The Easiest 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake: Your Go-To Quick & Delicious Dessert
Get ready for the ultimate quick and easy apple dessert experience! Our 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is a game-changer, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. All you need are three simple items: a box of cake mix, canned apple pie filling, and a stick of butter. This recipe delivers a warm, comforting, and irresistibly buttery apple treat with unbelievably minimal effort.
Just like its popular cousins, such as chocolate cherry dump cake, rhubarb dump cake, and strawberry pie filling dump cake, this delightful apple dump cake is designed for simplicity. It comes together in under 5 minutes of prep time, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or when you’re craving something sweet without the fuss.
Serve this heavenly dessert warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra dreamy touch. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. Or, if you prefer, enjoy it chilled straight from the refrigerator. No matter how you choose to serve it, you’ll agree that the tender, spiced apples baked beneath a buttery, golden cake topping create an utterly irresistible combination that rivals a traditional apple pie in flavor, but not in effort.
What Exactly Is a Dump Cake? The Art of Effortless Baking
You might be wondering about the rather unconventional name: “dump cake.” The answer is delightfully straightforward and perfectly encapsulates the recipe’s philosophy. The name “dump cake” literally refers to the process of making it – all you need to do is dump the ingredients directly into your baking dish. There’s no fancy mixing, no creaming of butter and sugar, and definitely no need for multiple dirty mixing bowls to wash afterwards.
How incredibly neat is that? (Pun absolutely intended!) This “dump and bake” method is what makes dump cakes a favorite among home bakers of all skill levels. It’s an ingenious shortcut that delivers fantastic results with minimal fuss, making it ideal for those who love homemade desserts but are short on time or prefer to avoid extensive cleanup.
This easy apple dump cake recipe truly embodies the spirit of simplified baking. It tastes remarkably similar to a classic apple pie but is dramatically easier and quicker to prepare. It’s perfect for satisfying those apple pie cravings without the daunting task of making a crust from scratch.
Why You’ll Adore This 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
- Unbelievably Simple: With only three ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a no-fuss dessert.
- Minimal Prep Time: From start to oven in less than 5 minutes – it doesn’t get much faster than that!
- One-Pan Wonder: No mixing bowls means less cleanup. Just dump, bake, and enjoy.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Warm, sweet, and bursting with apple flavor, it’s the ultimate comforting treat, especially during fall.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good apple dessert, and this dump cake is always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with various toppings and simple additions to suit your taste.
Essential 3-Ingredients for Your Apple Dump Cake
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options to help you perfect your apple dump cake. You can find all specific measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Cake Mix: The foundation of our buttery topping! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice and creates a wonderful golden crust, a butter cake mix also works exceptionally well, adding a richer flavor. For a seasonal twist, especially in autumn, consider using a spice cake mix to enhance the apple flavors with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure you use a standard 15.25-ounce box.
- Apple Pie Filling: This is where the magic happens! We recommend using two 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling for the best apple-to-cake ratio. This ensures every spoonful of your dump cake is loaded with tender, sweet apples. While 1 can would work in a pinch for a thinner cake, two cans provide a more substantial and satisfying dessert. For an extra special touch, you can even use homemade apple pie filling if you’re feeling ambitious and have extra time.
- Butter: Melted butter is key to creating that delicious, crispy, and buttery cake topping. You can use either salted or unsalted butter; just be aware that salted butter will add a subtle savory contrast to the sweetness of the cake, which many people enjoy. The butter soaks into the cake mix, transforming it into a delightful crust as it bakes.
Delicious Apple Dump Cake Variations to Try
While the classic 3-ingredient recipe is phenomenal on its own, you can easily elevate your apple dump cake with a few optional additions or serving suggestions. Get creative and make it your own!
- Apple Spice Dump Cake: For an enhanced autumnal flavor, use a spice cake mix instead of yellow. Alternatively, sprinkle a teaspoon of apple pie spice, ground cinnamon, or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the cake mix before drizzling with butter.
- Apple Pecan (or Walnut) Dump Cake: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor by sprinkling 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix, or on top of the cake mix before drizzling butter. For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast the nuts beforehand.
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Transform your dessert into a luscious caramel apple treat by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each serving just before enjoying. Salted caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sophistication.
- Apple Crisp Dump Cake: For the ultimate Fall dump cake, combine the convenience of dump cake with the delightful texture of an apple crisp. Use spice cake mix, apple pie filling, then sprinkle with a generous layer of oat and honey granola (or a homemade oat crumble) before baking. Serve with caramel sauce for an irresistible combination.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake: For a decadent twist, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix. As it bakes, it creates creamy pockets of deliciousness.
- Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: For a festive holiday touch, stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries into the apple pie filling before spreading it into the dish. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweet apples perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Easy Apple Dump Cake
This section provides clear, step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the process. For the full printable recipe, including exact measurements and detailed notes, please refer to the recipe card located further down on this page. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Filling. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Then, open both cans of apple pie filling and pour them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling out so it forms a consistent layer. This will be the delicious base of your dump cake.
Step 2: Sprinkle the Cake Mix. Open your box of yellow (or butter/spice) cake mix. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the apple pie filling in the baking dish. Do not stir it in! The beauty of a dump cake is that the ingredients remain in layers. Try to cover as much of the apple filling as possible for a consistent topping.
Step 3: Drizzle with Melted Butter. Melt your butter completely. Then, slowly and carefully drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix layer. It’s perfectly normal if the butter doesn’t cover every single bit of the cake mix; as it bakes, the butter will melt further and spread, saturating the cake mix to create a delicious, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, the apple filling is visibly simmering, and the cake topping is almost entirely dry and beautifully golden brown. The cake mix should be cooked through and have a slightly crispy, buttery texture.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful 3-ingredient apple dump cake warm!
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Dump Cake
This dump cake with apple pie filling is absolutely delicious on its own, but a few simple additions can turn it into an extraordinary dessert. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Whipped Cream or Cool Whip: A generous dollop of freshly made whipped cream or a spoonful of cool whip adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For a truly decadent experience, serve your warm apple cake à la mode with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a luscious sauce that mingles perfectly with the warm apples and buttery cake. Other great ice cream flavors include cinnamon, butter pecan, or even caramel swirl.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: You can never go wrong with a sweet and sticky drizzle of warm caramel sauce. It enhances the apple flavor and adds a touch of gourmet appeal. A sprinkle of sea salt with the caramel creates a popular salted caramel apple flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A simple dusting of cinnamon sugar over the warm cake adds an extra layer of spice and sweetness.
- Toasted Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over each serving.
- Aromatic Pairings: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate cozy fall treat.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Dump Cake
This easy apple dump cake is wonderful for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers. To store, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy a leftover slice, you can easily reheat individual-size portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. For a crispier topping, you can also reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Apple Dump Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While the convenience of canned apple pie filling is a key part of this dump cake’s ease, if you’re feeling ambitious and have some extra time, using homemade apple pie filling would undoubtedly make this dessert even more incredible and allow you to control the sweetness and spice levels. Just ensure your homemade filling is prepared to a similar consistency as canned filling.
Yes, you can! Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm.
Most definitely! The beauty of dump cakes lies in their versatility. Have fun experimenting with any two cans of your favorite pie filling and any kind of complementary cake mix. Popular choices include cherry, peach, blueberry, or even a mixed berry filling. Just ensure the consistency is similar to apple pie filling for the best results.
If your dump cake turns out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons. One common cause is not baking it long enough, preventing the cake mix from fully cooking and absorbing the butter. Ensure the top is golden brown and mostly dry, and the filling is bubbly. Another reason could be using too much butter, which can make the topping overly dense rather than crisp.
Absolutely! While the canned apple pie filling is already spiced, you can enhance the flavor further by sprinkling an additional 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a touch of allspice over the apple filling before adding the cake mix. This will deepen the “apple pie” flavor profile.
More Tasty Apple Desserts for Fall
If you’re an apple lover like us, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic apple-infused recipes that are perfect for autumn and beyond:
- Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Snickers Apple Salad
- Crockpot Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Apple Mini Pie Cookies
- Apple Nachos
- Glazed Apple Cookies
- Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Dip– only 4 ingredients!
Apple Dump Cake
Author: Jaclyn
5 minutes
40 minutes
45 minutes
12
servings
Saved!
Ingredients
- 42 ounces apple pie filling 2 (21 ounce) cans
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix 1 box
- ¾ cup butter melted
- vanilla ice cream whipped cream, and/or caramel sauce, optional toppings
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350º F. Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
-
Add both cans of apple pie filling to the baking dish.
-
Pour cake mix in an even layer over the apple pie filling.
-
Drizzle with melted butter, trying to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. (It won’t cover it all – that is ok!)
-
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and dry on top.
-
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1g
|
Calories:
204kcal
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
