This apple dump cake is my go-to dessert recipe for fall with only 5 simple pantry ingredients! It’s the easiest apple dessert that is cozy, sweet and practically effortless.

Easy apple dump cake recipe with whipped cream served on a on a white plate.

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Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Apple dump cake is an easy boxed cake mix recipe made with apple pie filling, dry cake mix, cinnamon sugar and melted butter! As it bakes, the cake mix forms a golden crust, while the apples become tender and flavorful, it’s so simple with minimal effort!

I adapted this apple cake recipe from my classic dump cake recipe and added seasonal ingredients for the best fall flavor. It’s a nice change from my favorite summer peach dump cake recipe, blueberry dump cake and this chocolate dump cake recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 5 minutes: It’s easiest fall apple dessert for when you need something quick and crowd-pleasing.
  • Warm, cozy flavor: Like my brown bag apple pie but with a buttery cake topping like an apple cobbler, it’s especially delicious with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle of caramel.

Ingredient Notes

Apple dump cake ingredients including apple pie filling, butter, cake mix and cinnamon.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Apple pie filling: I love the ease of using the premade apple filling, whether it’s canned apple pie filling or homemade.
  • Yellow cake mix: The cake mix is a super easy way to skip mixing a lot of ingredients.
  • Brown sugar: Just a little extra sweetness to play off the apples.
  • Cinnamon: This spice warms up any fall dessert.
  • Butter: I like using salted as it enhances the flavors, and the butter gives the cake mix the liquid it needs to bake.

Topping Ideas

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

Just 5 minutes and only a few steps to create this fun fall apple dessert.

Showing how to make an apple dump cake recipe in a 4 step collage.
  • Combine. Mix together the cake mix, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Dump. Pour the apple pie filling into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  • Add cake mix and butter. Sprinkle the cake mix mixture over the apple filling. Cut the butter into thinly sliced pieces and place evenly on top of cake mix.
  • Bake. Bake the cake in the oven at 350°F for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and has a golden brown color.
Easy apple dump cake in a white baking dish showing the golden cake mix topping.

Baking Tips

  • A 9×13-inch pan will work too, however the cake won’t be as thick.
  • Make sure to slice the butter thin and spread out evenly over the top of the cake mix.
  • If you’d prefer, you can melt the butter and drizzle it over top.
  • If there is a dry spot after removing it from the oven, just add some additional butter and place back in the oven for a few minutes.
  • Have a can of pumpkin on hand? Make this pumpkin dump cake recipe, too!
Close up photo of apple dump cake topped with whipped cream on a white plate.

Love apple recipes? You’ll also love these apple pie cupcakes recipe, Dutch apple pie and apple turnovers.

More Easy Apple Desserts

Apple dump cake with whipped cream on a white plate.

Apple Dump Cake

4.98 from 41 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
This apple dump cake is my go-to dessert recipe for fall with only 5 simple pantry ingredients! It's the easiest apple dessert that is cozy, sweet and practically effortless.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 (28-ounce) can apple pie filling
  • 1 (18-ounce) yellow cake mix
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 10-12 Tablespoons salted butter , thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans , optional

For serving: Vanilla ice cream or Whipped cream, Caramel sauce

Instructions

  • Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
  • Add pie filling to dish. Pour 28 can of apple pie filling onto the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. You could also use a 9×13-inch pan if you don't want it as thick.
  • Add cake mix and butter. In a medium bowl, stir together the boxed cake mix, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until combined. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the apples. Place 10 Tablespoons butter slices over the top of the cake mix. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans, if desired.
  • Bake. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. 
  • Serve. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Using fresh apples: You can use fresh apples. Peel and core 3 apples. Then cut into 1/2″ cubes. Mix with 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar. 
Crockpot method: Pour the fruit in the bottom of the crockpot. Dump the cake mix on top and add the sliced butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If the pot is oven-safe you could broil a few minutes to brown the top.
Dutch oven method for camping: Line the pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Add the fruit filling, then pour the cake mix on top and then the sliced butter. Cover with lid and cook on hot coals for about 30 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 416mg, Potassium: 65mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 309IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 100mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make crockpot apple dump cake?

This recipe can easily be made in your slow cooker as well. Pour the apple filling into the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the cake mixture on top and then add the butter slices. Cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours (or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours).

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?

Absolutely! Simply replace the canned apples with 3 apples that have been peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes and mixed with 2 Tablespoons brown sugar. 

Does apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?

While this dessert tastes best fresh from the oven, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cool completely, cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container before storing the fridge.

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

While yellow cake mix is the preferred option, white cake mix or spice cake mix could work! Use gluten-free if needed.