Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Making dessert doesn’t have to be complicated, and this easy apple pie dump cake recipe proves it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the cozy sweetness of homemade apple pie without rolling any crust or spending hours in the kitchen. This dessert is rich, buttery, and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples that bubble under a crisp golden topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers big flavor for minimal effort, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings. Canadians love comforting desserts, and this one fits the season beautifully, especially when served warm on a cool evening.

Why This Recipe Works

The easiest path to apple pie flavor

Apple pie takes time, effort, and a bit of skill. You have to prepare a crust, peel and slice apples, and hope it all bakes evenly. This recipe skips the fuss while keeping the flavor. With ready-made apple pie filling and cake mix, you get the same sweet, cinnamon-rich taste of traditional pie with a fraction of the work. The buttery topping melts into the dry mix as it bakes, forming a crisp, golden crust that tastes like a crumble. Every bite feels nostalgic and homemade, yet it’s simple enough for beginners to master on the first try.

A reliable dessert for any occasion

What makes this recipe special is its reliability. It’s practically foolproof, so you can make it on a whim without worrying about precision. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a cozy dinner at home or a large family gathering, it never disappoints. The recipe uses ingredients found in almost any pantry, making it convenient for unexpected guests or those times when you just want something sweet after dinner. Best of all, it’s a one-dish wonder that saves you cleanup time and still looks elegant enough to serve at the table.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

What you’ll need

This dessert only needs four pantry staples:

• 40 ounces of apple pie filling (two 20-ounce cans)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoon pieces

These simple ingredients combine to make something magical. The pie filling gives the cake moisture and flavor, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the cake mix provides the perfect texture for the crisp topping. The butter binds it all together and gives it a rich, bakery-style finish.

Easy ingredient swaps

This recipe is flexible enough for customization. Swap the yellow cake mix for white, spice, or even carrot cake mix to create new versions of the same comforting dessert. You can also mix chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the apple pie filling for a touch of crunch. If you want a caramelized sweetness, drizzle a bit of caramel or maple syrup over the filling before adding the cake mix. During the holidays, add nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon for a warm seasonal touch.

How to Make the Cake

Quick prep steps

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to make sure the cake releases easily after baking. Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the apples to boost their flavor. These steps form the base layer, which becomes soft and syrupy as the dessert bakes.

Building and baking

Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer, making sure it covers the filling completely. Place the butter slices on top of the cake mix, spacing them evenly so that they melt and spread during baking. Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about ten minutes before serving. The butter will have soaked through the mix to create a soft, crumbly top that tastes rich and buttery.

Serving and Storage

Best way to serve

This cake is at its best when served warm. Scoop generous portions into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel. The contrast between warm apples and cold ice cream makes it especially comforting. For a more rustic feel, serve it straight from the baking dish. It’s casual enough for family dinners but impressive enough to serve at a party. If you’re making it ahead, reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore its crisp texture.

How to store it

Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it. You can keep it in the same dish, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, or store leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven. You can even enjoy it cold for breakfast with coffee—it’s sweet, spiced, and satisfying.

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

Butter placement matters

One of the keys to a great dump cake is even butter coverage. If some areas of the cake mix look dry before baking, drizzle melted butter over them. This ensures the entire topping bakes to a golden, crisp finish. Uneven buttering can cause pockets of dry mix, which are easy to avoid with this simple step.

Getting your ideal texture

If you love a crunchier crust, bake a few minutes longer until the top turns deep golden brown. For a softer, cobbler-style topping, take it out of the oven a bit earlier. The baking time also affects the filling: longer baking thickens the apples more, while shorter baking keeps them softer and juicier. Adjust based on your preference and oven type.

Creative Variations

Seasonal twists

This recipe is a great base for experimenting with other fillings. In fall, combine apple pie filling with cranberries or pears for a tangy balance. In summer, replace apples with peaches, cherries, or blueberries for a fresh fruit flavor. Each variation uses the same technique—just switch the filling and you’ll have an entirely new dessert.

Fun mix-ins

For extra flavor, try sprinkling brown sugar, oats, or chopped nuts over the top before baking. You can also add shredded coconut or a handful of toffee bits for a richer finish. For inspiration on how flexible dump cakes can be, visit this similar recipe for Easy Triple Berry Dump Cake, which uses a mix of berries and cake mix to create a sweet and colorful treat that’s equally effortless.

Serving Ideas and Occasions

Perfect for any season

This dessert fits into any time of year. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving tables across Canada, but it’s just as welcome during summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners. Its simplicity makes it ideal for potlucks, where it can be served right from the baking dish and still look delicious.

Pairing suggestions

Pair this cake with your favorite hot beverage like coffee, apple cider, or tea. It also goes beautifully with creamy desserts like vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. For a decadent option, serve it with whipped cream dusted with cinnamon sugar. The blend of apple, butter, and spice pairs naturally with hearty main dishes, making it a versatile dessert that complements nearly any meal.

FAQ

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 300°F to bring back its crisp texture.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Definitely. Slice about six cups of apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of flour before layering. Bake a bit longer, about 55 to 60 minutes, to ensure the apples soften completely.

Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute dairy-free butter alternatives and use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. The result will still be flavorful, golden, and just as satisfying.

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe is proof that comfort desserts don’t need to be complicated. In less than an hour, you can create a dessert that combines the sweetness of apple pie with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix. It’s buttery, spiced, and full of homemade flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, it’s a dessert that feels nostalgic, warm, and effortlessly delicious. Keep a few cans of apple pie filling and a box of cake mix in your pantry, and you’ll always be just minutes away from a dessert that brings people together.