3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crazy delicious dessert that comes together in a snap, this 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe will become your new go-to. Seriously, it’s practically foolproof and tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen—only you didn’t. I absolutely love how this cake turns out with its sweet apple filling, buttery cake topping, and that bubbly, golden finish every single time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to get it spot-on in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients come together like magic. The apple pie filling offers that perfect mix of sweetness and spice, while the yellow cake mix and melted butter turn into a crispy, cakey topping that contrasts beautifully. When shopping, choose your favorite brands but try for a quality canned apple pie filling with a good cinnamon flavor.

• Apple pie filling: Using canned filling means no peeling or chopping apples—so much easier! Look for one with a nice cinnamon kick.
• Yellow cake mix: It’s your cake base and topping in one. I always use classic yellow, but you could experiment with spice cake mix for a twist.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to drizzle over the cake mix, it makes the topping golden and crispy. Unsalted lets you control the flavor better.

Variations

I love customizing this 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry — don’t be shy to make it your own! Here are a few variations I’ve tried that turned out fantastic:

• Add Nuts or Raisins: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped walnuts or raisins over the apple filling for an extra texture and flavor boost.
• Use Different Cake Mixes: Swapping yellow cake mix for spice or white cake gives the dessert a unique twist—my spice cake version smells heavenly.
• Mix the Fruit: I occasionally swap half the apple pie filling for peach or cherry to mix it up; it’s surprisingly tasty and keeps things interesting.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Gluten-free yellow cake mix works perfectly; just be sure to check your canned filling ingredients too.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Spread Your Base

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. I like this size because it feeds a crowd but isn’t too intimidating to tackle. Pour the two cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish – no smoothing out necessary, just dump and spread gently. This juicy layer is going to bubble up and get so inviting during baking.

Step 2: Sprinkle the Cake Mix Topping

Without any mixing, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling. This dry layer looks a little strange at first, but trust me—it transforms into something amazing. Try to cover the filling evenly so you get that buttery cake crust all across the dessert.

Step 3: Pour Melted Butter Over the Top

This is the secret to that beautiful, crispy topping. Drizzle your melted butter over the cake mix, aiming to cover as much surface as possible, but don’t worry about perfect coverage because it will spread during baking. I usually use around 3/4 cup melted butter. Make sure the butter is hot and melted—it won’t coat the dry topping as nicely if lukewarm.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling sides — those bubbling juices are a telltale sign that it’s done. If you’re like me and pumping out multiple desserts, this one’s forgiving enough to let you check early or give it extra 5 minutes if your oven runs cool.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream right on top—it melts into the warm cake and balances the sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans also adds a nice touch and some crunch.

Side Dishes

This apple dump cake stands well on its own, but I sometimes serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy pairing. If it’s a holiday or family gathering, a simple plate of roasted nuts or caramel-drizzled fruit works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the dump cake in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own warm, bubbling dessert. You can also dress it up with decorative cinnamon sticks or edible flowers for a charming rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools to room temperature, I cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It holds well for 3-4 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any of its charm.

Freezing

Dump cake also freezes decently! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture softens a little but the flavor remains spot on, which is a lifesaver when you want dessert ready in a pinch.

Reheating

To keep that crisp topping, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes rather than the microwave. If you’re short on time, the microwave works but expect a softer crust. Just add a little extra ice cream or whipped cream to compensate!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple and satisfying it was—a total game changer for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade but doesn’t require a ton of skill or fancy ingredients. I hope you give it a try soon; your family will thank you, and you might just find yourself reaching for it over and over. Plus, it’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the best things in life really are the simplest.

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