Apple Dump Cake

Love easy dessert recipes? Dump cakes may become your new go-to. We see dump cake recipe ideas all over TikTok because this dessert is so simple. The name refers to the way the ingredients are literally dumped into a baking dish—no mixing required. A dump cake recipe comes together in minutes, and after it’s baked, the flavor and textures are amazing.

Several types of dump cake recipes exist, including peach dump cake, cherry pineapple dump cake and, of course, the ever-popular apple dump cake!

Ingredients for Apple Dump Cake

• Apple pie filling: You’ll need not one but two 20-ounce cans apple pie filling for this dump cake recipe. Or, feel free to make your own apple pie filling from scratch.
• Yellow cake mix: Feeling option overload at the store? Don’t worry, we made a list of the best yellow cake mixes available so you can bake a tasty apple dump cake.
• Butter: For this apple dump cake recipe, you’ll need 1 cup melted butter, which equates to two sticks of butter.
• Whipped cream: Although optional, whipped cream creates that perfect finishing touch. We highly recommend it.

Directions

Step 1: Pour in the filling

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Evenly spread the apple pie filling into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add the cake mix

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Shake the cake mix over the apple pie filling, making sure it’s in an even layer.

Step 3: Drizzle with butter

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Evenly pour the melted butter all over the cake mix.

Step 4: Bake the cake

Bake the cake until it’s golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool the apple dump cake on a wire rack at room temperature. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

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Recipe Variations

• Use your favorite cake mix flavor: Other cake mixes on the shelves will pair perfectly with the apple pie filling. French vanilla or white cake mix fits the bill, but our No. 1 choice after yellow would be a spiced cake mix.
• Swap in another pie filling: Not in the mood for an apple dessert? Any other canned pie filling at the store works in a pinch and pairs with yellow cake mix. Go with what you’re craving!
• Create some texture: Scatter chopped pecans or slivered almonds on the cake before baking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Pack in extra flavors: You can also add a splash of your cabinet’s best vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to round out the flavors of this apple dump cake recipe.

How to Store Apple Dump Cake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the cake cool to room temp, cover the pan with storage wrap and store the cake in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can an apple dump cake be frozen?

Baked apple dump cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. To thaw, place the frozen dump cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350° until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave smaller servings for about 45 seconds or until warmed through.

Apple Dump Cake Tips

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Can you use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

You can certainly use fresh apples, but the apple dump cake will need to bake longer. If using fresh apples, peel the apples first and be sure to add some extra cinnamon sugar to give the apples more flavor and to balance out any tartness. Here are the best apples for apple bakes.

How should you serve apple dump cake?

When a dessert is this good, only simple toppings are needed. Serve it with premade or homemade sweetened whipped cream or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then, take this apple pie filling dump cake over the top with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.