Apple Dump Cake With Pie Filling – Easy Dessert Recipe
Apple Dump Cake With Pie Filling
Apple dump cake with pie filling is a dessert that feels effortless yet delivers exceptional flavor. It is one of those dishes where simplicity meets indulgence. The beauty of a dump cake is that it combines pantry staples and canned ingredients in a way that produces a warm, comforting dessert without elaborate preparation. Using apple pie filling adds a rich, fruity base that pairs beautifully with the cake topping, giving each bite sweetness and moisture. When baked, the filling bubbles around the golden crust, creating a delightful contrast between soft, tender apples and lightly crisp cake.
People love this dessert because it tastes like homemade apple pie without the fuss of rolling dough or making a crust. It offers the nostalgic flavor of traditional apple desserts easy enough for weeknight baking. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is unforgettable. It is also flexible and approachable for cooks of all skill levels, making it a perfect introduction to simple baking. For anyone looking for recipes using apples or easy apple desserts, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between flavor, convenience, and visual appeal.
Another reason apple dump cake with pie filling has gained popularity is its versatility. It works beautifully as a last-minute dessert, a contribution to potlucks, or a sweet addition to holiday meals. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, the cake transforms canned apple pie filling into a show-stopping dessert. Its structure is forgiving, meaning even beginners can produce a moist, flavorful cake with minimal effort. Once baked, it is rich, tender, and satisfying, capturing the essence of Mexican dessert recipes and classic apple-based sweets in one effortless dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this apple dump cake with pie filling because it is effortless to make yet remarkably indulgent. The recipe relies on pantry staples such as spice cake mix and canned apple pie filling, but the result feels homemade and luxurious. Layering the ingredients directly in a baking dish allows the flavors to meld naturally, producing a moist and flavorful dessert without complex techniques.
This recipe works beautifully for home cooks because it is highly forgiving. Unlike traditional cakes that require precise mixing and timing, dump cakes are forgiving in execution. The fruit provides moisture and natural sweetness, while the cake mix creates a golden crust that crisps at the edges but stays tender in the center. This balance of textures elevates the dessert from a simple convenience bake to a rich and satisfying apple dessert.
Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily tailor it to dietary preferences, such as vegetarian cake options or sugar free cake adaptations, without compromising the flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the apple notes and creates a cozy, comforting aroma reminiscent of traditional apple cake with cake mix recipes. This flexibility makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings where you want a quick yet impressive dish.
Finally, the visual appeal of this dessert is striking. As the apple pie filling bubbles and the cake mix browns, the top forms a lightly crisp, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender, caramelized apples beneath. It is a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for serving to guests or presenting at events. The combination of flavor, texture, ease, and presentation makes this recipe truly exceptional.
Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving
Ingredients
Substitution Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the cake will release easily and prevents sticking. Having a prepared dish allows you to move seamlessly into layering the ingredients, which is crucial for the even baking of dump cakes.
Step 2: Layer the apple pie filling
Open the cans of apple pie filling and pour them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling with a spatula to create an even layer. This ensures every bite has a generous amount of tender, sweet apples. If you like a spiced apple flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the filling layer to enhance the depth of flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle the cake mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple pie filling. Avoid stirring. The separation of the layers allows the cake to form a golden crust on top while the apple filling remains juicy beneath. Distributing the mix evenly ensures consistent browning and a uniform texture across the entire dessert.
Step 4: Add the butter
Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter melts during baking and binds the cake mix to the apple filling while creating a golden, slightly crisp top layer. The distribution of butter is key to achieving the signature texture of a dump cake.
Step 5: Add nuts and vanilla
If using, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly across the top and drizzle with vanilla extract. Nuts add a subtle crunch that contrasts the tender cake and soft apples. The vanilla enhances the overall aroma and flavor, giving the dessert a warm, homey scent as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. The bubbling indicates the filling is hot and thickened, while the golden top shows the cake mix has cooked through properly. Avoid overbaking, as it may dry out the cake.
Step 7:: Cool slightly before serving
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest allows the apple filling to set slightly, making the slices easier to serve. The residual heat continues to meld flavors and develop aroma.
How to Serve
Serve the apple dump cake warm for maximum comfort and flavor. You can scoop individual servings into bowls or cut squares directly from the pan. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert presentation. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds visual appeal.
For a more casual serving, spoon it directly onto plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pairing with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of milk complements the rich flavors and enhances the apple desserts easy experience. This dessert also works for potlucks or holiday meals, where the rustic presentation makes it inviting and approachable for guests.
Additional Tips
Recipe Variations
Freezing and Storage
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (8 servings):
Values vary depending on the choice of nuts, sugar free options, and additional toppings.
Final Words
Apple dump cake with pie filling is a perfect example of simple ingredients producing extraordinary results. It combines the comfort of traditional apple desserts easy to make with the convenience of pantry staples. Every bite offers tender, sweet apples, a crisp golden cake top, and optional crunchy nuts that make it irresistible.
This recipe is approachable for beginners yet satisfying for experienced bakers who want a quick, indulgent dessert. Its ease, flavor, and versatility make it ideal for weeknights, holiday meals, or potluck contributions. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that feels homemade and impressive at the same time.
Keep this recipe bookmarked whenever you want a quick, delicious apple dessert. It is reliable, flexible, and consistently delightful, making it a must-have in your collection of dump cake recipes.
FAQ’s
Apple Dump Cake With Pie Filling – Easy Dessert Recipe
Course: Desserts8
servings10
minutes45
minutes320
kcalIngredients
2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the cake will release easily and prevents sticking. Having a prepared dish allows you to move seamlessly into layering the ingredients, which is crucial for the even baking of dump cakes.
- Open the cans of apple pie filling and pour them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling with a spatula to create an even layer. This ensures every bite has a generous amount of tender, sweet apples. If you like a spiced apple flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the filling layer to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple pie filling. Avoid stirring. The separation of the layers allows the cake to form a golden crust on top while the apple filling remains juicy beneath. Distributing the mix evenly ensures consistent browning and a uniform texture across the entire dessert.
- Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter melts during baking and binds the cake mix to the apple filling while creating a golden, slightly crisp top layer. The distribution of butter is key to achieving the signature texture of a dump cake.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly across the top and drizzle with vanilla extract. Nuts add a subtle crunch that contrasts the tender cake and soft apples. The vanilla enhances the overall aroma and flavor, giving the dessert a warm, homey scent as it bakes.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. The bubbling indicates the filling is hot and thickened, while the golden top shows the cake mix has cooked through properly. Avoid overbaking, as it may dry out the cake.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest allows the apple filling to set slightly, making the slices easier to serve. The residual heat continues to meld flavors and develop aroma.
Notes
- Use evenly distributed cake mix to avoid clumps and ensure uniform baking.
- Do not stir after layering the cake mix and butter to maintain the signature layered texture.
- If using fresh apples, cook them slightly with sugar and spices before layering to ensure they are tender.
- Allow the cake to rest briefly before slicing to prevent filling from spilling.
- Add nuts or oats for added texture, but do not exceed one cup, as it may prevent the top from browning evenly.
- Use a light hand when sprinkling cinnamon or nutmeg to avoid overpowering the apple flavor.
- For extra moist cake, you can cover the pan with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove to brown the top.
