There’s something magical about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and butter wafting through the kitchen. It feels like autumn has arrived, even if you’re making this dessert in the middle of summer. Apple Pie Dump Cake is one of those recipes that doesn’t require you to be a seasoned baker, yet it delivers the comfort and nostalgia of a homemade dessert.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the idea that dessert shouldn’t be complicated. You don’t need a mile-long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something delicious. In fact, with just three simple ingredients—apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter—you can whip up a warm, golden, bubbly dessert that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy evenings by the fireplace.
Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or looking for the perfect treat to bring to a potluck, this 3-ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake will become your go-to recipe. It’s affordable, quick, and tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: No mixing bowls, no complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses three simple, inexpensive pantry staples.
- Versatile: Works as a weeknight dessert, holiday showstopper, or potluck favorite.
- Comfort Food Classic: Combines the flavors of apple pie and buttery cake into one cozy dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and even picky eaters can’t resist its warm, gooey goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Just three ingredients, each playing a role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor.
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling – The heart of the dessert, bringing sweetness and spiced apple flavor.
- 1 box yellow cake mix – Adds a golden, buttery crumb that balances the apple filling.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Creates a crisp, golden top with rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dessert ready in under an hour:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Don’t stir! The magic happens in the oven.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This creates that golden, crisp topping.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~320 per serving
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Dump Cake
- Use Cold Butter for Drizzling: Instead of melting, try using cold butter cut into thin slices. Lay the slices over the cake mix for even coverage and a crisper top.
- Add a Pinch of Spice: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix before baking to enhance the apple flavor.
- Go Nuts: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Serve Warm: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it irresistible.
- Make It Ahead: Bake earlier in the day, then reheat in the oven before serving.
Variations to Try
One of the best parts of a dump cake is how flexible it can be. You can swap flavors and ingredients to create new versions:
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple pie filling before adding cake mix.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: Use cinnamon roll cake mix for extra spice.
- Apple-Pear Blend: Mix apple and pear pie fillings for a fall-inspired twist.
- Spiced Apple Cider Dump Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon to the cake mix.
- Apple Cranberry Dump Cake: Stir in dried cranberries with the apple filling for a tart contrast.
What Is a Dump Cake?
If you’ve never tried a dump cake before, you might be wondering about the unusual name. A dump cake is a dessert that’s halfway between a cobbler and a cake. Instead of carefully mixing ingredients, you simply “dump” everything into a baking dish—fruit filling on the bottom, dry cake mix on top, and butter drizzled over. As it bakes, the fruit becomes bubbly while the cake mix transforms into a golden, buttery crust.
It’s a time-honored American shortcut dessert, popular at church potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays because it’s inexpensive, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Perfect Occasions for Apple Pie Dump Cake
This dessert fits into nearly any occasion:
- Weeknight Dessert: Quick enough to make after dinner when a craving strikes.
- Holiday Celebrations: Apple pie flavors make it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall gatherings.
- Potlucks and Picnics: Easy to transport and always a hit with a crowd.
- Cozy Nights In: A perfect movie-night treat when paired with ice cream.
- Celebrations: Birthdays, baby showers, or casual get-togethers all benefit from a sweet, easy dessert.
How to Serve Apple Pie Dump Cake
- Classic Style: Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Elevated Touch: Drizzle with caramel or salted caramel sauce.
- Holiday Flair: Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Breakfast Treat: Believe it or not, leftovers taste amazing with coffee the next morning!
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Spice cake, white cake, or butter pecan mix all pair wonderfully with apples.
2. Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?
Not at all. You can use homemade apple pie filling or even sliced fresh apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
4. Why is my topping powdery?
That usually means the butter didn’t fully coat the dry cake mix. Next time, add more butter or cut cold butter into small cubes and scatter them over the top.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply bake it in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger roasting pan for big gatherings.
Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this dump cake lies in its simplicity and flavor balance. The apple pie filling provides sweetness and fruitiness, while the dry cake mix forms a golden, crisp crust that’s buttery yet light. The butter ties everything together, ensuring richness without overwhelming the apple flavor.
It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Final Thoughts: The Dessert You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Life gets busy, but dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. With only three ingredients and less than an hour, you can enjoy a dessert that feels like it’s been made with love and care. Apple Pie Dump Cake brings together family-friendly comfort, holiday nostalgia, and everyday ease in one dish.
The next time you’re craving something warm and sweet, or you need a quick dessert to share with friends, remember this recipe. It’s more than just a cake—it’s a little piece of home, served warm and golden, ready to bring smiles to everyone around the table.