A Smoked Apple Dump Cake is one of my favorite effortless desserts because it combines sweet apple pie filling, buttery cake topping, and warm cinnamon flavors with a subtle hint of smoke. I love how the smoker adds a unique depth that transforms a simple dump cake into a memorable dessert. Whether I prepare it for a backyard cookout, holiday gathering, or cozy family dinner, it always disappears quickly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 box Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coffee Cake Mix
1 cinnamon topping packet (included in the cake mix)
1 stick butter, thinly sliced
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
I pour the apple pie filling into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and spread it into an even layer.
I sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coffee Cake Mix evenly over the apple pie filling without stirring.
I evenly sprinkle the included cinnamon topping packet over the cake mix.
I slice the butter into thin pieces and arrange the slices evenly across the top.
I place the skillet into a smoker that has been preheated to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
If I am using an oven instead of a smoker, I bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
I allow the dump cake to cool for several minutes before serving.
I serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream whenever I want an extra indulgent dessert.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking for extra crunch. When I want even more warm spice, I sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or apple pie spice over the top before adding the butter. I also enjoy mixing a handful of dried cranberries into the apple pie filling for a festive twist. If I prefer a richer flavor, I drizzle caramel sauce over each serving just before enjoying it.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When I am ready to enjoy another serving, I thaw it if frozen and warm it in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or reheat it in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through. I like adding a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
I can easily bake this dessert in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes and still enjoy a delicious result.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
I can substitute homemade apple pie filling as long as it has a similar consistency to canned filling.
Why shouldn't I stir the layers together?
I leave the layers untouched because the butter melts through the dry cake mix during baking, creating the signature crisp, buttery topping.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
I can assemble the ingredients in the skillet a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated until I am ready to cook it.
What toppings go well with Smoked Apple Dump Cake?
I enjoy serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for extra texture.
Conclusion
I love making this Smoked Apple Dump Cake because it delivers incredible flavor with very little effort. The sweet apples, buttery cinnamon topping, and subtle smoky finish create a comforting dessert that works for family dinners, cookouts, and holiday celebrations alike. Whether I cook it in a smoker or bake it in the oven, I always end up with a warm dessert that everyone enjoys.
📖 Recipe:
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Smoked Apple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smoked Apple Dump Cake combines sweet apple pie filling, a buttery cinnamon coffee cake topping, and a subtle smoky flavor for an easy, comforting dessert. Perfect for cookouts, holidays, or family dinners, it is delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
3 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 box Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coffee Cake Mix
1 cinnamon topping packet (included in the cake mix)
1 stick butter, thinly sliced
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a smoker to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the apple pie filling into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coffee Cake Mix evenly over the apple pie filling without stirring.
- Evenly sprinkle the included cinnamon topping packet over the cake mix.
- Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly over the top.
- Place the skillet in the smoker and cook for about 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
- For oven baking, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Let the dump cake cool for several minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or apple pie spice over the top for additional flavor.
Mix dried cranberries into the apple pie filling for a festive variation.
Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving for extra richness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
