Coziest Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around this delightful apple pie dump cake that promises pure comfort.

Warm spices and sweet apples create a magical dessert anyone can master.

Simplicity defines this recipe, making it perfect for novice bakers seeking a foolproof treat.

Rustic and homey, the dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Layers of tender fruit and buttery crumble melt together into a heavenly combination.

Cinnamon and brown sugar dance across the surface, promising a decadent experience.

One spoonful will transport you to cozy autumn afternoons filled with happiness.

You won’t believe how easily this dessert comes together—grab a fork and dig in!

Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe Fans Will Appreciate

• Lightning-Fast Dessert Creation makes this recipe a winner for busy home cooks. The dump cake technique requires minimal prep work, allowing you to toss ingredients directly into the baking dish without complicated mixing or measuring steps.
• Quick Family-Friendly Comfort offers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. Kids can help sprinkle ingredients, making it a fun bonding activity that produces a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options elevate this humble dessert into a crowd-pleaser. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or experiment with different toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or chopped nuts to customize your experience.
• Effortless Weekend Baking transforms dessert-making into a stress-free experience. With just 45-50 minutes of baking time and simple ingredients, you can create a homemade treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or lazy weekend afternoons.

Ingredients List for Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the sweet, cakey foundation for the dessert. Dry mix ensures easy layering and crisp topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize and structure the cake base if using homemade cake mix.

• Apple Pie Filling: Core component that delivers sweet apple flavor and moisture. Canned or homemade filling works perfectly.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complement the apple flavor. Ground versions recommended for even distribution.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a golden, crispy top and adds rich, buttery flavor. Sliced butter helps even melting.

• Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch and nutty dimension. Completely optional but recommended for texture.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Classic accompaniments that complement the warm, sweet dessert. Enhances overall taste and presentation.

How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter. Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Create Apple Layer

• Apple pie filling
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the filling for an extra burst of warm flavor.

Step 3: Build Cake Foundation

• Dry cake mix
• Butter

Gently pour the dry cake mix over the apple filling, making sure every inch of fruit is covered. Slice butter into thin pats and scatter them across the top of the cake mix.

Step 4: Add Optional Crunch

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

If you love a little texture, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the cake mix.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with sweet, fruity goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Helpful Tips for Apple Pie Dump Cake Success

• Customize Flavor Boost: Enhance the apple pie filling with a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground ginger for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain excess liquid from the apple pie filling to ensure a crisp, golden-brown cake mix topping that doesn't become mushy during baking.
• Nutty Crunch Alternative: Swap chopped pecans or walnuts with sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers for a different texture and nutty undertone that complements the sweet apple base.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix option, making this dessert accessible for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.
• Quick Serving Hack: Serve the dump cake directly from the baking dish with a large spoon for a rustic, homestyle presentation that keeps the dessert warm and inviting.

Keeping Apple Pie Dump Cake Fresh Longer

• Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a sweet treat later.
• Warm slices at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring that just-baked warmth and texture.
• Zap individual portions for 20-30 seconds to enjoy a quick, warm dessert without waiting.

Perfect Pairings for Apple Pie Dump Cake

• Vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm, gooey apple pie dump cake, creating a classic dessert combination that balances temperature and sweetness.
• Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds rich, buttery notes that complement the apple's natural sweetness and enhance the cake's warm spices.
• A spiced chai tea with milk echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake, offering a cozy, aromatic drink that mirrors the dessert's warm flavors.
• A glass of late-harvest Riesling or moscato provides a sweet, fruity counterpoint to the rich, buttery cake, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Flavor Variations for Apple Pie Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix blend, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the classic apple pie flavor.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based cake mix to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Low-Sugar Option: Select a sugar-free apple pie filling and use a sugar-free cake mix to reduce overall sweetness, ideal for diabetic-friendly desserts or low-carb diets.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Add extra warming spices like cardamom or ginger to the apple filling, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile that celebrates seasonal tastes.

Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe Common Questions

• Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works great and can add a more fresh, authentic flavor to your dump cake.

• Do I need to mix the cake mix before adding it to the pan?

No, you don’t. Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the apple pie filling without mixing or preparing it beforehand.

• What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?

Yellow or white cake mix are the most popular choices and work perfectly with apple pie filling, creating a delicious and simple dessert.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to create a gluten-free version of this dessert that tastes just as delicious.

Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets simplicity in this classic Apple Pie Dump Cake, where convenience blends with homestyle goodness. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples mingle with buttery cake crumbles, creating a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure, nostalgic pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 ounces / 595 grams each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats

Spices and Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating the interior of a 9×13-inch dish with a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Distribute the apple pie filling uniformly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even landscape of fruity goodness.
3. Dust the surface with ground cinnamon and nutmeg, allowing the aromatic spices to enhance the apple base.
4. Create a blanket of dry cake mix, gently cascading it over the apple filling to ensure complete coverage.
5. Strategically place cold butter slices across the cake mix surface, ensuring they will melt and create a rich, golden crust during baking.
6. Scatter chopped nuts across the top for an additional layer of texture and crunch, if desired.
7. Position the dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C), allowing the ingredients to transform and meld together.
8. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal the dessert’s readiness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest and settle for a few minutes, letting the flavors integrate.
10. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream to complement the rustic dessert.

Notes

• Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the apple pie filling’s warmth and complexity.
• Customize the cake mix base by using yellow, white, or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Reduce sugar content by choosing a sugar-free pie filling or using fresh sliced apples instead of canned filling for a lighter dessert option.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg