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Oh my goodness, you have to try this apple pie dump cake! It’s the easiest dessert you’ll ever make, and trust me, it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I first made this for a last-minute potluck when I realized I’d forgotten to bake anything – talk about a lifesaver! With just three main ingredients (apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter), you can have this warm, gooey treat ready in under an hour. The smell alone will have your whole family gathered in the kitchen, forks in hand, waiting for that first bite. It’s become my go-to recipe for fall gatherings, football Sundays, and those “I need dessert NOW” moments.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Dump Cake
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen! First off, it’s ridiculously easy – we’re talking three main ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Just dump, bake, and enjoy that heavenly apple pie aroma filling your home. Here’s why this dessert is pure magic:
- Minimal ingredients: Apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter – that’s it! (Though I always add a sprinkle of cinnamon because, well, why not?)
- One-pan wonder: Mix everything right in the baking dish – fewer dishes means more time enjoying your dessert!
- Quick bake time: Ready in under an hour, perfect for those “I need dessert NOW” emergencies.
- Apple pie flavor: All the cozy, cinnamon-spiced goodness of homemade apple pie without all the work.
Honestly, this apple pie dump cake is the dessert equivalent of a warm hug – comforting, effortless, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. My family goes crazy for it every time!
Ingredients for Apple Pie Dump Cake
Okay, let’s gather our treasures – and trust me, you’ll be shocked at how few there are! Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical dessert:
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling – The star of the show! I like the kind with extra cinnamon, but any brand works.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – The dry mix straight from the box – no need to prepare it!
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – This creates that golden, crispy topping we all love.
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon – My little secret for extra warmth and spice.
See? I told you it was simple! These basic ingredients transform into something spectacular in the oven. Now let’s get baking!
How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake
Making this apple pie dump cake is easier than pie – literally! Here’s my foolproof method for creating that perfect combination of gooey apple filling and crispy golden topping:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when our apple pie dump cake goes in. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray or rub it down with butter. This little step makes all the difference for easy serving later!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Now for the “dump” part of our apple pie dump cake! Pour your can of apple pie filling into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry about perfection – rustic is charming! Then, take your dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples like you’re dusting powdered sugar. I like to use a fine-mesh sieve to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Add Butter and Bake
Here comes the magic! Slowly drizzle that melted butter all over the cake mix layer, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. Pop your apple pie dump cake in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns that perfect golden brown and you see delicious bubbles peeking through the edges.
Let your apple pie dump cake rest for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps the layers set beautifully. The wait will be torture with that incredible cinnamon-apple aroma filling your kitchen, but it’s worth it! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top for pure dessert heaven.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Dump Cake
After making this apple pie dump cake more times than I can count (okay, maybe I can count – it’s a lot!), I’ve picked up some tricks to take it from good to “Oh my gosh, give me the recipe!” amazing:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple pie filling before layering – it makes the whole house smell like fall!
- Mix it up: Try using spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Serve it warm: Trust me, that melty vanilla ice cream pooling into the crispy topping is what dessert dreams are made of.
- Butter distribution: Use a spoon to gently spread any dry spots after drizzling the butter – this ensures every bite gets that golden crunch.
These little tweaks make my apple pie dump cake taste like I spent all day baking, when really I just spent five minutes dumping ingredients together!
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Dump Cake
Oh, let me tell you how to serve this apple pie dump cake for maximum deliciousness! First rule: serve it warm – that’s when the magic happens. The crispy golden top gives way to that gooey apple filling underneath. My absolute favorite way is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The cold creaminess against the warm cake? Pure heaven!
For extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over everything – it takes this simple dessert to fancy bakery-level goodness. And if you’re serving it at a fall gathering, pair it with hot coffee or spiced tea. The cozy flavors just belong together! Trust me, your guests will be scraping their plates clean and asking for seconds.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about keeping your apple pie dump cake tasting amazing – because let’s be real, leftovers rarely happen in my house! But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s what to do: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days (though mine never lasts that long!). To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and gooey again. For that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Either way, don’t forget to add another scoop of ice cream – because why not?
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these nutrition estimates can vary based on the specific brands of pie filling and cake mix you use. While I’ve included general numbers to give you an idea, please consider this a rough guide rather than exact measurements. Your apple pie dump cake might be slightly different depending on your ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about my apple pie dump cake:
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works great in this dump cake recipe. Just make sure your apples are tender and the mixture isn’t too runny – I like adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up if needed.
Can I make apple pie dump cake in a crockpot?
You bet! Layer everything the same way but cook on high for 2-3 hours. The top won’t get as crispy as oven-baked apple pie dump cake, but it’s just as delicious and perfect for potlucks!
Can I add caramel to my apple dump cake?
Oh honey, caramel makes this easy apple dump cake even better! Try swirling half a cup into the filling before adding the cake mix, or drizzle it over the baked dessert when serving.
What cake mix flavors work best for apple spice dump cake?
Spice cake mix is my favorite alternative for apple spice dump cake – it gives that extra fall flavor kick. Yellow cake keeps it classic, while butter pecan adds a delicious nutty twist to this easy fall dessert.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your apple pie dump cake turned out! Leave a comment below telling me your favorite way to serve it – did you go classic with vanilla ice cream or get creative with caramel? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your masterpiece on social media. For more easy dessert ideas that’ll make you look like a baking pro, follow me on Pinterest @KitchenUser. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Apple Pie Dump Cake
A super-easy mash-up of apple pie flavor and dump-cake convenience. Minimal ingredients, one-pan prep, and ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon for extra spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or caramel.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the pie filling.
- Try using spice cake mix for a deeper fall flavor.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Follow us on Pinterest for more easy dessert ideas!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg