3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake – Easy & Delicious Dessert

If you love easy desserts that require almost no effort, this 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is a recipe you’ll want to keep handy. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a warm, buttery, apple-filled dessert with a deliciously golden topping.

There is no complicated mixing, no special baking skills, and no long ingredient list. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it into the oven, and let the oven do the work.

This easy apple dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Overview of the Recipe

This 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake combines sweet apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter to create an effortless dessert with a soft apple layer and a golden, buttery cake topping.

The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity. Instead of preparing a traditional cake batter, the ingredients are layered directly into the baking dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients
• Very easy to prepare
• No mixer required
• Minimal cleanup
• Warm and comforting
• Perfect for fall
• Great for holidays
• Ready with little hands-on preparation
• Delicious with ice cream
• Beginner-friendly

What Does Apple Dump Cake Taste Like?

This dessert tastes like a cross between warm apple pie and a buttery cake. The apple filling becomes hot and tender in the oven, while the cake mix develops a golden, slightly crisp topping.

Serve it warm for the ultimate cozy dessert.

Ingredients

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Ingredient	Amount
Apple pie filling	2 cans (20 oz each)
Yellow cake mix	1 box (15.25 oz)
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), thinly sliced

That’s all you need to make this incredibly simple dessert.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Can opener
• Knife
• Spoon
• Measuring cup

How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Apple Filling

Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Use the back of a spoon to spread the filling into an even layer.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling.

Do not mix the cake mix with the apples. Simply spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into very thin slices.

Arrange the butter slices evenly across the entire surface of the dry cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible so the topping becomes golden and buttery as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Easy Variations

Add Cinnamon

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the apple filling before adding the cake mix for extra warm spice.

Use Spice Cake Mix

Replace the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a stronger fall-inspired flavor.

Add Chopped Pecans

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake mix before adding the butter for extra crunch.

Add Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce over individual servings for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Dump Cake

• Spread the apple filling evenly.
• Keep the cake mix completely dry—do not mix it with the apples.
• Slice the butter thinly so it melts more evenly.
• Try to distribute the butter across the entire surface.
• Bake until the topping is golden brown.
• Let the dessert rest briefly before serving.
• Serve warm for the best texture.

What to Serve with Apple Dump Cake

This warm dessert pairs especially well with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Cinnamon
• Chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar
• Hot coffee
• Tea

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Cover leftover apple dump cake and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a low oven until heated through.

Freezer

For best texture, enjoy the dessert fresh or refrigerated rather than freezing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes. Homemade apple pie filling can be used instead of canned filling. Make sure you have enough filling to create an even layer in the baking dish.

Do I mix the cake mix with the apple filling?

No. That’s one of the reasons dump cake is so easy. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling and leave the layers undisturbed.

How do I make sure the cake mix cooks properly?

Spread the cake mix evenly and distribute thin slices of butter across the entire surface. This helps the dry mix absorb the melted butter as it bakes.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely. Yellow cake mix works beautifully, but spice cake mix can also be used for a delicious variation.

Can I add cinnamon?

Yes! Cinnamon is an easy way to add extra warmth and complements the apples beautifully.

How do I know when the dump cake is done?

The topping should be golden brown and the apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is one of those recipes that makes homemade dessert incredibly simple. With apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter, you can create a warm and comforting dessert without making traditional cake batter or spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy fall evenings.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving, based on 12 servings:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	355 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	51 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	30 g
Sodium	390 mg

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