Sometimes, the best desserts come together when you’re juggling a million things and just want a little something sweet without the fuss. That’s exactly where this Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Apple Dump Cake fits in. It’s an easy, warm, and inviting dessert that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples in less than an hour.
I remember the first time I made this — I was halfway through cleaning up after dinner when I realized I forgot to plan a dessert. I grabbed a box of Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix and a couple of cans of apple pie filling from the pantry, and honestly, I was a bit skeptical. But then I poured the melted butter over the top, slid it into the oven, and something about the smell drifting through the house made me pause. Somewhere between setting the timer and getting distracted by a phone call, I forgot how simple it was to put together. When it came out golden and bubbly, I knew I’d found a new go-to. I didn’t even wait for it to cool all the way before sneaking a bite — a warm, cinnamon-spiced hug in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s quick — no mixing bowls or complicated steps, just a few simple layers and the oven does the rest.
- The cinnamon swirl cake mix adds a sweet, textured topping that’s a little different from your usual crumb or streusel.
- It’s perfect for when you want a comforting dessert but don’t want to fuss with pies or crumbles.
- The tradeoff? It’s not fancy, but that’s kind of the charm — all cozy and unpretentious.
- Leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy it over a couple of days without losing that warm, fresh-baked feeling.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy pan or special tools — a simple 9×13 baking dish works just fine. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. I sometimes add a sprinkle of nuts on top before baking, though that’s just a personal quirk.
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Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Apple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A quick and delicious cinnamon apple dump cake using Krusteaz cinnamon swirl cake mix, perfect for an easy dessert with warm apple flavors and a sweet cinnamon topping.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the cake mix layer.
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix and cinnamon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes: This cake mix recipe is surprisingly forgiving — no need for precision here. Just spread the apple pie filling in the dish, sprinkle the cake mix evenly, and drizzle the melted butter on top. I usually eyeball the butter, and it still turns out great. For a little twist, you could swap in a bit of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping or mix in a dash of nutmeg with the cinnamon. I haven’t tested all variations, but a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts could add a nice crunch. It’s a flexible dessert that’s hard to mess up.
FAQ:
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling? You could, but canned pie filling saves time and keeps the texture consistent. If you try fresh, cook the apples first with some sugar and cinnamon until tender.
Does the cake mix have to be cinnamon swirl? It’s what gives the topping that extra cinnamon flavor, but if you only have plain or yellow cake mix, it’ll still work — just add a little extra cinnamon on top.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, but it’s best fresh out of the oven for that bubbly, golden crust.
When you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug without the commitment, this dump cake has your back. Give it a try next time you want something cozy and simple.