3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake: Effortless Bliss in Every Bite

You know those days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly how I discovered the magic of apple dump cake. I was hosting a last-minute gathering and needed a dessert that wouldn’t keep me from enjoying my own party. This 3-ingredient wonder saved the day!

As someone who grew up watching my grandma whip up incredible desserts with whatever she had on hand, I’ve always believed simple recipes can be the most satisfying. This apple dump cake is proof – just dump, bake, and enjoy! The smell of cinnamon-spiced apples filling your kitchen is pure comfort.

What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is) is how this dessert brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy fall evening or a summer potluck, this cake disappears fast. And trust me, no one will guess it only took you 5 minutes to prepare!

Save

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dump Cake

This apple dump cake is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen, and here’s why:

• Three ingredients – that’s it! Just dump them in the pan and let the oven do the work
• Ready in 5 minutes flat – perfect for when surprise guests show up or your sweet tooth strikes
• Tastes like you spent hours baking – that warm apple-cinnamon aroma fools everyone
• Always a crowd-pleaser – I’ve never brought leftovers home from a potluck!

Seriously, this cake is so easy I’ve made it half-asleep after long work days. The hardest part? Waiting for it to bake!

The Simple Ingredients That Make Magic

Here’s the beautiful part – you probably already have everything you need in your pantry right now! Just three humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary:

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling – my secret? Use the kind with extra cinnamon for more flavor
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix – grab whatever’s on sale, but spice mix is my favorite
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – measure after melting for perfect coverage

That’s seriously it! No fancy techniques, no special equipment – just dump and go. Though I’ll let you in on a little trick: keeping an extra can of pie filling in your cabinet means you’re always 5 minutes away from dessert heaven.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

Okay, here’s where the magic happens – and I promise it’s easier than tying your shoes! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a warm, bubbly dessert that’ll make your whole house smell amazing.

Save

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

First things first – grab that 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I like to use butter or nonstick spray, making sure to get all the corners. This little step saves you from scrubbing stuck-on apples later!

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Now the fun part – dumping! Pour your apple pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly with a spoon. Don’t worry about perfection here. Then, take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it right over the apples like you’re dusting powdered sugar on French toast.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Here’s where things get golden! Slowly drizzle your melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. I like to do this in a zig-zag pattern – it helps create those irresistible crispy bits on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty in your preheated 350°F oven and set a timer for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling like a little apple volcano. Try not to peek too often – I know it’s tempting!

Pro tip: If some spots look dry after baking, just poke them gently with a fork and let the butter redistribute. No stress – this cake is practically foolproof!

Save

Tips for the Best Apple Dump Cake

After making this dump cake more times than I can count (okay, maybe I can count – it’s a lot!), I’ve picked up some tricks to take it from good to “can I have the recipe?” amazing:

• Spice it up! Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry cake mix for extra warmth
• Go for spice cake mix – it pairs perfectly with the apples and makes the whole house smell like fall
• Butter distribution matters – use a fork to gently spread any dry patches after drizzling
• Let it rest – 10 minutes out of the oven lets the juices thicken perfectly

My grandma always said the best recipes leave room for creativity – so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Apple Dump Cake

Oh, the possibilities! This apple dump cake is delicious warm from the oven, but let me tell you how to take it to the next level. My absolute favorite way? A big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – the hot and cold combo is heavenly! If you’re feeling fancy, whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon works wonders too. Pro tip: Serve it in bowls rather than plates – you’ll want to catch every last drop of those buttery apple juices!

Save

Apple Dump Cake Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Try caramel cake mix instead of yellow for a richer flavor – it’s like apple pie met sticky toffee pudding. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add wonderful crunch too. Last Thanksgiving, I used pumpkin pie filling instead of apple and it was a total hit! The possibilities are endless, just like my grandma’s pantry was – she’d be proud of how creative we can get with such a simple base recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beautiful thing about this apple dump cake – it keeps getting better! Store leftovers (if you have any!) covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, just pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven until it’s bubbly again. Trust me, that second-day texture when the flavors have really melded together? Absolute magic!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving! (Nutrition varies based on ingredients/brands – this is just a general guide.)

Share Your Apple Dump Cake

I’d love to see your dump cake creations! Snap a photo and share it with me on Pinterest – tag me @SophiasKitchen so I can admire your work. Don’t forget to rate the recipe below if you try it – your feedback helps other home bakers discover this easy dessert!

Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

Save

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple and delicious dessert with minimal effort using canned apple filling and boxed cake mix.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Try using different cake mixes like spice or caramel for variation.
• Follow us on Pinterest for more easy dessert ideas!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg