BUTTERY APPLE DUMP CAKE

Apple Dump Cake made easy with 4 simple ingredients: cake mix, 2 cans of apple pie filling, 2 sticks of butter and cinnamon! This apple dessert has all the apple pie flavors without all the fuss!

Shared over 17,000 times on social media, Nana’s Apple Dump Cake recipe has buttery crisp cake baked on top of tangy apples in a cinnamon spiced sauce! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I adore apple pie, but sometimes, I just want a quick & easy dessert that tastes like apple pie, but doesn’t require the hours needed to make a homemade apple pie, you know? Enter in Nana’s Apple Dump Cake recipe!

Tips for the Best Flavor in your Apple Dump Cake

• Don’t Skimp on the Spice! If you use a white or yellow cake mix, you’ll definitely want to add in the 1 tsp cinnamon. It adds so much flavor! If you use a Spice Cake mix, I’d still add an additional ½ tsp of cinnamon to the cake.
• BUTTER. Yes, this recipe calls for 2 sticks. Don’t reduce it! Use them both. The butter not only contributes to the texture, but also the flavor. Don’t replace it with margarine or shortening. I tend to use salted butter because I think it tastes better.
• Assemble the dump cake neatly. This is a simple dessert, but I show you how to cut the butter and place it on top of the cake mix neatly because it matters. You want the butter to melt and bake into the cake mix evenly, so it needs to be placed on top of the neatly spreaded cake mix in an orderly manner. It doesn’t take a lot of time at all and the end result is worth it!

Key Ingredients for our Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Apple pie filling: You need two 20-oz cans of apple pie filling. Whether it be homemade apple pie filling, or brand name or off brand, make sure you like it, and that it tastes good!

Cinnamon: Sprinkle on 1 tsp of cinnamon to boost the flavor of the cake. I use the Ground Saigon cinnamon from Costco because it has a strong, robust cinnamon flavor.

Cake mix: Use one box of cake mix for the base of this recipe. I know cake mixes used to be around 15 oz and now they’re 13 oz, don’t worry, that’s not a problem in this cake. Use a cake mix you have on hand- yellow, white, even a spice cake mix would be great!

Butter: Add 1 cup of butter to the top of this cake before baking. You will use the full 2 sticks of butter! I use salted butter but you’re welcome to use what you have on hand. I strongly recommend NOT using margarine or shortening in place of the butter!

Important Steps for Making an Apple Dump Cake with Pie Filling

Dump Cakes are super simple recipes, but here’s a few tips for getting the best cake possible from these 4 simple ingredients:

1. Pour the apple pie filling in and then use a rubber scraper to spread it out and make it even in the pan.

2. Don’t forget the cinnamon! I sprinkle it over the apples.

3. Again, try and be nice and neat. Pour the cake mix on top of the apple cinnamon layer. Then spread the cake mix around the pan evenly and pat it down gently as you go. This gives the butter a level surface to melt on!

4. Slice the 2 sticks of butter into even slices. You can slice them as thin as ½ tablespoon, but I wouldn’t go thinner than that. And as you can see, my cake wasn’t perfectly even, but it’s close and it turned out perfectly.

5. Bake for the full time. The dump cake takes 45-55 minutes to bake up. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the apples underneath are hot and bubbling.

Serve warm and top individual servings with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!!

How long is this good for & how do you store it?

Dump cake is best when served the same day it’s baked. Nothing compared to a warm scoop topped with vanilla ice cream! If you have leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do know the leftovers tend to soften over time. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months.

How can you add a unique twist to a classic apple dump cake?

Adding ingredients like caramel sauce, nuts, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture. Experimenting with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, can also introduce new flavors to the dish.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling in dump cake?

Using fresh apples is possible but requires additional preparation. The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced. They also need to be combined with sugar and spices to mimic the flavor of canned apple pie filling. My friend has a great recipe for Homemade Apple Pie Filling.

Enjoy Apple Dessert recipes? So do we!

• If you love apples as much as we do, you can’t go wrong making these mini apple pies.
• When you find yourself with an over abundance of apples, whip up some fried cinnamon apples to serve along side dinner, or a simple dessert.
• Need a delicious, sweet appetizer to serve? This recipe for toffee dip with apples is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it!
• Our glazed apple cinnamon bread makes a lovely breakfast, dessert, or snack option!
• Make this simple crock pot applesauce for a warm, comforting treat for your family.
• Okay, not a dessert, but rather a great lunch! This recipe is packed with protein and apples, give this chicken salad & apples recipe a try.

Easy Apple Dump Cake recipe with just 4 simple pantry ingredients! Cake mix & apple pie filling transform into a delicious apple dessert perfect for any occasion.