Apple Dump Cake
Apple Dump Cake is the answer if you’re looking for a simple and delicious dessert! It’s made by layering just a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.
The combination of sweet apple pie filling, buttery cake mix, and crunchy walnuts creates a cozy, comforting treat that’s great any time of year—especially in the fall. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy it cold with some whipped cream on top.
Pie filling + caramel sauce + doctored cake mix and lots of butter sounds strange, but it all works beautifully together. Once you try it, you’ll see I’m not crazy and it’s really good.
I probably could have eaten this entire dessert myself if I wasn’t watching my waistline. It’s so yummy, and I craved it for days after it was gone.
I guess this could be classified as a cake mix hack. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know I love hacks and super easy recipes. I hope you’ll try this one at home and tell me how it turned out for you!
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make: Just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven—no need for fancy equipment.
- Quick Prep: Takes only about 5 minutes to prepare before baking.
- Minimal Cleanup: Just one dish to clean afterward!
- Customizable: You can switch up the fruit, spices, or even the type of cake mix.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
- Apple pie filling: Adds the sweet, fruity base.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzled over for extra sweetness.
- Yellow cake mix: Makes a soft, cake-like topping.
- Walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Apple spice: Brings warmth and a cozy flavor.
- Salted butter: Creates a golden, buttery crust.
- Whipped cream: The perfect topping for each serving.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Follow along to learn how to make apple dump cake.
- Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- Step Two: Spread apple pie filling on the bottom of the baking pan. Pour caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Step Three: In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix, apple pie spice, and walnuts. Add ½ cup butter and stir until crumbly. Pour the mixture over the apple pie filling.
- Step Four: Slice the remaining butter into 1-inch long pieces. Place evenly on top of the mixture.
- Step Five: Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each piece.
What to Serve It With
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing with warm cake.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop for extra sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle more caramel on top for a decadent treat.
- Chopped Nuts: For even more crunch, sprinkle on some extra walnuts or pecans.
- Fresh Fruit: Add apples or berries for a refreshing contrast.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cake Mix: Try white, spice, or chocolate cake mix for a different flavor.
- Fruit Fillings: Swap apple for cherry, blueberry, or peach for a new twist.
- Nuts: Add pecans or leave the nuts out for a smoother texture.
- Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, wrapped in plastic or foil.
- Freeze: You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious treat.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Grease the Pan: Make sure to grease your dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread Ingredients Evenly: For a well-baked crust, evenly spread the cake mix and butter slices.
- Serve Warm: It’s best when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream!
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a super simple dessert where you “dump” a few ingredients into a pan and bake. It’s made with fruit filling, cake mix, and butter—no mixing needed. The butter melts into the cake mix as it bakes, creating a delicious, crumbly topping over the sweet fruit. You can play with different fruits and cake flavors to make it your own!
Dump Cake Recipes
- Black Forest Dump Cake
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
- Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
You’ll also like Apple Compote, Air Fryer Apples, and Instant Pot Apple Butter.
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Apple Dump Cake
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Video
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup apple pie filling
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 1 yellow cake mix
- ⅓ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 tsp apple spice
- 1 cup salted butter cold, divided
- whipped cream for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread apple pie filling on the bottom of baking pan. Pour caramel sauce evenly over top.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix, apple pie spice and walnuts. Add in ½ cup butter and stir until crumbly. Pour mixture on top of apple pie filling.
- Slice remaining butter into 1 inch long pieces. Place evenly on top of mixture.
- Bake for 1 hour or until top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each piece if desired.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Can I use fresh apples? If so are there additional ingredients I should add?
I would cook the apples first and add some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. I’d be worried they’d be crunchy still if added fresh.
When you say “apple spice” do you mean apple pie spice?Also, I have never seen a Betty Crocker Super Moist Golden Cake Mix. Will a Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix work?
Yes, it’s apple pie spice. Any yellow cake mix would be fine to use!
What a great dessert. I can’t wait to make this.
This dessert looks wonderful, and with the ingredients listed, will taste absolutely delicous. Any dessert with these ingredients couldn’t help but be scrumptious. I will save it and bake it on a special occasion -as I would probably eat half of it myself!
I will have to make this,i love anything with Apple
Looks delicious! Pinning!
What do u mean pinning?
Your Apple Magic Dessert looks fantastic! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Ooohhh.. This looks so good! I have some apples I need to use up and an unopened jar of caramel sauce…. Pinned!
This looks like a great dessert to make for when friends come over for dinner.
looks so good and I will have to make this!
When I can find quick easy and delish, I make it happen in my kitchen.
Oh as soon as I seen the title my tastebuds went nuts! This looks like it would b so good, I’ve pinned it for later!
This looks really good. Thanks for the recipe.
Looks really good and easy to make which to me is a bonus!
I agree, I like this name much better than Dump Cake 🙂 Looks delicious.