Easy 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe – Quick Dessert for Any Occasion
Imagine this: It’s a chilly fall evening, and you want something sweet and warm. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
What if you could make a yummy dessert with just three ingredients and almost no work? That’s what this Easy 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is all about!
If you’re a busy parent, a student, or just love easy recipes, this is for you. Keep reading to find out how to make this awesome treat fast!

Key Takeaways
Here’s everything you need to know about this recipe in one quick spot:
- Recipe Description: This is a simple dessert. It uses apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter. You dump them together and bake!
- Prep Time: It takes 5 minutes to get ready. That’s super fast!
- Cooking Time: It bakes for 45 to 50 minutes. Your kitchen will smell great while it cooks.
- Total Time: From start to finish, it’s 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll have dessert in less than an hour!
- Type of Dish: This is a dessert. It’s sweet and perfect after dinner.
- Cuisine of the Recipe: It’s American. People here love easy, tasty treats like this.
- Quantity Produced by the Recipe: It serves 8 to 10 people. Great for sharing with family or friends!
- The Number of Calories in the Recipe: Each serving has about 300 calories. That’s a nice treat size!
This list gives you the big details. Now, let’s jump into the fun stuff about this apple dump cake!
What is an Apple Dump Cake?
An apple dump cake is a dessert you can make fast. People call it a “dump cake” because you dump all the ingredients into a dish. Then, the oven does the rest! You don’t need bowls or fancy tools—just a pan and some simple steps.
This recipe uses apple pie filling for a yummy apple taste. You don’t have to peel or cut apples, which saves time. Next, you sprinkle yellow cake mix on top. Then, you add butter slices for a crispy, golden top. When it bakes, the cake mix mixes with the butter and apple juices. It turns into a gooey, cobbler-like treat that’s perfect anytime!
It’s warm, sweet, and so easy. You’ll love how little work it takes to get something so good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this apple dump cake for lots of reasons. First, it’s super easy. With just three ingredients, you don’t need a big list or hard steps. It’s perfect when you want dessert fast.
Second, you can serve it many ways. Eat it alone, or add ice cream or whipped cream. It works for family dinners, parties, or just for you! Third, it’s cheap. The ingredients don’t cost much, and you might already have them at home.
Last, it tastes amazing. The sweet apples and buttery topping are so good together. It’s like a warm, cozy snack that makes everyone happy. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients Needed
You only need three things to make this apple dump cake:
- 2 cans of apple pie filling (21 ounces each)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup), thinly sliced
That’s all! You can add extras like cinnamon or nuts if you want, but you don’t have to. Use apple pie filling, not plain canned apples. The filling has sugar and spices already, which makes it tasty.
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, white or spice cake mix works too. For the butter, unsalted is best, but salted is okay if that’s what you’ve got. These ingredients are easy to find and make a super yummy dessert.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Dump Cake
Making this dump cake is so simple. Here’s what you do:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the apple pie filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out even.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the apple filling. Don’t mix it—just let it sit there.
- Add the butter slices on top of the cake mix. Try to cover it all.
- Bake it for 45 to 50 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbly filling.
- Cool it a little before you eat. Serve it warm with ice cream if you like!
It’s that easy! The best part is waiting while it bakes. Your house will smell like a bakery!
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
This recipe is easy, but these tips make it even better:
- Pick good pie filling: It’s the main flavor, so use one you like. Homemade is great too!
- Cut butter thin: Thin slices cover more and make the top nice and wet.
- Don’t mix it: Leave the layers alone. That’s how it gets yummy.
- Check it early: Ovens vary, so peek at 40 minutes. It’s ready when it’s golden and bubbly.
Also, let it cool a bit before serving. It’s hot right out of the oven! These tricks help you make a perfect dump cake every time. You’ll feel like a baking star with almost no work.
Variations and Add-Ins
The basic recipe is awesome, but you can change it up. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add spices: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples for more flavor.
- Use nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Put them on before the butter.
- Try other cake mixes: Spice cake mix tastes like fall. White cake mix is lighter.
- Mix in oats: Add oats to the cake mix for a crispy top.
You could even drizzle caramel sauce on the apples before the cake mix. It makes it extra sweet! Play around with what you like. This recipe is yours to make special.
Serving Suggestions
This dump cake is good by itself, but you can make it fancier:
- Ice cream: Put vanilla ice cream on top. Cinnamon or caramel ice cream is yummy too.
- Whipped cream: Add a big scoop for a creamy taste.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel on it for a super treat.
- Nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts for extra crunch.
You can also add fresh apple slices or berries on the side. It looks pretty and tastes great. However you serve it, everyone will love it!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them:
- Store it: Let it cool all the way. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or use a container. It stays good in the fridge for 4 days.
- Reheat it: Warm a piece in the microwave for 30 seconds. Or heat the whole thing in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
You can eat it cold too if you want. It’s still tasty! Leftovers don’t last long because it’s so good. You’ll want to eat it all up fast.
Nutritional Information
This dessert is a treat, so here’s what’s in it per serving (for 10 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 2g
These numbers depend on what brands you use. Want it lighter? Try light butter or sugar-free cake mix. It might taste a little different, but it still works.
Why Use Only 3 Ingredients?
Using just three ingredients keeps this recipe simple. It’s great for new bakers or when you’re short on time. You don’t need much to make it work, and it still turns out awesome.
It’s also easy to remember. No big list to write down—just apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter. That means less chance to mess up. Kids can help too because it’s so basic. You get a tasty dessert without any stress!
Making It for a Crowd
This recipe is perfect for lots of people. You can make more by doubling or tripling it. Use a bigger pan and add a little extra baking time.
It’s awesome for parties or potlucks. Bake it early and serve it warm or cool. It’s easy to carry to a friend’s house too. Everyone will want a piece because it’s so yummy and simple to share!
Seasonal Twists
This dump cake is great in fall, but you can switch it up:
- Winter: Add cranberries to the apples for a holiday taste.
- Summer: Use peach or cherry pie filling instead of apple.
- Spring: Mix in fresh berries with the apples for fun colors.
These changes make it fit any time of year. You’ll love trying new flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Pie Filling?
Yes! Use 4 to 5 cups of peeled, sliced apples. Add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to them. Canned filling is faster, though.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Put the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. It’s done when it’s golden and bubbly.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
Sure! Spice cake mix is great with apples. White or yellow works too. Try what you like!
How Do I Prevent the Cake Mix from Staying Dry on Top?
Cover it all with butter slices. If it’s still dry, add a little melted butter before baking.

Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!