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This apple dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert — warm, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a buttery, golden topping that’s crisp around the edges and soft in the center.
Despite the name, this isn’t a traditional fluffy cake. It’s much closer to an apple cobbler or crisp, with a soft, tender fruit base and a rich, buttery topping made from cake mix and butter.
If you’ve fallen in love with dump cakes like I have, be sure to try my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake and Pumpkin Dump Cake next. And if you’d like even more dessert inspiration, take a look at my full Cake Recipes collection for all kinds of family-favorite cakes.
Let’s make this dump cake!!
What Is Apple Dump Cake?
Apple dump cake is a simple layered dessert made by adding apples to a baking dish, topping them with dry cake mix and butter, and baking until golden.
As it bakes, the apples become soft and syrupy, while the topping turns into a buttery, slightly crisp crust. There’s no mixing or batter involved—the layers stay separate, creating that signature cobbler-style texture.
It’s not a traditional cake. It’s more like a cross between an apple cobbler and a crisp, with a rich fruit base and a golden topping.
What Does Apple Dump Cake Taste Like?
This dessert is warm, cozy, and full of classic apple pie flavor.
The bottom layer is soft, tender apples with a cinnamon-spiced, syrupy texture. The top bakes into a buttery, golden crust that’s slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
It’s not light or fluffy like cake—instead, it’s more like a cobbler or crisp, with a rich, comforting texture and sweet apple flavor in every bite.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Don’t mix the layers: Dump cakes rely on layering. Stirring will ruin the texture and prevent the topping from forming properly.
✨ Butter coverage is everything: Make sure the butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix. Dry spots happen when the butter doesn’t fully cover the surface.
✨ Use the right apples: If using fresh apples, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape while baking.
✨ Expect a cobbler-style texture: This is not a fluffy cake. It’s meant to be soft, scoopable, and rich like a cobbler.
✨ Let it cool before serving: This allows the filling to thicken slightly and the topping to set.
Apple Dump Cake Ingredients + Key Notes
This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.
Apples or apple pie filling: Apple pie filling is the easiest option and gives consistent results. Fresh apples can be used, but should be sliced evenly and may need extra sugar and spice.
Cinnamon + sugar: These enhance the natural apple flavor and give the filling that classic warm, spiced taste.
Yellow cake mix: This creates the buttery topping. It bakes into a soft, golden crust rather than a traditional cake layer.
Butter: The butter melts into the cake mix and forms the topping. Even distribution is key to avoiding dry patches.
Optional add-ins: Chopped pecans or oats can be added for extra texture, creating a more crisp-like topping.
🥣 How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Prepare the apples: Spread the apple pie filling (or prepared fresh apples) evenly into a greased baking dish.
Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir.
Add the butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top, or place thin slices across the surface to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
Bake until golden: Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool slightly before serving: Let the cake rest for 20–30 minutes so the filling thickens and the topping sets.
Apple Dump Cake Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can easily adjust it to match your favorite textures and flavors.
Fresh Apple Dump Cake: Use peeled, sliced apples instead of pie filling for a more homemade flavor.
Apple Pie Dump Cake: Use canned pie filling for the easiest, most consistent version.
Apple Crisp Dump Cake: Add oats and brown sugar to the topping for a more crumbly, crisp-style finish.
Apple Cobbler Dump Cake: Skip nuts and oats for a softer, more cobbler-like texture.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: For an extra cozy twist, drizzle 1/4 to 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix.
Apple Spice Dump Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix, or add a little extra cinnamon or apple pie spice to the filling.
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake: If your oven is full, layer everything in the slow cooker the same way and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind the topping will be softer than the oven-baked version.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Do you refrigerate Apple dump cake?
According to food handling directions, this will store for about 2-3 days in the fridge. It’s best within two days.
Can You Freeze This?
Freezing apple dump cake isn’t hard. Just follow a few simple instructions, and it’ll turn out beautifully.
- Let the dump cake cool completely after baking. Any warmth creates condensation which will cause freezer burn.
- If possible, transfer the dump cake into a disposable aluminum container with a lid. Generally, a dump cake will hold up in the freezer for up to two months if it’s completely sealed and airtight. After this, the flavor and moisture will start to leach out.
Make-Ahead Tips:
Much like a cobbler, dump cake is going to be best fresh from the oven. But, since we all live in reality and have ten million things calling for our attention, it’s sometimes best to bake ahead.
With dump cakes, you can bake and then freeze them for a later date, or you can bake them and let them chill in the fridge overnight. If you prefer it hot, turn the oven to the warming setting, and serve it up warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
◆ Why is my apple dump cake dry on top?
This usually means the butter didn’t fully cover the cake mix. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so the topping bakes up golden instead of dry.
◆ Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes. Peel and slice the apples evenly, then add sugar and spices so the flavor matches the sweetness of pie filling.
◆ Do I have to cook the apples first?
No. As long as they’re sliced thinly enough, they will soften as the cake bakes.
◆ Is apple dump cake supposed to be gooey?
Yes. The filling should be soft and slightly syrupy, similar to apple cobbler, while the topping is buttery and lightly crisp.
◆ What’s the difference between a cobbler and a dump cake?
They’re very similar, but the topping is what sets them apart. A dump cake uses dry cake mix and butter to create a simple, buttery topping as it bakes. A cobbler typically has a biscuit or cake-like topping made from scratch.
◆ Can I make apple dump cake gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free cake mix and follow the recipe the same way.
◆ Can I make apple dump cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it, let it cool, and reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
More Dump Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more easy desserts? Browse my Dump Cake Recipes collection for plenty of simple, crowd-pleasing options.
Lemon Dump Cake is bright, tangy, and perfect when you want something a little lighter.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake has a soft, cinnamon-spiced apple base with rich caramel flavor and a buttery, golden topping that’s warm, gooey, and completely irresistible.
Blueberry Dump Cake is sweet, juicy, and bursting with bright berry flavor under a buttery, golden topping. It’s simple, summery, and always a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Strawberry Dump Caken is sweet, juicy, and bursting with bright berry flavor under a buttery topping.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is rich, fudgy, and loaded with deep chocolate flavor paired with sweet cherries.
These simple desserts are always a hit, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need something quick and comforting.
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your Apple Dump Cake turned out! Please leave a star rating and a comment below—it helps other readers and means so much to me.
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 Sticks) butter cut into 24 thin slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour both cans of apple pie filling (2 (20-ounce) cans) into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread cake mix (1 box) over the top of the filling and press down firmly. Arrange butter slices (24 slices) evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and bubbly. Let set a few minutes and serve.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Butter: Slicing the butter is the key to ensuring the perfect topping texture, and you really don’t want to cut any corners (literally) in evenly arranging the slices across the cake mix. Starting with a really cold stick of butter will help with the slicing.
- Some recipes suggest melting the butter first, but, while that takes a teeny bit of the prep time off my recipe, the results just aren’t as good. Pouring or drizzling isn’t the most precise technique in the first place, but I also find the butter separates a bit during the melting process, and you may find soggy little pockets that impact the texture of this cakey cobbler in a negative way.












This apple dump cake looks absolutely amazing! I love how easy it is to make, and the combination of flavors is just perfect for fall. Can’t wait to try it out this weekend! Thank you for sharing such a delightful recipe!
Thank you! Enjoy and let us know how it turns out 🙂
This Apple Dump Cake looks absolutely delicious! I love how easy the recipe is and can’t wait to try it out for our next family gathering. The combination of flavors is making my mouth water just reading it. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! We’re glad you like this. Enjoy and let us know how it turns out
This Apple Dump Cake looks absolutely delicious! I love the simplicity of the recipe and how it brings together classic flavors. Can’t wait to try it out this weekend – it seems like the perfect dessert for cozy gatherings! Thanks for sharing!
Hi! We’re glad you wanna try this recipe. Enjoy and let us know how it turns out 🙂
I tried this Apple Dump Cake recipe, and it was a huge hit at our family gathering! The flavors are incredible, and it was so easy to make. I love how simple the steps are, and the result is just mouthwatering. Definitely adding this to my go-to dessert list! Thanks for sharing!
Yaaaay! Thank you, we’re glad you like this dump cake 🙂 thanks for the positive feedback!
This Apple Dump Cake looks absolutely delicious! I love how easy it is to make, and the combination of flavors is just perfect for fall. Can’t wait to try it out during the holidays! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Thank you! Glad you liked this cake. Enjoy baking! 🙂
I just made this Apple Dump Cake, and it’s absolutely delicious! The combination of flavors is fantastic, and it’s so easy to throw together. Perfect for fall gatherings! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Thanks so much for leaving a comment and the 5 star rating. So very glad you enjoyed!!
This Apple Dump Cake looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try making it for our next family gathering. Thanks for sharing such an easy recipe! 🍏🍰
Thank you too! It’s so easy to make, I hope it’ll be a hit! Let us know how it turns out 🙂
Can you add cream cheese on top of the apples and then the dske mix?
Hi, Ellen! Hmmm, I haven’t tried that, sorry can’t advise <3
Easy to make and very delicious
Thank you, Patty! 🙂
I am certainly going to make this cake sounds delicious. Could you please send me the recipes for the pineapple, chocolate and strawberry dump cakes. I looked and cannot find them. They sound so delicious and would love to make them. Thank you so very much for providing such excellent recipes and the great pictures for us.
Thank you for all of your help.
Hi, Catherine. Here are the other dump cakes:
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Peach Dump Cake
Thank you so much, I hope you love them all! 🙂
Very good
Thank you, Marcell!
chocolate cake mix pairs well with cherry or raspberry pie filling too. I have trouble with the butter mixing with the cake mix by your method so I melt the butter and mix it into the cake mix until it is crumbly (I usually only use 1/2 c. butter) and then dump & spread the crumbly mixture over the fruit. Works for me and I get a consistent product. Also a great way to use home canned pie fillings and have more choices of flavors than what is commercially available.
Hi Geni! Those sound like delicious combos! It’s so funny, I can’t get the melted butter to cover! I wish I could because I think my way takes more time, but its the only way for me to have the butter spread out well! LOL <3
I love this because it is so easy. I added cinnamon on top of the apple filling , and added crushed walnuts on top of the dry cake mix. I’ve taken it to many potlucks & everyone always loves it.
Hi Mary. Me too! Love your additions <3
How long should I cook it if I cut the recipe in half
Hey Molli, I’m not exactly sure because I’ve always made the full recipe. I’d check the dump cake about 10 minutes earlier than called for in the recipe just to be sure.
Do you have available a recipe I can make from scratch?
Hi Deborah. I’m sorry I don’t at this time. <3
I make this regularly. Lucky Leaf Brand is the best!Love the name of your blog!
Thanks so much for sharing! I love this dump cake too. So EASY and delicious <3