Go Back

Apple Dump Cake

Apple dump cake with a golden, crispy butterscotch-style crumble top over bubbling spiced apple pie filling. This easy oven-baked dessert layers pie filling, dry cake mix, and sliced butter for a tender apple center.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
  • 1 cup unsalted butter thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup pecans or walnuts chopped (optional)
  • 1 vanilla ice cream for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and layer
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking dish so it’s ready for layering.
  2. Spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the dish, then stir in cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
  3. Dump the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling and do not stir.
  4. Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter in a single layer over the entire surface of the dry cake mix so every inch is covered.
  5. Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top if using.
Bake and serve
  1. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350F until the top is deeply golden and crispy and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges (look for crisp, set edges).
  2. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, letting the ice cream melt slightly over the cake.

Notes

For the crispest top, make sure the sliced butter fully covers the cake mix and don’t stir after layering. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 325F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a lighter swap, use reduced-fat butter and substitute the ice cream with low-fat vanilla or frozen yogurt if desired.