Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe that makes me come back to it again and again. It’s the perfect blend of cozy apple pie flavors wrapped in a soft, spiced cake topping—and you get all of that without a fuss. Seriously, if you’re short on time but still craving a homemade dessert that feels special, this cake will totally have your back.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how just three simple ingredients could come together to create something so rich and satisfying. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker, and there’s no rolling or chopping required. It’s literally dump, sprinkle, melt butter on top, and bake—easy enough for even a busy weeknight treat or a last-minute dessert when friends drop by unexpectedly. You’ll find that this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe quickly becomes your new go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe lies in how the ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and texture without any added fuss. I always recommend picking a quality spice cake mix to give that warm, cinnamon-kissed touch that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.

• Apple Pie Filling: Using canned apple pie filling is a game changer for speed—it’s already perfectly sweet and spiced, so no extra prep needed.
• Spice Cake Mix: Choose your favorite dry spice cake mix; this brings all those cozy autumn spices straight into your dessert.
• Butter: Slicing butter on top lets it melt evenly, creating a golden, crispy topping that seals in the moisture of the apples.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. It’s so easy to make it your own, whether you prefer a little extra warmth with spices or a splash of something unexpected.

• Adding Extra Spices: Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon over the cake mix for an even more intense cinnamon-apple aroma. It really takes the cake (pun intended) to cozy levels!
• Using Pears or Peaches: Swap the apple pie filling for canned pears or peaches for a different fruity twist—still dump cake easy, just a flavor swap.
• Gluten-Free Version: Try a gluten-free spice cake mix if you’re avoiding gluten, and you won’t miss a thing.
• With Nuts: For some crunchy contrast, I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. My family goes crazy for that textural surprise.

How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. I like the greasing step because it helps the cake edges get beautifully golden without sticking, which also makes cleanup simpler.

Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Next, dump both cans of the apple pie filling directly into your greased pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. This juicy, spiced apples layer is the heart of your dump cake, so make sure it’s nicely distributed for even flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the top of the apple filling. Don’t worry about mixing—the magic happens as the butter melts and the cake bakes. Just make sure there are no big clumps; a gentle shake of the pan side to side helps distribute it nicely.

Step 4: Add Butter Slices

Slice your butter into thin pats and scatter them evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. This step is key for that golden, crispy crust you’ll love. When the butter melts, it soaks into the cake mix, combining with the sweet juices from the apple filling to create the perfect moist yet crisp texture.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your dump cake at 350°F for about 1 hour, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. I recommend checking around 50 minutes to make sure it’s not browning too fast—if it is, loosely tent it with foil. Once out of the oven, let it cool for 10-15 minutes; this helps it set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my warm apple dump cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—it melts right into the cake and creates a dreamy contrast. Whipped cream is another favorite; it adds lightness and a touch of sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon or crushed nuts on top for some extra flair and texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it a cozy after-dinner treat. For a more indulgent dessert spread, I like adding some fresh fruit or a simple salad with tangy citrus dressing to balance all that sweetness. It’s also a hit at potlucks alongside other warm drinks or pumpkin-themed delights.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dump cake in individual ramekins instead of one big dish—makes it look extra fancy with minimal effort! Garnishing each portion with a sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel like a homemade delicacy. You could also layer it with whipped cream in a trifle bowl for a festive twist that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover my Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen over time. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it gently before serving to get that soft, moist texture back.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It freezes surprisingly well and can be reheated straight from the freezer, making it perfect for a quick grab-and-go treat anytime you want.

Reheating

I usually reheat by placing individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. If you want to crisp up the topping again, a quick 10-minute blast in a 350°F oven works wonders. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorite desserts to whip up when I want something homey without a lot of work. It strikes that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness every single time. I promise, once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite trick up your sleeve for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Grab those three ingredients, pop it in the oven, and get ready to dig into pure comfort—your new dessert obsession awaits!

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