I absolutely love sharing this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe because it’s one of those magical desserts that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. When I first tried this, I was amazed by how ridiculously simple it was to get that comforting apple pie flavor with just three ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or just want something cozy and homey without the fuss, this dump cake is your new best friend.
You’ll find that this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe works beautifully anytime you want a fuss-free dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. I’m always fascinated by how the buttery cake topping crisps up perfectly over sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s easy to customize, hard not to love, and a total crowd-pleaser—I know my family goes crazy for it every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its best: Only three ingredients mean you can have dessert on the table fast and with minimal cleanup.
- Comfort in every bite: The cozy apple and spice flavors make it the perfect cold-weather treat.
- Crowd-pleaser for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dessert or holiday potluck, it always gets compliments.
- Flexible and forgiving: You can tweak it slightly to suit your taste or pantry without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create that crisp, sweet topping layered over juicy apple filling. When shopping, look for a good quality apple pie filling and your favorite spice cake mix to match your flavor preferences.
- Apple Pie Filling: Using canned apple pie filling saves you time, but choose one with nice chunks and natural spices for the best flavor.
- Spice Cake Mix: I recommend a classic spice cake mix for that warm cinnamon and nutmeg touch that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter sliced evenly across the top helps the cake crisp up and create that golden crust you’re after.
Variations
I love how versatile this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe is — you can easily make it your own by swapping spices, mixing in extras, or going dairy-free. Play around with what you have, and you might uncover a new family favorite.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: I like sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apple pie filling for added crunch and richness.
- Use Pumpkin Pie Filling: I once swapped pumpkin pie filling for the apples and it transformed this cake into a fall-inspired delight with minimal fuss.
- Dairy-Free Version: Try using a vegan butter substitute to make it dairy-free without sacrificing that crisp topping.
- Spice Mix Adjustments: Mixing a little extra cinnamon or even ginger into the cake mix can deepen the flavor nicely.
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously—trust me, this helps the cake release easily and prevents sticking. Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the pan and spread it out evenly, making sure the apples cover the bottom in a nice layer. Don’t worry about being perfect here—the rustic look is part of the charm.
Step 2: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix on top of the apples, creating a uniform layer. Try to cover as much surface area as possible without pressing it down. This dry layer will soak up the apple juices as it bakes, turning into that incredible fluffy yet crisp topping.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Slice the butter sticks into thin pats and scatter them over the top of the cake mix. Don’t be shy about covering as much ground as possible—these little butter pieces are what create that golden, crispy finish you’ll swoon over. I like to use cold butter straight from the fridge to get the best melt and bake texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour at 350°F. Around the 45-minute mark, I like to peek to make sure the top is browning evenly. The edges should bubble and the top should be golden brown with some crisp spots. Once done, let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes; it’s delicious warm but still needs a bit of time to set.
Pro Tips for Making Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Use Quality Apple Filling: I’ve found that brands with real apple chunks and warm spices make a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t Press the Cake Mix: Let it stay fluffy and loose to absorb juices and create a better texture—not dense or soggy.
- Slice Butter Thinly: Thin pats melt quickly and help the topping to brown evenly without leaving greasy spots.
- Watch Baking Time: Start checking around 50 minutes to avoid over-baking and drying out the cake.
How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my warm apple dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—nothing fancy, just that creamy contrast that makes every bite heavenly. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce never hurt, either, and really amps up the cozy vibes.
Side Dishes
If you’re making this for a fall dinner, I love pairing it alongside lightly spiced coffee or a glass of hard apple cider to keep the theme going. It’s also fantastic with a simple salad or roasted vegetables if you want to serve it as a sweet finish to dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this apple dump cake in individual ramekins for easy portioning and an elegant touch. Sometimes I add a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick garnish to the plate to impress guests without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the cake has cooled completely, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge—any leftovers last well for up to 4 days. I love knowing I can enjoy the next-day flavors that often taste even better after the spices have had time to meld.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this apple dump cake a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture stays quite good, though I recommend reheating in the oven to bring back some crispness on top rather than the microwave.
Reheating
Microwaving warm the cake quickly but can make the topping a bit soggy. Instead, I reheat leftovers at 325°F in the oven for 10-15 minutes uncovered, which revives that crisp buttery topping beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! You can make your own apple pie filling by cooking peeled and sliced fresh apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice until tender. Just make sure they are soft and juicy before layering, as fresh apples won’t release as much liquid as canned filling during baking.
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What kind of spice cake mix works best?
I recommend using a classic spice cake mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm spices complement the apples perfectly. If you want a milder cake, you could also try a yellow or butter cake mix, but the spice mix really brings out that cozy apple pie vibe.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and choose a dairy-free spice cake mix or make one from scratch. The apple pie filling is often vegan, but double-check the label to be sure.
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How do I know when the dump cake is done?
You’ll see bubbling around the edges and a golden-brown, crispy top. The butter will have melted into the cake mix, forming a crunchy crust. If you insert a toothpick near the center, it should come out mostly clean but might have some moist crumbs—that’s perfect!
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Can I double this recipe?
You can double it, but make sure to use a larger baking dish so the layers don’t get too thick. Baking time might increase slightly—start checking around 60 minutes. Alternatively, bake two pans separately for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to desserts when I want something warm, comforting, and effortless. I love how it brings together simple pantry staples to create an incredibly satisfying dish that tastes way more complicated than it is. If you want an easy, fail-proof dessert to impress family or just treat yourself, give this a try—I’m confident you’ll fall in love just like I did.
Print
Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert combining the sweet, spiced flavors of apple pie filling with a moist spice cake topping. With only three ingredients and minimal prep, this dump cake recipe is perfect for easy gatherings or a comforting treat, baked to golden perfection and ideal served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Cans Apple Pie Filling (about 21 oz each)
- 1 Package Spice Cake Mix (dry, approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 Cup Butter (2 sticks, preferably unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the dump cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Add Apple Pie Filling: Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create a uniform base layer.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple pie filling layer without mixing, allowing it to act as the topping.
- Add Butter: Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly over the surface of the cake mix to create a rich, moist crust as it melts during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour at 350°F, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes to set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the comforting flavors.
Notes
- This is the best Apple Dump Cake recipe, blending classic apple pie flavor with the ease of a cake mix.
- Only three simple ingredients are required, making it an ideal dessert for quick preparation.
- Serve it warm for maximum flavor and a comforting experience, especially paired with ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can use salted or unsalted butter, but unsalted is preferred to control the salt level.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
