There’s nothing cozier than a warm apple dessert right out of the oven.

This apple dump cake is buttery, sweet, and full of comforting spice.

It’s ridiculously easy to make with pie filling, cake mix, and butter—perfect for last-minute gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It uses pantry staples and comes together in minutes with no mixing bowls needed.

The butter pecan cake mix bakes into a crisp, golden topping over gooey apples.

It’s customizable—you can add caramel, nuts, or extra spices.

Serve it warm with ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Apple pie filling makes this recipe quick and ensures soft, sweet apple bites.

Butter pecan cake mix forms a crisp, nutty topping when baked.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth.

Sliced butter melts over the cake mix, giving it richness and a golden crust.

Optional caramel chunks make it even more indulgent.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Slice butter evenly so it melts across the top and prevents dry spots.

If some cake mix looks dry after 15 minutes, spoon the melted butter over it before continuing baking.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the best experience.

This dessert thickens as it cools—let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

Step 1 – Prep the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2 – Layer the apples

Spread apple pie filling evenly in the pan.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step 3 – Add caramel (optional)

Scatter chopped caramel pieces over the apples.

Step 4 – Add the cake mix

Spread dry cake mix evenly on top, smoothing with the back of a spoon.

Step 5 – Top with butter

Cut butter into thin slices and arrange them evenly over the cake mix.

Step 6 – Bake to golden

Bake 15 minutes, then spoon melted butter over any dry mix.

Continue baking 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 7 – Serve warm

Cool 10 minutes, then serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

What to Serve It With

Vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.

Whipped cream for a lighter topping.

Caramel drizzle to enhance the buttery flavor.

Variations / Substitutions

Use spice cake mix instead of butter pecan for extra warm spice.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Try pear pie filling for a twist on flavor.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.

Freeze baked dump cake for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it, let it cool, then reheat before serving.

Do I stir the cake mix into the apples?
No—leave it layered on top to form a crust as it bakes.

What if I don’t have butter pecan cake mix?
Yellow or white cake mix works, though the flavor will be less nutty.

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and spices first for softness.

Why do I need to check after 15 minutes?
It ensures all the cake mix gets moistened by butter and bakes evenly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans.

Final Thoughts

This apple dump cake is everything you love about fall desserts—warm, spiced apples under a buttery, crisp topping.

It’s quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Keep it in your recipe rotation for busy days when you want something sweet with minimal effort.