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.
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.
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!
Recipe Card
Apple Scrunch (Apple Dump Cake)
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.
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.
Thank you so much Pat! Which type of apple did you use?
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!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
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!
The cherry and apple sounds great together! Glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!
Gonna make this for dessert tonite! I can taste it already! Thanx, Stacy!
Sure hope y’all enjoy it!!
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.
Sounds amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!
Hello,can I use one can apple pie filling? I have only one.
You can, but I’d recommend cutting everything in half and cooking it in an 8×8 baking dish.
Mine didn’t cook up. Just a greasy mess
Sorry to hear it didn’t turn out correctly. Something definitely seems wrong.
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.
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.
Yum! Your additions sound amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!
How would you make with fresh apples? How many and how much spice??
Hi Gabby! I’ve not done it that way, but I think someone mentioned how they did it in the comments here.
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.
Right!?! The comments section can be super helpful.
This was a huge hit. I now need to make one for a party. Can this be made in advance and frozen?
Love hearing that! Yes, it can be made and frozen.
Hey I made a mistake and fried apples. Should I just add cinnamon?
I bought canned fried apples instead of apple pie filling should i just add cinnamon nutmeg?
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.
This might be a silly question, but here goes…
How do I store leftovers of this?
I store this in the fridge and zap it in the microwave to warm it up when serving again.
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!
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.
Easy, delicious recipe! I substitute with what I have, like different pie fillings and sliced almonds instead of pecans and it is still great1
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this one, Ellen!
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????
Hope it turns out great for you! Love the cherry/chocolate idea!
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.
Hi Virginia! The recipe for a standard oven are just about the one for the Advantium. https://southernbite.com/fajita-chicken-casserole/
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….
I would recommend making it completely the day before and simply reheating when ready to serve. Hope you enjoy!
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???
I think that sound delish! Enjoy!
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!
Thanks for the idea, Virginia! This sounds amazing!!
Can I freeze this made too much
I don’t see why not. Enjoy!
Could a Butter Pecan Cake mix be used?
I don’t see why not! 🙂
I made this last night, but I halved the recipe. Wish I had made the whole thing, hot dang it was good????
I’d say that’s a pretty awesome review! So glad you enjoyed it, Julie!
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!
Thanks for the great tip! And thanks for the kind words!!
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.
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.
Absolutely! I think that would work just fine and I love those Jiffy cake mixes!
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.
You bet! I think you’re pretty great, too! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
IF halving the recipe would the cooking time remain the same?
I would start checking it at about 35 minutes.
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!
It’s so good, right!?!?
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!!!
Sounds delish!!!
1/2 CUP OR 1/2 OF A JAR OF CARAMEL?
I have a recipe that calls for 1/4 cup of caramel topping mixed in with the apple pie filling.