I like having an easy dessert on hand at all times, and that’s where dump cakes usually come in. The name may not sound appetizing, but making one is so easy and they’re crowd-pleasing desserts too.
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: you “dump” the ingredients into a pan (usually a boxed cake mix, a fruit filling and butter), then bake it until it’s warm, gooey and absolutely delicious. It’s one of those recipes that solves the “I need dessert, now” problem without creating a sink full of dishes.
The only problem? I don’t always want a full cake when I’m craving something sweet. Sometimes I want something I can snack on or quickly share. That’s where dump cakes made with cookie mix come in. I saw the genius idea on creator Grandma Misty’s TikTok feed, and I had to try them! They give you all the ease of a dump cake in a smaller format.
Because dump-style desserts have countless variations, the cookie mix version does too. From cherry to pineapple to apple pie filling, there’s a version for every craving and every season. Here’s what you need to know.
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What Are Cookie Mix Dump Cakes?
Dump cakes made with cookie mix are a simplified take on the classic dump cake dessert. Just like with the full-sized cake version, you layer the ingredients in a baking dish (usually a loaf pan), pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The cookie mix-pie filling combo bakes up more like a cobbler than a cake.
Some people call these “cookie dump cakes” others refer to them as “cookie cobblers,” but no matter the name, the concept is the same. It’s minimal effort with a big payoff.
Their appeal also lies in the countless variations. You can use whatever pie filling you like: cherry, pineapple, blueberry or apple pie filling, which happens to be my favorite. Some people stir in extras such as nuts, white chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
Related: I Tried the Viral Peach Cobbler Dump Cake and It’s My New Favorite Quick and Easy Dessert
Ingredients for Cookie Mix Dump Cakes
Courtesy Angel Albring
Cookie mix dump cakes keep the ingredient list short and straightforward. All you need is a bag of sugar cookie mix, a can of pie filling, and about a half stick of butter. Depending on the variation you’re making, you can add in cinnamon, chocolate chips or sprinkles.
I made an apple version, so I used apple pie spice to dress it up. I also made a strawberry version, but I didn’t use any add-ins for that one. To make this dessert even simpler, I made the treats in disposable loaf pans.
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♬ Originalton – 🕊🎵MADE TO WORSHIP🎵🕊
How To Make Cookie Mix Dump Cakes
Making cookie mix dump cakes is as simple as making a regular dump cake. Start by pouring the pie filling into the pan. If you’re adding things in, like extra apple pie spice, now is the time to do it.
Courtesy Angel Albring 
Sprinkle the cookie mix evenly on top. (I used about half a bag for each mini cake.) Top each cake with slices of butter. (I used about a half stick of butter per pan.) Bake the cakes at 350° until the top is lightly browned and set and the filling is hot and bubbly, which should take about 30 minutes.
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My Honest Thoughts About Cookie Mix Dump Cakes
Courtesy Angel Albring 
I loved these cobbler-like dump cakes, especially the apple pie filling version. They were so easy to make that I’ve baked them several times already. They’re so easy, in fact, that I even ate them for breakfast.
The texture is soft with bits of crunch here and there, somewhere between a cookie and a tiny cobbler. The flavor is rich without feeling heavy, balanced with sweetness from the fruit filling and some saltiness from the butter.
The only “challenge,” if you can call it that, is that the dough can look unusual as it bakes, but trust the process! Everything comes together in the end.
I would absolutely make these again, and I plan to keep a few variations in rotation for whenever I need a quick dessert or sweet snack.
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Tips and Helpful Hints for Making Cookie Mix Dump Cakes
Courtesy Angel Albring 
Dump cakes are wonderfully forgiving, but a few simple tricks can make them even better. If some of your cookie mix is dry after the butter has melted, you can use a basting brush to add some melted butter or oil.
Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness. They reheat well in the microwave (out of the metal pan, of course), if you want a fresh-from-the-oven experience. And a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is never a bad idea.
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