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Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe 

Apple Dump Cake

Apple Dump Cake is a simple dessert made by layering canned apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and melted butter — no mixing bowls or fancy steps required. As it bakes, the butter soaks through the cake mix, creating a golden, crisp crust over gooey, spiced apples. It’s one of the easiest desserts to make, yet it delivers all the flavor of homemade apple pie.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the Apple Layer

Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula so the apples cover the bottom in a smooth layer. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples if you’d like a warm spice flavor.

Step 3: Add the Dry Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir — the dry mix should sit on top of the filling. This helps form a crisp, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Add Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps the topping bake evenly and prevents dry spots.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly across the top. They’ll toast beautifully while baking and add a slight crunch to each bite.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be crisp, and the center slightly soft and gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the Apple Dump Cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.