Thank you so much for visiting! If you’re searching for the easiest fall-inspired dessert, this 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is exactly what you need. Made with just four simple pantry staples, it’s packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery golden cake crust that’s crisp on the outside and irresistibly gooey underneath. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, attending a potluck, or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Overview of Recipe Content
This 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake comes together in minutes with no mixing bowls required. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 simple ingredients
- No mixing required
- Ready in under an hour
- Warm apple cinnamon flavor
- Perfect for holidays and potlucks
- Beginner-friendly
- Easily customizable
- Delicious served warm or cold
What It Tastes Like
Every spoonful is filled with tender cinnamon apples beneath a buttery, crisp cake topping. It’s like apple pie meets coffee cake, with an incredibly comforting texture and rich buttery flavor.
Health & Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide fiber and vitamin C.
- Cinnamon adds warm flavor without extra sugar.
- Pecans (optional) contribute heart-healthy fats and crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Additions
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Oven
Suggested Substitutions
- Spice cake mix for extra fall flavor
- Butter pecan cake mix
- Homemade apple pie filling
- Gluten-free cake mix
- Walnuts instead of pecans
How to Make 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Apples
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the apples.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple filling.
Do not stir.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
What to Serve with 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
This cozy dessert pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Salted caramel sauce
- Hot coffee
- Apple cider
- Chai latte
- Toasted pecans
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t stir the layers.
- Cover dry cake mix spots with extra melted butter if needed.
- Use spice cake mix for even richer fall flavor.
- Toast the pecans before adding for extra crunch.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to help it set.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave for 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
General Information
Dump cakes have been a beloved American dessert for decades because they’re incredibly simple and always crowd-pleasing. Apple cinnamon is one of the most popular variations thanks to its warm, comforting flavors that taste just like homemade apple pie with half the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade filling works beautifully.
Why don’t you mix the cake mix?
The dry cake mix creates the signature buttery, crisp topping.
Can I use fresh apples?
Yes, but cook them first with sugar and cinnamon to create a pie filling consistency.
Can I add nuts?
Definitely! Pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is everything you love about homemade apple pie without all the work. With juicy cinnamon apples, buttery cake topping, and only a handful of ingredients, it’s one of those effortless desserts you’ll find yourself making again and again throughout the year.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
You’ll also enjoy these homemade recipes from Poulef:
- https://poulef.com/golden-caramelized-apple-cake-with-homemade-custard-sauce-cinnamon-toffee-crumble/
- https://poulef.com/flourless-apple-almond-tart/
- https://poulef.com/apple-walnut-crumble-cake/
- https://poulef.com/grandmas-3-ingredient-lemon-dump-cake/
- https://poulef.com/4-ingredient-pineapple-dump-cake/
📌 Save more cozy dessert recipes on Pinterest:
Interactive Elements
Have you made this 4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake?
⭐ Leave a review and star rating below!
I’d love to hear if you added pecans, caramel drizzle, or used spice cake mix.
Share your delicious creation on Pinterest or tag @PoulefRecipe on social media!
Nutritional Information
Approximate Per Serving (12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 38mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and effortless Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake made with just four simple ingredients. Sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery golden topping make this the perfect comfort dessert.
Ingredients
2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly into the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apples.
4. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the filling without stirring.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Do not stir the layers.
Use spice cake mix for extra flavor.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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