This apple dump cake just might wind up being your favorite dessert. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it’s so easy!

If you’ve never had an apple dump cake, it’s time to change that with just a few basic ingredients. When you crave an old-fashioned dessert, but you’re in a time crunch, this is the dessert recipe you need. It’s also called an apple crisp.

I would like for you to read this entire post for the tips and explanations. However, if you’re in a hurry, please feel free to click on the jump-to-recipe button directly beneath the title.

Super Easy but Delicious Apple Dump Cake 

All of the steps of this recipe are simple and uncomplicated. Although I’m not a huge fan of the word “dump” in any recipe, it’s still the best way to describe it. 

You’ll also love the fact that you can’t go wrong with this yummy dessert. It’s so easy that all you have to do is keep track of the time it’s in the oven so it won’t burn.

The ingredients in this recipe are similar to my 2-ingredient apple cake. But you make it differently. I think both of them taste wonderful!

Ingredients

You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this dessert. However, I like to add a couple of other things to take it to next level goodness.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Cans of apple pie filling
• Box of yellow cake mix (or box of white cake mix)
• Stick of butter

Optional ingredients:

• Cinnamon
• Pecan pieces (or whatever nuts you have on hand)

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 

Next, grease a 9” x 13” baking dish, cake pan, or casserole dish or coat the bottom of the dish with cooking spray.

Now pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of the baking pan and spread it out so the apples are evenly distributed.

Dump the dry cake mix on top of the pie filling and spread it with either a knife or spatula.

If you like cinnamon and want to add it, sprinkle it over the top of the dry cake mix. 

I like to add pecan pieces for extra crunch. If you choose to use them, go ahead and do that now.

Cut the butter into very thin slices.

Place the pats of butter evenly over the top. You can use melted butter instead if you want, but I like to eliminate the step of melting it.

Bake in the preheated 350-degree F oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top becomes bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

It’s delicious as-is, but it’s even better with either whipped topping or a scoop of ice cream.

The last step is to eat it and enjoy it. 

Tips to Apple Dump Cake Perfection

This is a delicious and super easy dessert as-is. But there are some things you can do to make your apple dump cake even better than it already is!

Here are a few tips to get the best results:

• Add small bits of fresh apples to the apple pie filling for extra crunch and fresh flavor.
• If you can find spice cake mix, use that. However, it’s difficult to find a gluten-free version, so I have to improvise.
• Use additional spices, such as nutmeg, all spice, and cloves.
• Add other fruits, such as berries, pears, or even mandarin oranges.
• For even more flavor, use a spice cake mix to make an apple spice dump cake.
• Sprinkle a little coconut over the top.
• Add a small drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup over the top.
• Store this cake in an airtight container, either at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

As I mentioned, this apple dump cake is wonderful without all the extras. However, you’ll really impress folks if you do a little extra.

More Delicious Desserts You’ll Love

I have a lot of super simple recipes on my site, and all of them are fabulous. Here are some quick and easy recipes that will make everyone happy:

No-Bake Coconut Balls – Made with condensed milk, the creaminess paired with the coconut will send your taste buds into orbit.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pecans – When you need a dessert that doesn’t require a fork, spoon, or plate, this is the one you want! It provides all the comfort of pumpkin pie but without the mess.

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars – Anyone who likes peanut butter will love this yummy dessert! Most kids absolutely love it!

Easy Chocolate Fudge – This recipe is easy, and the results are amazing, even though it’s made without condensed milk.

Oatmeal Strawberry Jam Bars – You’ll love the versatility of this dessert that you can also enjoy for breakfast!

Lemon Blueberry Cookies – My friend Janice with Out of the Box Baking has really outdone herself with this delicious treat! If you like lemon and blueberries, you absolutely must make these cookies!

Pecan Brownie Cookies – Whether you’re making these for the family or for a bake sale, these will be the first to disappear!

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake – This super easy yet moist and delicious cake has become a reader favorite and such an irresistible dessert. Try it and you’ll see why!

Pumpkin Dump Cake – If you like pumpkin, you’ll want to make this yummy pumpkin dump cake often. And yes, this is another one of the easiest desserts I make.

All of the recipes listed above are tried and true. Make any one of them, and you can consider dessert a success!

Please feel free to share!