Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples—a true taste of comfort. That same feeling inspired this Classic Apple Crisp Dump Cake, an easy dump cake recipe that brings family together around the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy holidays, this one-pan dessert delivers the best winter flavors in every bite—simple, customizable, and irresistibly homey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about this Classic Apple Crisp Dump Cake that makes it an instant favorite for anyone who loves cozy, comforting desserts. This easy dump cake recipe combines the warm sweetness of baked apples with a buttery cake mix topping that’s perfectly golden and crisp. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together—no mixing bowls, no stress—just simple ingredients layered in one pan. It’s the perfect one-pan dessert for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or last-minute holiday gatherings.
This apple crisp dump cake is a family-friendly favorite that can be customized for every occasion. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate winter dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving a quick dessert recipe, this apple crisp dump cake delivers all the comforting flavors of a homemade treat in a fraction of the time. Easy, cozy, and irresistibly delicious—this is truly the best dump cake for any season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen, and this Classic Apple Crisp Dump Cake recipe delivers that nostalgia with minimal effort. Inspired by the cozy flavors of a pioneer woman apple dump cake, this version combines the sweet charm of an apple crumble dump cake with the ease of a 3 ingredient dump cake. Whether you’re using fresh apples, pie filling, or even trying an apple dump cake without cake mix, this recipe adapts beautifully.
What makes this dessert so irresistible is its versatility—turn it into a caramel apple dump cake for extra indulgence or a classic apple crisp dump cake with oats for a heartier crunch. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or anytime you crave homemade warmth. Unlike other apple cobbler or dump cake recipes, this classic apple crisp dump cake from scratch bakes into golden perfection every time—simple, cozy, and deeply satisfying, just like the timeless pioneer woman apple crisp dump cake everyone loves.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The magic of this classic apple crisp dump cake recipe is in its effortless combination of simple ingredients that create a warm, comforting dessert every time. Much like the pioneer woman apple dump cake, it uses pantry staples to build layers of flavor and texture. The apple pie filling adds natural sweetness and spice, while the yellow cake mix forms a golden, buttery topping that melts into the apples for that signature dump cake texture. Melted butter gives it a crisp, caramelized edge, and cinnamon with nutmeg brings cozy fall warmth. Adding oats enhances the crispness, while brown sugar deepens the flavor with a touch of richness. For extra crunch, chopped pecans or walnuts make this classic apple crisp dump cake with oats even more irresistible. Simple, adaptable, and comforting, these ingredients come together for a dessert that’s perfect for busy nights or festive gatherings.

🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box (15 oz) yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup old-fashioned oats (optional, for “crisp” texture)
½ cup brown sugar (optional, for extra caramel flavor)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
Making a classic apple crisp dump cake is as simple as layering flavor, and the results are a comforting, one-pan dessert that everyone will love. Start with the apple pie filling as the juicy base, whether you’re using a traditional apple dump cake, a caramel apple dump cake, or an apple dump cake with fresh apples. Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the apples, and then drizzle or dot with butter to create that signature golden topping. For extra texture, add oats or nuts to turn it into a classic apple crisp dump cake with oats. Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm, cozy flavor, making this 3 ingredient apple cobbler with cake mix feel like a homemade masterpiece. Whether you want a quick apple dump cake without cake mix or the classic pioneer woman apple dump cake, these steps deliver perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread 2 cans of apple pie filling evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle 1 box of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples.
Dot ½ cup melted butter over the top.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.
Add ½ cup oats, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the classic apple crisp dump cake is easier than you think when you follow a few expert tips. Choosing the right apples is key—whether making an apple dump cake with fresh apples or a caramel apple dump cake, firm, tart varieties hold their shape and complement the sweetness of the cake mix. For a 3 ingredient dump cake, evenly layering ingredients ensures consistent baking. You can even try an apple dump cake without cake mix or a classic apple crisp dump cake from scratch for a homemade touch. Adding oats or nuts transforms this into a classic apple crisp dump cake with oats, while sprinkling extra cinnamon or brown sugar enhances the warm, comforting flavor found in a pioneer woman apple dump cake or apple crumble dump cake. These small adjustments take this classic apple crisp dump cake recipe to the next level.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use firm apples for the best texture.
Spread cake mix evenly over apples.
Dot melted butter across the top for even browning.
Add oats, nuts, or brown sugar for extra crunch.
Experiment with apple dump cake without cake mix for a homemade variation.
Try caramel apple dump cake for a richer dessert.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown for the perfect classic apple crisp dump cake pioneer woman style.
Serve warm with ice cream for best results.

FAQs
What is a classic apple crisp dump cake?
A classic apple crisp dump cake is a simple, comforting dessert where spiced apples are layered with cake mix and butter, creating a warm, golden, and crisp-topped treat. Variations include the pioneer woman apple dump cake or an apple crumble dump cake for extra texture.
Can I make an apple dump cake with fresh apples?
Yes, fresh apples work beautifully. Slice and toss them with cinnamon and sugar before layering to create an apple dump cake with fresh apples that rivals canned versions.
Is it possible to make a 3 ingredient dump cake?
Absolutely. A 3 ingredient dump cake uses apples, cake mix, and butter for a quick, fuss-free version of the classic apple crisp dump cake recipe.
Can I make an apple dump cake without cake mix?
Yes, you can create a classic apple crisp dump cake from scratch using flour, sugar, and butter for the topping. This option is perfect for a homemade twist on the pioneer woman apple dump cake.
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This classic apple crisp dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert for cozy nights, holidays, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting treat. Whether you try the pioneer woman apple dump cake, a caramel apple dump cake, or an apple dump cake with fresh apples, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples and a crisp, buttery topping. You can even make a 3 ingredient dump cake or an apple dump cake without cake mix for a simpler version. Adding oats or nuts transforms it into a classic apple crisp dump cake with oats or an apple crumble dump cake, giving extra texture and flavor. From the classic apple crisp dump cake allrecipes style to a homemade classic apple crisp dump cake from scratch, every variation is easy, delicious, and sure to become a favorite. This dessert proves that simple, one-pan recipes can create the most memorable flavors for family and friends.
Print
Classic Apple Crisp Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple twist on the traditional apple crisp, this dump cake layers sweet, spiced apples under a buttery cake mix topping. It’s easy to assemble, bakes into a golden, bubbly dessert, and is perfect with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box (15 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
½ cup brown sugar (optional)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Apples: Spread apple pie filling in the dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle oats, brown sugar, and nuts if using. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake: Bake 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.
Serve: Cool slightly and serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For fresh apples, use 5–6 cups peeled and sliced, tossed with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tbsp flour.
- For extra crispiness, add more oats and bake a few extra minutes.
- Vegan option: substitute plant-based butter.
- Add caramel drizzle for a caramel apple twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired
