Close-up of a slice of apple pie dump cake with a golden crumble topping and visible apple filling.

Amazing apple pie dump cake: 45 min bake

User avatar placeholder
Written by Sarah Peterson

August 9, 2025

Oh, you guys, get ready for a dessert that’s going to rock your world! If you’re like me, you adore that cinnamon-spiced hug of apple pie, but sometimes… well, sometimes life is just too busy for all that rolling and crimping. That’s where this incredible apple pie dump cake comes in! It’s the ultimate mash-up: all the cozy, comforting flavors of homemade apple pie baked into the easiest dump cake you’ll ever make. It’s genuinely one of my go-to recipes. My Grandma used to make the most amazing apple pies, and while this isn’t exactly her classic, it captures that same cozy spirit. My whole philosophy here at Cut Cook Taste is making delicious food totally accessible, and trust me, this recipe is proof. It’s crazy simple, perfect for those nights when you need dessert *now*, and it tastes like pure autumn magic.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Dump Cake

Seriously, what’s not to love? This apple pie dump cake is:

  • Crazy Easy: Like, dump-it-in-the-pan easy. No fancy techniques needed at all!
  • Super Fast: We’re talking minimal prep to get it into the oven in under 10 minutes.
  • Totally Delicious: It’s like apple pie met a magic shortcut. So comforting and yummy!
  • Perfect for Fall: It’s the unofficial dessert of sweater weather and cozy nights.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Apple Pie Dump Cake

Alright, let’s get our goodies together for this magic! The beauty of this apple pie dump cake is how simple the ingredient list is. You’ll need:

  • One can (that’s 21 ounces!) of your favorite apple pie filling. Make sure it’s the good stuff for that classic pie flavor.
  • A box, about 15.25 ounces, of yellow cake mix. Don’t even stress about mixing it up, just grab the dry mix!
  • Half a cup, which is one stick, of unsalted butter. Just make sure it’s melted so it can do its drizzly thing.
  • Now, for some fun optional extras: about half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts if you like a little nutty crunch. And definitely grab some caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for serving, trust me on this!

How to Prepare Your Simple Apple Pie Dump Cake

Okay, friends, let’s get this goodness into the oven! Making this apple pie dump cake is honestly one of the easiest baking adventures you’ll ever go on. You literally just dump it all in, hence the name! I still can’t get over how simple it is, but it always turns out tasting so homemade and delicious. It’s one of those recipes that just makes you feel like a baking rockstar without breaking a sweat.

Preheating and Preparing the Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and warm! Go ahead and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 175 Celsius for you folks across the pond). You’ll want to grab a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. Honestly, any kind will do, just make sure it’s big enough for all that yummy goodness.

Layering the Apple Pie Dump Cake

Now for the fun part! Open up that can of apple pie filling and just pour it right into your baking dish. Spread it around evenly so you’ve got a nice, even layer of apples all across the bottom. Next, grab that box of dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it all over the top. And seriously, *do not mix* these two layers together! Just let them sit there, waiting for their buttery friend. Now, take your melted butter and drizzle it evenly all over that dry cake mix. If you decided to go with the chopped nuts, sprinkle those on now too. It adds such a lovely little crunch!

Baking Your Delicious Apple Dump Cake

Into the oven it goes! You’ll want to bake this for about 40 to 45 minutes. What you’re looking for is that beautiful golden brown color on top of the cake mix, and you should see the apple filling bubbling up around the edges. It smells absolutely divine when it’s baking, like a cozy autumn dream! Once it looks perfect, carefully take it out of the oven and let it sit for just a few minutes before you dive in.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Spice Dump Cake

You know, even with something as simple as this apple pie dump cake, a few little tricks from my own kitchen can take it from simply good to absolutely spectacular. It’s all about those tiny details that make a big difference, right? A lot of you ask about adding extra spice, and yes, you totally can! My secret? Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon right into that dry yellow cake mix before you sprinkle it over the apples. It just amps up that cozy apple spice flavor even more! Also, a quick tip: try not to over-bake it. You want it golden and bubbly, but if it gets too dark, the apples can turn a bit mushy. And don’t worry if your cake mix layer isn’t perfectly even after drizzling the butter; it bakes out beautifully! It’s all part of the charm of a true dump cake.

Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Dessert Recipe

This apple pie dump cake is practically begging to be dressed up! The absolute best way to enjoy it, in my humble opinion, is warm. Like, right out of the oven warm. Grab a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and let it slowly melt into those warm, bubbly apples and cakey bits. Pure bliss! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the top takes this fall dessert recipe to a whole new level. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl and perfect for any fall gathering you’ve got coming up!

Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Apple Dump Cake

Got questions about whipping up this easy apple pie dump cake? I’ve got you covered! People often ask about making it even simpler or how to manage leftovers, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from testing this recipe a million times.

Can I make a 3 ingredient apple dump cake?

You know, the beauty of this recipe is how incredibly simple it is already! The core of this apple dump cake really relies on the apple pie filling, the cake mix, and the butter. While technically you could skip the nuts or caramel, those three are pretty essential for that classic flavor and gooey texture. So, I’d say stick with those three core players for the best results!

How do I store leftovers of this apple dump cake?

If, by some miracle, you have any leftover apple dump cake (which is rare in my house!), just pop it into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. It’s still pretty darn delicious the next day!

Can I make a Crockpot apple dump cake?

Oh, you totally can! If you’re a slow cooker fan, this recipe adapts beautifully. Just layer everything in your slow cooker the same way you would in the baking dish – apples on the bottom, then cake mix, then butter. Cook on low for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on it, and you want to see that cake mixture golden and bubbly. It’s another super easy way to get this delicious dessert!

Nutritional Estimate for Apple Pie Dump Cake

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but I do like to give you a general idea of what you’re working with here. This apple pie dump cake recipe, when divided into about 12 servings, usually works out to be around 350 calories per slice. You’ll also find roughly 35g of sugar and 18g of fat in each piece. Just remember, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the brands of apple filling and cake mix you use, or if you go wild with extra caramel or ice cream!

Share Your Apple Pie Dump Cake Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you all! Did you try this super simple apple pie dump cake? Did it become your new favorite fall dessert? I’d be thrilled if you’d share your experience in the comments below. Let me know if you added any personal twists or how you served it up with that glorious caramel and ice cream! Rating the recipe helps others find it too, so please do that if you can. Your feedback makes my baking heart happy!

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Print

Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple one-pan dessert that combines the flavors of apple pie with the ease of a dump cake. Perfect for fall gatherings.

  • Author: Sarah Peterson
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
  • Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Do not mix.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
  5. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
  8. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry cake mix before baking.
  • If you don’t have yellow cake mix, white cake mix also works well.
  • This dessert is best served warm.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Image placeholder

Sarah Peterson is the founder, recipe developer, and voice behind Cut Cook Taste. Growing up in a Midwestern family where the kitchen was the heart of the home, Sarah learned that recipes are stories passed down through generations. After years as a passionate home cook, she launched Cut Cook Taste to share her love for classic American cuisine and to empower others in the kitchen. Her expertise comes from a lifetime of hands-on experience, focusing on creating reliable, family-friendly recipes with fresh, accessible ingredients. Every recipe on the site is meticulously tested in her own kitchen to ensure it's simple to follow and absolutely delicious.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star