants homemade taste with minimal effort.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, just peel and slice about 5 to 6 medium apples and toss them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon before layering them in your baking dish. Add a splash of lemon juice to keep the apples bright and a tablespoon or two of flour to help thicken the juices as they bake. The texture will be slightly different—more like a classic baked apple dessert—but just as delicious. Using fresh apples lets you control the sweetness and spice, making the recipe feel even more homemade.

Should apple dump cake be served hot or cold?

Apple dump cake truly shines when served warm. The heat keeps the filling bubbly and the topping crisp, making it the ultimate cozy treat—especially topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. That said, it’s also tasty at room temperature or even chilled, though the topping will soften a bit as it sits. If you have leftovers, just reheat individual servings in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven comfort.

How is an apple dump cake different from an apple crisp or cobbler?

While all three desserts celebrate apples and a crunchy topping, their methods and textures are a little different. Apple dump cake uses cake mix for a buttery, slightly cakey crust, while apple crisp features a crumbly oat-and-butter topping. Cobblers, on the other hand, often have biscuit or batter-like dollops on top. Dump cake is the fastest and most hands-off of the bunch—no mixing or precise layering required, just a simple “dump and bake” approach that’s nearly foolproof.

Apple Dump Cake – Effortless Fall Favorite in 5 Steps

Name: Apple Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling; 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, chopped nuts, or caramel drizzle

Description

This Apple Dump Cake is a 5-ingredient fall favorite. Golden, gooey, and incredibly easy—no mixing required. The ultimate cozy dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, chopped nuts, or caramel drizzle

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Dump the apple pie filling into the dish and spread evenly.

4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples—do not stir.

5. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface to moisten the cake mix.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Swap in cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling for variations.

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12th
Calories: 310
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg