What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The most common mistake is not spreading the butter evenly. If parts of the cake mix stay dry, the topping won’t bake properly. Make sure the butter covers as much surface as possible.

How much cinnamon should I add to apple cake?

One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is perfect for enhancing the apple flavor. If you love warm spices, add nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.

How do you make a 2-ingredient apple spice cake?

Simply mix a box of spice cake mix with a can of apple pie filling, then bake. It’s a quick, fuss-free version of apple dump cake.

Should you cook apples before putting them in a cake?

If you’re using canned pie filling, no cooking is needed. For fresh apples, lightly sauté or toss them with sugar and cinnamon so they bake evenly.

Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon – The Best Comfort Dessert (2025)

Description

This apple dump cake is layered with apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with buttery cake mix for a golden crisp topping. It’s a classic dump-and-bake dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave apple pie flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (about 15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or thinly sliced on top)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice (for extra warmth)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Apples: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
Sprinkle cinnamon (and nutmeg, if using) over the apples.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir.
Add Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix (or lay thin slices of butter evenly over it).
Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

📝 Notes & Tips:

Spice Cake Option: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra cinnamon flavor.
Fresh Apple Swap: Use 5–6 cups of sliced fresh apples tossed with ½ cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon. Add ¼ cup water for moisture.
Make it crispier: Use cold butter cut into thin pats instead of melted butter.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American