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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Apple Scrunch (Apple Dump Cake)

Stacey – October 1, 2019 – 84 Comments

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Apple Scrunch in serving bowl

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Thumbing through some old cookbooks I stumbled upon this recipe for Apple Scrunch that just caught my attention.  I love a recipe with a peculiar title and if that weren’t enough, it seemed amazingly easy!

Now in all honestly, this is just a dump cake. But I hate calling anything a “dump” cake. There’s just something about that word that makes me shudder. So that made me love Apple Scrunch even more.  

Apple Scrunch in serving dish

So what’s a scrunch?  I have absolutely no idea.  A quick Google search returned some results but they all were so different that I couldn’t even say that a scrunch is a particular type of recipe. The recipes were kinda of all over the place.  Many included creating a granola or oat-based cookie of sorts and then layering it with fresh fruit and some cream-based layer – almost trifle like.  

Apple Scrunch with ice cream on top

While this recipe is a bit different from that, it sure turned out great.  And it kept me from having to tell folks I was making a dump cake – so there. Regardless of what you end up calling this, I’m confident delicious is one of the words you’ll use to describe it.  It’s the perfect quick and easy dessert recipe. The flavors of apple and warm spices in the pie filling make it perfect for fall.  I  just know y’all are going to love this.. and love how easy it is!

Just like apple pie, I loved this served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  

Y’all enjoy!   

Apple Scrunch being served from dish

Apple Scrunch in serving dish
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4.93 from 13 votes

Recipe Card

Apple Scrunch (Apple Dump Cake)

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 to 10
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or butter cake mix
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Spread the pie filling in the bottom of the prepared dish then sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Use a butter knife to make a few large swirls to mix some of the ingredients together, but don't over-do it. Sprinkle the pecans over the top then bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Apple Scrunch in serving dish
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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. PAT

    September 4, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    Have an Apple Tree when the apples are here have very little time to use them up. this is perfect. mixed brown sugar and lemon juice with butter saute’ for 5 minutes let mixture cool then followed directions and was so easy. Had to share recipe, no one believed it was so easy. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 6, 2022 at 8:33 am

      Thank you so much Pat! Which type of apple did you use?

      Reply
  2. Pamela

    October 9, 2021 at 8:59 pm

    We made this with a quart of home canned zucchini mock apple pie filling and it was amazing! The pecans toasted on top during baking and added a wonderful depth to the flavor. This is a keeper – thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 12, 2021 at 11:51 am

      So glad to hear you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. menkens

    September 21, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Made this today for a group @ Church and it was well received! I like more “fruit” in my dump creations so used 2-20oz cans of apple pie filling and 1-20oz can of cherry pie filling … omitted the pecans. I’ve made many times over the years — so, be creative and enjoy!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 24, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      The cherry and apple sounds great together! Glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Connie

    September 9, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    Gonna make this for dessert tonite! I can taste it already! Thanx, Stacy!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 10, 2021 at 10:58 am

      Sure hope y’all enjoy it!!

      Reply
  5. Carol

    July 18, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    I made this last eve. I didn’t have any apple pie filling but I had a huge can of plain diced apples that I needed to use. So I used 5 cups of that, added some tapioca to thicken and some caramel syrup to sweeten. Dumped that in my pan and sprinkled with cinnamon. Then proceeded with the rest of your directions. It was delicious. My husband said it was excellent. Thank you so much for a great easy recipe.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 19, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      Sounds amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!

      Reply
      • LaSinka

        September 12, 2021 at 7:33 pm

        Hello,can I use one can apple pie filling? I have only one.

        Reply
        • Stacey

          September 13, 2021 at 9:14 am

          You can, but I’d recommend cutting everything in half and cooking it in an 8×8 baking dish.

          Reply
  6. DD

    February 20, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Mine didn’t cook up. Just a greasy mess

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 22, 2021 at 3:43 pm

      Sorry to hear it didn’t turn out correctly. Something definitely seems wrong.

      Reply
    • Paul Segner

      August 23, 2022 at 9:50 am

      Did you expect a cake like texture? This will be more like a crisp. There will be liquid like stuff “for no other better word” in the bottom like a pie. You can also use cold butter cut up and placed all around on top of the cake mix and then follow the rest of the recipe. Otherwise, I have no idea what happened. I just know that if you give a recipe to 5 different people you will get 5 different turn outs.

      Reply
  7. Paul m

    February 7, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    This was great. Supper quick to make. I made as directed and then added pecan oat brown sugar crumble topping and baked per directions. Topped with vanilla ice cream with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Better than an apple crisp.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 8, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      Yum! Your additions sound amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!

      Reply
  8. Gabby

    November 2, 2020 at 9:12 am

    How would you make with fresh apples? How many and how much spice??

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 2, 2020 at 9:52 am

      Hi Gabby! I’ve not done it that way, but I think someone mentioned how they did it in the comments here.

      Reply
  9. Johnnie

    October 23, 2020 at 10:23 am

    Wow, that was a question I was thinking about using our own apples. Then, I saw Victoria’s reply, so I’m glad I enjoy reading the comments section. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 26, 2020 at 9:13 am

      Right!?! The comments section can be super helpful.

      Reply
  10. Sharon

    September 26, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    This was a huge hit. I now need to make one for a party. Can this be made in advance and frozen?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 29, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Love hearing that! Yes, it can be made and frozen.

      Reply
  11. traci ridaught

    September 13, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Hey I made a mistake and fried apples. Should I just add cinnamon?

    Reply
    • traci ridaught

      September 13, 2020 at 10:40 am

      I bought canned fried apples instead of apple pie filling should i just add cinnamon nutmeg?

      Reply
      • Stacey

        September 14, 2020 at 8:46 am

        I’ve not tried that, so I can’t say for sure. Seems like that might work, though. Many fried apples might have the cinnamon and spices already in them.

        Reply
  12. Amy Owings

    July 4, 2020 at 12:35 am

    This might be a silly question, but here goes…
    How do I store leftovers of this?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 7, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      I store this in the fridge and zap it in the microwave to warm it up when serving again.

      Reply
  13. Brooke

    June 21, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    My first time didn’t come out too great. I think the pan I used was way too shallow about a 9 by 1.5 and I should of cut down ingredients a little. Do you eat it right away or let it sit? I’m fairly new to baking!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 22, 2020 at 10:18 am

      I love to serve it warm, so I typically serve it pretty soon after it comes out of the oven or zap it in the microwave to warm it up if it’s later.

      Reply
  14. Ellen Hart

    March 26, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Easy, delicious recipe! I substitute with what I have, like different pie fillings and sliced almonds instead of pecans and it is still great1

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 27, 2020 at 10:42 am

      So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this one, Ellen!

      Reply
  15. Dianna

    January 20, 2020 at 8:02 am

    I have made dump cakes for years. First time for Apple can’t wait till it gets out of the oven. Cherry chocolates is great flavor
    for Valentine’s day????

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 22, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Hope it turns out great for you! Love the cherry/chocolate idea!

      Reply
  16. Virginia Quagliata

    January 8, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I found your delious Fajita Chicken Casserole, but with Advantium 240. whatever that is.
    Could you please send me same but making it in oven?
    Thank you for your trouble.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 8, 2020 at 10:50 am

      Hi Virginia! The recipe for a standard oven are just about the one for the Advantium. https://southernbite.com/fajita-chicken-casserole/

      Reply
  17. Erin

    December 23, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    Can I make this the day before I plan to bake it? I know it literally takes 30 seconds to dump in pan but wondering if I can make it tonight for tomorrow….

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 23, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      I would recommend making it completely the day before and simply reheating when ready to serve. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  18. Claudia Cerruti Rogers

    December 22, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    Do you think it would be good with a handful of dried cranberries in with the apple pie filling? To make it more festive for Christmas???

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 23, 2019 at 2:27 pm

      I think that sound delish! Enjoy!

      Reply
  19. Virginia

    October 2, 2019 at 10:41 am

    Folks….take Stacey’s great recipe for the apple scrunch and use canned cherry pie filling with chocolate cake mix, walnuts, etc. My “Fall Favorite” though is the Apple Scrunch!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 3, 2019 at 11:42 am

      Thanks for the idea, Virginia! This sounds amazing!!

      Reply
      • Lynn Peck Davis

        October 8, 2021 at 7:43 pm

        Can I freeze this made too much

        Reply
        • Stacey

          October 12, 2021 at 11:52 am

          I don’t see why not. Enjoy!

          Reply
  20. Deb

    October 1, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    Could a Butter Pecan Cake mix be used?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 2, 2019 at 8:16 am

      I don’t see why not! 🙂

      Reply
      • Julie

        January 9, 2020 at 2:15 pm

        I made this last night, but I halved the recipe. Wish I had made the whole thing, hot dang it was good????

        Reply
        • Stacey

          January 10, 2020 at 9:38 am

          I’d say that’s a pretty awesome review! So glad you enjoyed it, Julie!

          Reply
  21. Virginia

    October 1, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    This is a recipe that I have prepared many, many years.

    Even when I don’t have canned apple pie filling on hand, I have found that I can chop fresh apples, put them into the baking dish, add some sugar and sprinkle some cinnamon-nutmeg mixture on the apples. Then add some water to almost cover the apples, but not completely. Then follow the rest of Stacey’s recipe.

    Stacey you always delight this reader with great recipes, this one included! Everyone, it is the FALL season, try Stacey’s recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 2, 2019 at 8:17 am

      Thanks for the great tip! And thanks for the kind words!!

      Reply
    • Johnnie

      October 23, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Wow, tat was a question I was thinking about using our own apples. Then, I saw Victoria’s reply, so I’m glad I enjoy reading the comments section. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  22. Janie M.

    October 1, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    This looks scrumpticious! Very small family here so I would need to use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan. I happen to have a can of apple pie filling. Could I not use one of those smaller Jiffy Cake Mix boxes with my single can of filling (also cut butter in half)? Have a new 9×9 pan I want to use.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 1, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Absolutely! I think that would work just fine and I love those Jiffy cake mixes!

      Reply
      • Janie M.

        October 1, 2019 at 3:05 pm

        Thank you so much for always promptly answering our questions… you’re the greatest! ????. Will be making this in a day or two. A scoop of ice cream would be a perfect topping.

        Reply
        • Stacey

          October 1, 2019 at 4:09 pm

          You bet! I think you’re pretty great, too! Hope you’ll enjoy it!

          Reply
          • Diana

            February 23, 2020 at 3:02 pm

            IF halving the recipe would the cooking time remain the same?

          • Stacey

            February 24, 2020 at 11:02 am

            I would start checking it at about 35 minutes.

  23. Diane T.

    October 1, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    This is an old family recipe of mine. So easy and works with any pie filling. I never knew the name of it tho! Thanks for the moment of nostalgia!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 1, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      It’s so good, right!?!?

      Reply
  24. karen k goodwin

    October 1, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    I just made one like this except you add 1/2 carmel (like ice cream carmel) to the apples – oh my so good so good!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 1, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Sounds delish!!!

      Reply
    • DEBBIE LAWSON

      October 8, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      1/2 CUP OR 1/2 OF A JAR OF CARAMEL?

      Reply
      • Kathleen

        October 14, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        I have a recipe that calls for 1/4 cup of caramel topping mixed in with the apple pie filling.

        Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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