Easy Apple Dessert with Cake Mix and Pie Filling

This easy apple dessert with cake mix and pie filling takes just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep. With a layer of tender apple filling topped by a buttery, golden cake crust, this quick dump cake brings all the comfort of homemade cobbler without the fuss. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples, perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekends. Warm, simple, and full of flavor, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Three Ingredients, Endless Comfort

Few desserts are as satisfying for so little effort. With just apple pie filling, a box of spice cake mix, and a bit of butter, you get a dessert that feels like it took hours to make. The pie filling creates a rich, fruity base, while the spice cake adds warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. Thinly sliced butter melts through the mix as it bakes, creating a crumbly, buttery topping that’s crisp on top and tender underneath.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dessert works for every season. In fall, it’s the perfect apple treat for Thanksgiving or family gatherings. In winter, it’s a cozy companion to a mug of coffee or tea. During spring and summer, serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for a lighter twist. You can bake it in under an hour and enjoy it warm right from the oven or chilled the next day.

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Preparing the Ingredients

Choosing the Right Cake Mix

A spice cake mix brings depth to the dessert with its aromatic spices, but yellow or vanilla cake mix works too if you want a milder flavor. If you use a plain mix, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or apple pie spice for a hint of warmth. The mix creates a perfect crumbly layer once baked, absorbing some of the buttery flavor without turning soggy.

Picking the Perfect Pie Filling

Canned apple pie filling is ideal because it saves time and guarantees consistent results. You can choose between classic sweet fillings or ones with added cinnamon for a bolder taste. If you want more texture, mix in a handful of fresh chopped apples with the canned filling. This combination gives the dessert a balance between soft fruit and a slight bite.

Building the Layers

The Fruit Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the apple pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. The apples form a juicy, flavorful foundation that bubbles up through the topping as it bakes. The filling’s syrup ensures the cake layer stays moist and golden rather than dry.

The Cake and Butter Layer

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling, using the back of a spoon to smooth any lumps. Avoid pressing it down—you want the buttery topping to stay light and crumbly. Then arrange thin slices of butter evenly over the top. The butter melts and seeps into the cake mix, creating a rich crust that’s crisp at the edges and tender in the middle.

Baking and Serving

The Perfect Bake

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown and the apple filling to bubble up. The top should look lightly crisped, with melted butter absorbed into the cake mix. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen as it finishes baking. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes so the layers can settle before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast between hot and cold, or drizzle it with caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon make a simple yet elegant presentation. For a Canadian twist, pair it with maple syrup or a scoop of maple walnut ice cream for added flavor depth.

Tips and Variations

Customizing Your Dessert

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try different pie fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or peach for new flavor profiles. You can even combine apple with cranberry pie filling for a festive holiday version. For more texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before baking. They toast beautifully and add a nutty crunch to every bite.

Making It Even Easier

If you prefer less cleanup, prepare everything directly in the baking dish—no bowls required. You can also turn this recipe into individual servings by dividing the ingredients into ramekins or small baking cups. This makes for an easy make-ahead dessert for parties or family gatherings. For inspiration on similar quick desserts, visit Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake for another effortless treat using simple ingredients and a cake mix.

Storage and Reheating

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to a sealed container. The cake remains moist, and the buttery topping keeps its texture when chilled. If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

The Best Way to Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–25 seconds until warm, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can make the topping soggy. A quick warm-up restores the buttery aroma and brings back the comforting texture that makes this dessert so special.

Serving for Special Occasions

Turn It into a Celebration Dessert

You can easily dress up this dump cake for special occasions. Add a layer of streusel made from oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the butter before baking for a crispier topping. Drizzle caramel sauce in a crisscross pattern and garnish with apple slices for a bakery-worthy look. Serve it in glass dessert dishes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a parfait-style presentation.

A Dessert for All Seasons

This apple dessert is a great base for flavor experiments. In fall, mix in pumpkin pie spice. During summer, pair it with fresh berries. In winter, drizzle it with warm caramel or bourbon glaze. Spring calls for a lighter version topped with fresh whipped cream. However you serve it, it’s one of those desserts that always feels comforting, familiar, and completely satisfying.

FAQ

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to add sugar and spices to mimic the sweetness and syrup of canned filling.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your pie filling is labeled gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or oats to the topping?
Absolutely. Pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of oats create a wonderful crunch and rustic look.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm from the oven with ice cream, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream—it’s delicious every way.

Conclusion

This easy apple dessert with cake mix and pie filling proves that simplicity can be delicious. With just three ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels homemade and comforting. The buttery golden topping and warm spiced apple filling come together in perfect harmony, offering a cozy treat in less than an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something sweet after dinner, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your baking routine.