Spiced Apple Dump Cake (Grill Baked in Cast Iron)

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Warm, gooey apples meet buttery spiced cake in this easy Spiced Apple Dump Cake. Grilled to perfection in a cast-iron skillet—perfect for fall!

Autumn Comfort in a Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like pure autumn comfort, this Spiced Apple Dump Cake is just the thing. Baked right on the grill in a cast-iron skillet, it’s the perfect combination of gooey apple filling, buttery crumble topping, and warm spice.

Topped with a drizzle of sea salt caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this rustic dessert delivers big flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a cozy treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

At a Glance
• Main Ingredients: Apple pie filling, spiced cake mix, butter, apple juice
• Method: Layer, top with butter, grill-bake in cast iron skillet at 350°F
• Flavor Profile: Gooey, sweet apples; warm spices; buttery crunchy topping; rustic grill aroma
• Cook Time: ~1 hour grilling + rest time
• Best Served With: Vanilla ice cream, sea salt caramel drizzle, warm with friends

This is one of several dump cakes that bake beautifully outdoors — find them all here.

Spiced Apple Dump Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
• 1 box Duncan Hines Spiced Cake Mix
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• ½ cup apple juice

For the Topping

• Sea salt caramel drizzle (optional, for topping)
• Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

How to Make Spiced Apple Dump Cake on the Grill

Preheat the grill: Heat grill to 350°F.

Heat the skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet on the stove over low heat until hot to the touch. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

Layer the apples: Pour apple pie filling into the skillet and stir in apple juice. Spread evenly across the bottom.

Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry spiced cake mix evenly over the apples. Pat down gently with a spoon.

Top with butter: Cut the stick of butter into ¼-inch slices and place across the surface of the cake mix, covering as much as possible.

Bake on the grill: Place the skillet on the grill, close the lid, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.

Finish and serve: Remove from the grill.

Drizzle with sea salt caramel, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot with a scoop of ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Apple Dump Cake is best enjoyed warm, fresh off the grill. Here are some fun ways to serve it up:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream takes this dessert to the next level as it melts into the warm, gooey cake.
• Drizzled & Dusted: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
• Family-Style: Serve straight from the cast-iron skillet for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation. Just set it on the table and let everyone dig in!
• Paired with Drinks: A hot cup of apple cider, chai tea, or even a strong cup of coffee makes the perfect companion. For adults, try a warm spiced rum cider.
• BBQ Finale: This cake makes an incredible ending to a barbecue feast—serve it after smoked brisket or grilled chicken for the ultimate sweet finish.

Notes:

• This cake works beautifully in the oven too—bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
• Try switching up the filling! Peaches, cherries, or even pears pair wonderfully with the spiced cake mix.
• For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Things to Love About This Recipe

• Easy as it gets: Just five ingredients and almost no prep.
• Grilled perfection: That cast-iron skillet makes all the difference.
• Perfect fall flavor: Spiced cake mix + apple pie filling = autumn in every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser: Top with caramel and ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.
• Versatile: Works just as well in the oven if you don’t want to grill.

Holiday Dessert Twist

When the leaves are turning and the grill’s firing for holiday gatherings, this spiced apple dump cake becomes your secret weapon. The warm apples, cinnamon-nutmeg spice, and buttery crumble topping say “cozy holiday” in every bite, perfect for the holidays!

Serve it straight from the cast-iron skillet after Christmas dinner, adding a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. Want to make it extra festive? Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar to look like a wintry snow-kissed finish.

Bonus tip: This dessert holds beautifully for holiday brunch leftovers—just heat a slice in the skillet and top with whipped cream or maple syrup. It’s the perfect end to a backyard-style Christmas dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like — you dump the ingredients into your pan, layer them up, and bake. No mixing bowls, no complicated steps. It’s one of the easiest desserts you can make, and the result is a warm, bubbly, golden dessert that tastes like you worked a lot harder than you did.

Can you make dump cake in a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron is actually the best way to make dump cake, especially on the grill or smoker. It holds heat evenly, develops a gorgeous golden crust on the bottom, and goes straight from the fire to the table. It also looks beautiful when you serve it — rustic and homey in all the right ways.

Can you make spiced apple dump cake on the grill?

Absolutely — and it’s a game changer. Set up your grill for indirect heat at around 350°F, place your cast iron skillet on the cool side, close the lid, and let it bake just like an oven. The subtle hint of smoke makes the apple and spice flavors even more incredible.

What can you substitute for the cake mix in a dump cake?

If you want to skip the boxed mix, a simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt works well as a from-scratch topping. That said, the boxed spice cake or yellow cake mix is what gives dump cake its signature texture and ease — and there’s absolutely no shame in using it.

What do you serve with spiced apple dump cake?

A big scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing and practically mandatory. Fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce are both excellent too. Serve it warm straight from the skillet for maximum effect.

Other Delicious Desserts from Backyard Texas Grill

If you enjoyed this fun dump cake you’ll love our other desserts. Check them out!

Old-Fashioned Cowboy Cookies: Hearty Cowboy Cookies loaded with oats, pecans, coconut & chocolate—perfect for backyard barbecues, campouts, and cookouts.

Easy Skillet Cookie on the Grill: This Texas-sized skillet cookie is chewy, delicious and full of sweet & savory flavors that will make your mouth water! The combination of oats, chocolate chips, pecans and brown butter is unmatchable, and it’s so easy to make! Get the full recipe in this post.

Cast Iron Peach Dump Cake on the Grill: Some desserts are good. This one makes people hover by the grill waiting for the lid to open. A cast-iron skillet, a few simple ingredients, and the heat from your grill come together for a peach dump cake with a golden crust, bubbling fruit, and just a hint of smoke. It’s proof that the best desserts don’t have to come out of an oven.

If you like apple themed desserts, you’ll want to check out this Easy CInnamon Apple Bundt Cake from Out of the Box Baking! There’s a great round-up of apple desserts to enjoy, as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

That’s it for this post, friends. I hope you enjoyed this delicious Spiced Apple Dump Cake recipe. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

About the Pit Master

Zach Morrow is the grill-master behind this irresistible dessert. Known for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering creations, Zach believes every meal cooked over fire should end with something sweet. When he’s not experimenting with smoky flavors and cast-iron recipes, you’ll find him sharing the grill with friends and family. His Spiced Apple Dump Cake proves that great barbecue isn’t just about the main course—it’s about finishing strong with a dessert that wows.