Fall flavors, minimal effort, and the scent of warm cinnamon-spiced apples filling the kitchen, that’s the magic of this 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake. Whether you’re pressed for time or just need a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss, this one’s a keeper. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly why this is the shortcut dessert you’ll want to make on repeat. From ingredients to foolproof tips, I’ve got you covered.
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Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake
Some recipes become family favorites the minute they hit the table. This is one of them. I still remember the first time I made it, it was a chilly Saturday, and my husband was craving something sweet. I didn’t want to make a mess, but I did want something warm, homey, and quick. With just canned apple pie filling, boxed cake mix, and melted butter, this dessert practically baked itself while we curled up with a movie.
What came out of the oven was buttery, golden, and bursting with warm apple flavor. My husband took one bite, paused, and said, “You made this with three ingredients?” That’s when I knew this apple pie dump cake was a winner.
The beauty of this easy apple cake is that it delivers all the comfort of homemade cobbler without measuring flour or dirtying a dozen bowls. It’s a go-to when you’re short on time but craving something cozy; kind of like this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake, which brings the same ease with an extra caramel twist.
If you’re into rustic desserts with a warm, gooey center and crisp topping, this dump cake will check all your boxes. And the best part? You don’t need to be a baker to pull it off. Just layer and bake. It’s that simple.
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3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake
This 3-ingredient apple pie dump cake is a cozy, no-fuss dessert made with canned apple pie filling, boxed yellow cake mix, and melted butter. Just layer and bake; perfect for fall cravings or easy weeknight sweets.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish.
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apples.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the top, covering as much as possible.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Optional: Add chopped pecans or caramel sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a complete dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Simple Ingredients That Work Magic
Just Three Pantry Staples
This recipe is the definition of “minimal effort, maximum payoff.” With only three ingredients, there’s no measuring, no mixing bowls, and no stress. Here’s what you’ll need to make the easiest apple cake ever:
- Canned apple pie filling: This is the heart of the recipe. The pre-spiced apple filling creates that classic pie flavor with zero prep. Look for a version with cinnamon or nutmeg if you like that extra warmth.
- Yellow cake mix: Dry boxed cake mix gives this dump cake its golden, crisp topping. You don’t need to prepare the batter, just sprinkle it straight from the box over the apples. It creates a buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the gooey apple layer.
- Melted butter: Butter brings it all together. Once poured over the cake mix, it soaks in and creates that irresistible crumbly topping. Salted or unsalted both work, just go with what’s in your fridge.
That’s it. No eggs. No milk. No mess.
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
This base recipe is delicious on its own, but you can absolutely make it your own. Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. If you’re craving fall flavors, a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice stirred into the apple filling can give it even more depth.
Want to make it feel like a cozy fall brunch treat? Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, just like you would with this Apple Crisp.
How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions (No Mixer Needed!)
If you can open a can and preheat your oven, you can make this apple pie dump cake. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll whip up on a weeknight, bring to a potluck, or toss in the oven just before guests arrive. And because everything happens in one dish, clean-up is a breeze.
Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coat of butter.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry about perfection, just make sure the whole surface is covered.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly on top of the filling. Don’t stir it in, just layer it. Use your hands or a spoon to gently spread it evenly.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface as possible. The butter will soak into the cake mix as it bakes, creating that golden crisp topping.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges. The smell will let you know it’s ready.
Let it rest for about 10 minutes before scooping. Serve it warm straight from the dish or with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling fancy (which you should).
It’s as simple as dump, spread, drizzle, and bake. Very similar to how easy it is to whip up this Apple Cobbler; both are cozy fall desserts with very little effort.
Tips and Tasty Variations
Bake It Better with These Simple Tips
While this apple pie dump cake is practically foolproof, a few small tricks can make it even better. Here’s how to get the best results every single time:
- Even butter coverage: The butter is what helps the dry cake mix bake into that golden crust. If you miss spots, you might end up with a few dry patches. Use a spoon or brush to spread the butter as evenly as possible, or slice cold butter into thin pats and lay them across the top.
- Don’t stir anything together: It’s tempting, but trust the process. The layers need to stay separate to create that gooey base and crumbly topping.
- Use a glass or ceramic dish: These hold heat more evenly, giving the bottom apples a chance to caramelize slightly.
- Let it rest after baking: If you scoop it straight out of the oven, it’ll be piping hot and a little runny. Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes helps it firm up just enough.
This is the kind of dessert where imperfect still means delicious. Even if the top’s a little uneven or the edges bubble over, it still tastes like something you’d get at grandma’s house.
Flavor Twists You’ll Want to Try
Once you’ve made the original, it’s easy to get creative. Try these variations to make this recipe your own:
- Add caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over the apple pie filling before adding cake mix for extra richness.
- Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans with the dry cake mix for a satisfying crunch.
- Swap the filling—try cherry or peach pie filling for a totally different but just-as-easy fruit dump cake.
- Add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the pie filling to amplify fall flavors.
- Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
And if you’re a fan of fall baked goods, you might also love these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins; they have that same spiced apple goodness, just in a totally snackable form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this apple pie dump cake a day in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for quick servings.
What kind of apple pie filling works best?
Any canned apple pie filling will work, but one with cinnamon or added spices gives more depth of flavor. If you’re using plain apple filling, you can always stir in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring out those cozy fall notes.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first. Slice and sauté apples with sugar, butter, and cinnamon until softened, just like you would for a traditional pie. It’s a bit more work, but it gives a homemade touch.
How do I store leftover dump cake?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven. The topping may soften slightly, but a quick toast in the oven will help it crisp back up.
Final Note
This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is everything a home cook dreams of—fast, cozy, and fail-proof. Whether it’s a spontaneous dessert craving or a make-ahead treat for guests, it brings comfort with zero fuss. The layers of warm, spiced apples and golden cake topping hit that perfect sweet spot between effort and flavor.
And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. Add caramel, nuts, or a twist of spice—and it still comes out tasting like a hug in dessert form.
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