4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Introduction

4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is the definition of easy comfort baking. With just four simple ingredients and almost no prep work, you can create a warm, sweet, cinnamon-spiced dessert that tastes like homemade apple pie meets buttery cake.

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. There’s no mixing bowls, no complicated steps, and no special equipment required. You simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them properly, and let the oven do the magic. As it bakes, the apple filling bubbles up through the cinnamon-spiced cake mix, while melted butter creates a golden, crisp topping.

This dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something cozy and comforting. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon.

If you’re looking for a no-fail dessert that’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and crowd-approved, this 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is exactly what you need.

Ingredients

2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling

1 box yellow or spice cake mix

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional if using yellow cake mix)

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preparation
Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2:

Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra cinnamon over the apples for stronger spice flavor.

Step 3:

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer. Do not stir—keep it layered.

Step 4:

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 5:

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.

Variations

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce before baking

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top

Spice Cake Version: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow

Cranberry Apple: Mix in dried cranberries

Extra Crisp Topping: Add oats mixed with butter

Cooking Note

For even browning, make sure the butter is distributed across the entire surface. Dry patches may remain powdery if not covered with butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

Top with whipped cream

Drizzle with caramel sauce

Pair with hot coffee or cider

Dust with powdered sugar

Tips

Do not mix the layers

Use high-quality apple pie filling for best flavor

Add extra cinnamon for stronger spice taste

Let cake rest 10 minutes before serving

Store leftovers in the refrigerator

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

40–45 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 420

Protein: 3g

Sodium: 340mg

FAQs

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

Why is my topping dry?
Not enough butter was spread evenly over the cake mix.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes, but texture is best when fresh.

Do I have to use cinnamon?
No, especially if using spice cake mix.

Conclusion

4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—warm, buttery, sweet, and filled with cozy apple flavor. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, this simple recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps to create something delicious. Perfect for fall evenings, holidays, or anytime you crave a quick homemade treat, this dump cake will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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