There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and apples mingling in the oven that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember the first time I made this Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Apple Dump Cake—it was one of those evenings where I hadn’t planned to bake but suddenly found myself rummaging through the pantry, craving something sweet and cozy. I wasn’t exactly paying attention to the clock and almost forgot to set the timer, but that forty-five-minute wait turned into the perfect invitation to slow down and settle in with a good book. When I finally pulled it out, the golden crust was bubbly and inviting, with just the right amount of cinnamon swirled through the top. I couldn’t help but sneak a warm forkful while it was still cooling, feeling a little guilty but totally satisfied.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated layers or fancy techniques, just dump it all in and bake.
- The cinnamon swirl cake mix adds a nostalgic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet apple filling.
- Ideal for those moments when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
- It’s easy to serve straight from the pan, which makes cleanup less of a chore, but it can also be dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.
- It’s not a delicate dessert—expect a bit of crumble and softness, which I personally find charming.
If you’re unsure about trying a dump cake, I get it. The name sounds a little funny, and it might feel like cheating on traditional baking, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. This cake is forgiving, forgiving enough that even if your butter drizzle isn’t perfectly even, it still bakes up beautifully.
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Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Apple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A quick and easy dessert featuring Krusteaz cinnamon swirl cake mix layered with sweetened apple pie filling, baked to golden perfection. This dump cake is a delicious and comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the entire box of Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
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 at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes
I usually just use a regular baking dish—nothing fancy needed. This cake pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to elevate it without much effort. If you feel like mixing things up, you could try swapping one can of apple filling for peach or cherry, though I haven’t tested that extensively. Sometimes, I also add a handful of chopped nuts on top before baking for a bit of crunch, but that’s just my personal twist. The butter drizzle is key; I try to pour it slowly to cover as much cake mix as possible, but it’s okay if some spots are lighter — the texture will still be great.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, it actually tastes great reheated the next day, just cover it well and store it in the fridge.
Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling? A: You could, but you’d need to cook them down with some sugar and spices first. The canned filling saves so much time and effort.
Q: What if I don’t have cinnamon swirl cake mix? A: Plain yellow or spice cake mix can work, but the cinnamon swirl adds that special touch.
Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that come together without too much fuss, and this Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Apple Dump Cake fits that bill perfectly. It’s the kind of treat that’s ready in under an hour but leaves a lasting impression, warming you from the inside out. Give it a try the next time you need a little something sweet and effortless.