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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Cake » Apple Dump Cake

    Last updated: Aug 5, 2021 by Melissa Riker · 4 Comments

    Apple Dump Cake

    Jump to Recipe

    Dump cakes are an easy, all-American dessert recipe that can be prepped in just ten minutes using simple ingredients. This Apple Dump Cake takes all the flavors of fall to a new level for the perfect autumn dessert!

    apple dump cake on white plate with whipped cream on top

    Dump cakes are the best! These simple desserts are perfect when you want a fast, no-hassle recipe that is ready in under an hour. This Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe is perfect for fall entertaining!

    What is a Dump Cake?

    Quite simply, a dump cake is a dessert recipe that incorporated usually a canned fruit or pie filling topped with cake mix and butter. The butter melts into the cake mix for a sweet, crispy topping that just melts in your mouth!

    Ingredients

    • cake mix - I use yellow but you can choose butter, white, spice, or butter pecan too
    • apple pie filling - this is our shortcut secret to making this easy recipe fast!
    • butter - salted or unsalted, margarine will work too, this recipe is very forgiving and flexible
    • apple pie filling in white casserole dish
    • pouring cake mix over apple pie filling in white casserole dish

    Step by step

    This recipe couldn't be more simple!

    1. Start by pouring the can of apple pie filling into a 9-inch square baking dish.
    2. The apple filling is then topped with cake mix.
    • overhead view of pouring butter over cake mix
    • spoon spreading melted butter over cake mix for dump cake
    1. Finally, add melted butter (margarine is fine too!) evenly over the top. Use a spoon to spread it over the cake mix if needed.
    2. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
    Apple dump cake with one scoop taken out

    The result is a sweet, comforting dessert the entire family will love!

    Tips for best results

    • Try to break any large cake mix clumps up so they absorb the butter.
    • You can change up this Apple Dump Cake recipe by using butter pecan cake mix or spice cake mix.
    • Add pecans or walnuts to the topping
    • Add caramel or peanut butter chips to the apple pie filling
    spoon holding apple dump cake

    Serving suggestions

    Dump cake tastes best served warm. Serve topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, you can drizzle it with caramel sauce as well.

    FAQs

    Can I make dump cake with fresh apples?

    Yes you can definitely use fresh fruit for dump cakes, but it will come out with a different final texture (still tasty though!) If you want to make it with fresh apples instead of the apple pie filling, use 3 medium chopped apples tossed with ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

    Does dump cake need to be refrigerated?

    Depending on how long you want to store the leftovers you can keep them at room temperature for a day or so but the dump cake will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Either way, keep in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap.

    Can you freeze apple dump cake?

    Yes! Allow the dump cake to cool complete then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.

    Can I make this recipe with other pie fillings?

    Yes, you can experiment and make dump cake with store bought cherry, peach, strawberry, or blueberry pie fillings. You can also use your own homemade fruit fillings.

    Can I use other cake mixes?

    I tend to opt for yellow cake mix or butter cake mix for my dump cakes but you can really get creative with the flavors. The essential recipe is the same but if you opt for something like a spice cake I would leave out the apple pie spice.

    You might also like to try my Pumpkin Dump Cake, Peanut Butter Apple Crisp, or my blog's most popular recipe, Cinnamon Apple Bread which has been pinned over 1 million times!!

    If you’ve tried this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

    Print
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    apple dump cake on white plate with whipped cream on top

    Apple Dump Cake

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Melissa Riker
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 45 mins
    • Total Time: 55 mins
    • Yield: 9
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Dump cakes are an easy, all-American dessert recipe that can be prepped in just ten minutes. This 3 ingredient Apple Dump Cake will soon be a fall staple at your house!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 21 oz can apple pie filling
    • 1 box yellow cake mix
    • 6 tbsp butter or margarine, melted

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Add apples to a 9 by 9 casserole dish.
    3. Sprinkle dry cake mix over apples.
    4. Pour butter evenly over the top of cake mixture.
    5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

    Notes

    • T
    • Try to break any large cake mix clumps up so they absorb the butter.
    • You can change up this Apple Dump Cake recipe by using butter pecan cake mix or spice cake mix. You can also add pecans or walnuts to the topping as well.
    • Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or topped with whipped cream!

    Keywords: apple dump cake

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag @thehappierhomemaker — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Comments

    1. Kay rice says

      September 29, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      I made this exactly according to the recipe but it just wasn't right.
      There were several pockets of dry cake mix and the top with the nuts was hard.

      Reply
    2. Melissa says

      August 02, 2019 at 9:17 pm

      perfect for fall!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Erlene says

      December 24, 2014 at 8:00 pm

      Love easy cake recipes. Less time in the kitchen and more time with family during the holidays is always a plus.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 27, 2014 at 8:41 am

        I agree Erlene-dump cakes are so great because of how easy they are-even my 6 year old can help make one!

        Reply

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