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!
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.
karen k goodwin says
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!!!
Stacey says
Sounds delish!!!
DEBBIE LAWSON says
1/2 CUP OR 1/2 OF A JAR OF CARAMEL?
Kathleen says
I have a recipe that calls for 1/4 cup of caramel topping mixed in with the apple pie filling.
Diane T. says
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!
Stacey says
It’s so good, right!?!?
Janie M. says
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.
Stacey says
Absolutely! I think that would work just fine and I love those Jiffy cake mixes!
Janie M. says
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.
Stacey says
You bet! I think you’re pretty great, too! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Diana says
IF halving the recipe would the cooking time remain the same?
Stacey says
I would start checking it at about 35 minutes.
Virginia says
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!
Stacey says
Thanks for the great tip! And thanks for the kind words!!
Johnnie says
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.
Deb says
Could a Butter Pecan Cake mix be used?
Stacey says
I don’t see why not! 🙂
Julie says
I made this last night, but I halved the recipe. Wish I had made the whole thing, hot dang it was good😁
Stacey says
I’d say that’s a pretty awesome review! So glad you enjoyed it, Julie!
Virginia says
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!
Stacey says
Thanks for the idea, Virginia! This sounds amazing!!
Claudia Cerruti Rogers says
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???
Stacey says
I think that sound delish! Enjoy!
Erin says
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….
Stacey says
I would recommend making it completely the day before and simply reheating when ready to serve. Hope you enjoy!
Virginia Quagliata says
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.
Stacey says
Hi Virginia! The recipe for a standard oven are just about the one for the Advantium. https://southernbite.com/fajita-chicken-casserole/
Dianna says
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😍
Stacey says
Hope it turns out great for you! Love the cherry/chocolate idea!
Ellen Hart says
Easy, delicious recipe! I substitute with what I have, like different pie fillings and sliced almonds instead of pecans and it is still great1
Stacey says
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this one, Ellen!
Brooke says
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!
Stacey says
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.
Amy Owings says
This might be a silly question, but here goes…
How do I store leftovers of this?
Stacey says
I store this in the fridge and zap it in the microwave to warm it up when serving again.
traci ridaught says
Hey I made a mistake and fried apples. Should I just add cinnamon?
traci ridaught says
I bought canned fried apples instead of apple pie filling should i just add cinnamon nutmeg?
Stacey says
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.
Sharon says
This was a huge hit. I now need to make one for a party. Can this be made in advance and frozen?
Stacey says
Love hearing that! Yes, it can be made and frozen.
Johnnie says
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.
Stacey says
Right!?! The comments section can be super helpful.
Gabby says
How would you make with fresh apples? How many and how much spice??
Stacey says
Hi Gabby! I’ve not done it that way, but I think someone mentioned how they did it in the comments here.
Paul m says
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.
Stacey says
Yum! Your additions sound amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!
DD says
Mine didn’t cook up. Just a greasy mess
Stacey says
Sorry to hear it didn’t turn out correctly. Something definitely seems wrong.
Carol says
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.
Stacey says
Sounds amazing! Glad it turned out great for you!