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Mama's Apple Dump Cake

This easy apple dump cake is one of the simplest desserts you'll ever make, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Sweet cinnamon apples are topped with buttery cake mix and baked until golden, crisp, and bubbly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate cozy dessert that's perfect for fall, holidays, potlucks, or any time you're craving an easy homemade treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon apple pie spice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box (15.25-ounce) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Stir the cinnamon, apple pie spice, and vanilla extract into the apple filling.
  4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Don't stir—it should stay as a dry layer on top.
  5. Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
  6. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon if you love a stronger apple spice flavor.
  • Try using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even cozier fall dessert.
  • Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the top before baking for extra crunch.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat individual servings in the microwave.