Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is one of those easy homemade desserts that delivers maximum comfort with very little effort. With sweet, tender apples, warm cinnamon, buttery cake mix, and a golden, slightly crisp topping, this simple apple dessert is perfect for fall baking, family dinners, holidays, potlucks, and cozy weekend treats.

The beauty of an Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is right in the name. Instead of preparing a traditional cake batter, you simply layer the ingredients directly into a baking dish. There is no complicated mixing, no special decorating, and no need for advanced baking skills. The result is a warm, gooey apple dessert with a buttery cake topping that tastes like a combination of homemade apple pie and cinnamon cake.

This easy apple dump cake is especially delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts over the hot cinnamon apples and buttery topping, creating an irresistible dessert.

Using canned apple pie filling makes this recipe incredibly convenient, but you can also use homemade cinnamon apples if you prefer. A yellow cake mix creates a classic buttery topping, while cinnamon adds extra warmth and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.

Whether you’re looking for an easy fall dessert, a quick Thanksgiving dessert, or a simple apple recipe for a family gathering, this Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is an excellent choice.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake:

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Extra cinnamon
• Chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar, optional

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Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.

Greasing the dish helps prevent the apple filling from sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 2: Add the Apple Filling

Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the apples into an even layer. Make sure the apple filling reaches the corners of the baking dish.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apple pie filling.

For additional warmth and depth of flavor, add the optional ground nutmeg. Cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully with apples and give this dump cake its classic fall flavor.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

If using vanilla extract, drizzle it evenly over the apple filling.

Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the buttery cake and cinnamon flavors.

Step 5: Add the Cake Mix

Open the yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the apple filling.

Do not mix the cake mix with the apples.

The dry cake mix should remain as a separate layer on top of the apples. Spread it carefully with a spoon or spatula so that most of the apple filling is covered.

Step 6: Add the Nuts

If using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them evenly over the cake mix.

Pecans add a wonderful crunchy texture and make the dessert taste even more like a classic homemade apple pie.

Step 7: Add the Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. The butter is what helps transform the dry cake mix into a golden, buttery topping as the dump cake bakes.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

The center should look baked and the topping should have a golden, buttery appearance.

Step 9: Check the Topping

If you notice a few small areas of dry cake mix near the end of baking, allow the cake to bake for a few additional minutes.

For a particularly golden top, you can let it bake for another 5 minutes, watching carefully so the edges do not become too dark.

Step 10: Cool Slightly

Remove the Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10–15 minutes.

The apple filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking. Letting the dessert rest also gives the filling a chance to thicken slightly.

Step 11: Serve Warm

Spoon portions of the warm apple cinnamon dump cake into bowls or dessert plates.

Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-special dessert.

Step 12: Add Finishing Touches

For additional flavor and presentation, sprinkle the finished dessert with a little cinnamon, chopped pecans, or powdered sugar.

Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

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Variation

Apple Cinnamon Caramel Dump Cake

Add ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apple pie filling before sprinkling on the cake mix. The caramel melts into the apples during baking and creates a rich caramel apple flavor.

Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Add ¾ cup chopped pecans to the cake mix layer. Pecans become lightly toasted in the oven and provide a delicious contrast to the soft apples.

Apple Spice Dump Cake

Replace the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a stronger cinnamon and warm-spice flavor. This version is especially good for autumn and Thanksgiving.

Fresh Apple Dump Cake

Instead of canned apple pie filling, use approximately 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, a little lemon juice, and cornstarch before adding them to the baking dish.

Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling. The tart cranberries balance the sweetness of the apples and cake topping.

Caramel Apple Pecan Version

Combine apple pie filling, caramel sauce, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and yellow cake mix. Finish the baked dessert with another drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Oat Dump Cake

Add ½ cup old-fashioned oats to the cake mix topping for additional texture and a slightly crispier finish.

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COOKING Note:

The most important part of making a dump cake is not mixing the layers together. The apple filling should remain underneath while the dry cake mix stays on top.

For the best results, distribute the melted butter as evenly as possible across the cake mix. Areas that do not receive enough butter may remain dry after baking.

If you are using canned apple pie filling, remember that different brands can vary in sweetness and thickness. If the filling is particularly sweet, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or use slightly less caramel sauce when serving.

For a crispier topping, bake the dump cake uncovered. If the top becomes too dark before the apples are bubbling, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the apple filling settle while keeping the dessert warm and gooey.

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Serving Suggestions:

Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is best served warm, especially when paired with something creamy or cold.

Classic Style

Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Caramel Apple Style

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top and finish with chopped pecans.

Whipped Cream

Add a spoonful of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Holiday Dessert

Serve this apple dump cake after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner alongside coffee or tea.

Breakfast-Inspired Treat

A smaller serving can be enjoyed with hot coffee as a sweet morning treat.

Extra Crunch

Top each serving with toasted pecans or walnuts.

Powdered Sugar

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.

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Tips:

1. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish: This provides enough surface area for the cake mix to bake evenly.
2. Do not mix the layers: Dump cake works because the ingredients bake together in separate layers.
3. Spread the cake mix evenly: Uneven cake mix can result in dry patches.
4. Distribute butter carefully: Pour melted butter across as much of the cake mix as possible.
5. Use good-quality apple pie filling: The apples are the main flavor, so choose a variety you enjoy.
6. Add fresh cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides a warm flavor that complements the apples.
7. Don’t overbake: Bake until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
8. Let it rest: Give the dessert 10–15 minutes to cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm: This dessert is especially delicious when served fresh from the oven.
10. Add vanilla ice cream: The contrast between warm apples and cold ice cream makes the dessert extra indulgent.
11. Toast the pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them can intensify their nutty flavor.
12. Try different cake mixes: Yellow, butter pecan, spice, and white cake mixes can all create different versions.
13. Watch the sweetness: If your apple pie filling and caramel sauce are both very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of caramel used.
14. Make it ahead: The dump cake can be baked earlier in the day and gently reheated before serving.
15. Store leftovers properly: Cover leftovers and refrigerate them. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven.

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Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

45–55 minutes

Total Time:

55–65 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Approximate values per serving and will vary depending on the cake mix, apple pie filling, butter, nuts, and serving size.

• Calories: Approximately 390–450 calories
• Protein: Approximately 3–5 g
• Sodium: Approximately 400–550 mg

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FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake with fresh apples?

Yes. Fresh apples can be used instead of canned apple pie filling. Peel and slice approximately 6 cups of apples, then combine them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a small amount of cornstarch before adding them to the baking dish.

Do I have to use yellow cake mix?

No. Yellow cake mix is a classic choice, but you can also use spice cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or white cake mix.

Should I mix the cake mix with the apples?

No. The cake mix should be sprinkled evenly over the apple layer and left dry before adding the melted butter.

Why is my dump cake dry on top?

Dry spots usually happen when the melted butter does not reach all of the cake mix. Pour the butter slowly and distribute it as evenly as possible.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. Salted butter can be used. If you prefer a slightly less salty flavor, use unsalted butter.

Can I add pecans?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans are an excellent addition to Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake and add a delicious crunchy texture.

Can I make this dessert without nuts?

Yes. Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts. The recipe will still be delicious.

Can I add caramel sauce?

Yes. Caramel sauce pairs beautifully with cinnamon apples. Drizzle it over the finished dessert or add some between the apple and cake mix layers.

How do I store Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake?

Cover the cooled dessert and refrigerate it. For the best texture, enjoy it within several days.

Can I reheat Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake?

Yes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until warm. You can also reheat the entire baking dish in the oven.

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and bake it earlier in the day. Reheat it gently before serving, or serve it at room temperature.

Is Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake good for Thanksgiving?

Yes. The combination of apples, cinnamon, buttery cake, and optional pecans makes it a convenient fall dessert for Thanksgiving gatherings and family dinners.

What should I serve with Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chopped pecans, and hot coffee are all excellent choices.

Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake?

Yes, although the topping may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes. Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully and allows you to control the sweetness, cinnamon, and texture of the apples.

Why is my butter not covering the whole cake mix?

Melted butter naturally pools in certain areas. Pour it slowly across the surface and gently tilt the baking dish if necessary to help distribute it. You can also use thin slices of cold butter arranged evenly over the cake mix instead of melted butter.

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Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert that brings together everything people love about classic apple desserts: tender cinnamon apples, buttery cake, warm spices, and a golden topping.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this easy apple dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and fall gatherings. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an irresistible caramel apple-inspired dessert.

If you’re looking for a simple Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake recipe, this cozy dessert is an easy way to enjoy delicious homemade apple flavor without the work of making a traditional pie or cake.

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