Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you want something comforting and homemade but don’t have the time or energy to fuss with complicated recipes? That’s exactly why I’m so crazy about this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s basically the love child of apple pie and cake — sweet, cozy, and unbelievably simple. I mean, just three ingredients and you’re practically done. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a gift to yourself after a long day.

What’s truly magical about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together and still tastes so indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute family gathering or simply craving a warm, homey treat, you’ll find that this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it gives you that nostalgic feel of apple pie without the fuss of rolling dough or peeling apples by hand. Trust me, once you try this, it might become your go-to dessert hack.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These three simple ingredients work in harmony to create a moist, flavorful dessert. When shopping, pick a quality spice cake mix and a good canned apple pie filling to get that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Apple Pie Filling: Choose your favorite brand or style—chunky or smooth filling both work well and bring that perfect apple sweetness.
• Spice Cake Mix: Adds warmth and spice that complements the apple perfectly; I love the cozy hints of cinnamon and nutmeg from the mix.
• Butter: Use real butter for richness and that golden crust—stay away from margarine for best flavor and texture.

Variations

I love how this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a blank canvas begging for some creativity. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists to keep things interesting, and honestly, it’s fun to personalize it based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

• Add nuts: A sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch—my family can’t get enough of this little upgrade.
• Cinnamon boost: If you want more spice, sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top before baking for an extra cozy vibe.
• Mix the filling: Combine apple filling with a can of peach or cherry pie filling for a fruity twist I discovered that’s surprisingly delicious.
• Reduce sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, try a sugar-free spice cake mix or use unsalted butter to balance it out.

How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I always grease my 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray to make sure the cake doesn’t stick to the sides—this step means easy cleanup later, which you’ll thank yourself for.

Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Pour both cans of apple pie filling right into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. This juicy base is the heart of the dump cake and gives it that luscious apple pie flavor.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Now, sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Don’t worry about mixing—just let it cover the fruit completely. This poised layer will soak up the juices from the apples and bake up into a sweet, spiced crust.

Step 4: Add the Butter Slices

Slice the butter into pats and place them evenly over the top of the cake mix. This trick ensures the butter melts in small pockets, creating that rich, golden crust everyone swoons over. I discovered that evenly spaced butter slices prevent dry spots or overly soggy areas.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 1 hour at 350°F. Keep an eye on it around the 50-minute mark. When it’s done, the top should be bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving—this resting period helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve this cake warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top—it’s pure comfort. Whipped cream is another easy favorite that adds a light fluffiness balancing the cake’s density. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted nuts on top makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

When I serve this dessert after dinner, I often pair it with a cup of hot coffee or warm chai tea to complement the spices. It also goes beautifully with simple roasted nuts or even a cheese plate if you want to mix savory and sweet flavors for guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in ramekins, turning this easy dump cake into personal desserts. Drizzling caramel sauce over the top right before serving always gets oohs and aahs. And decorating with fresh apple slices or edible flowers adds a fresh, pretty touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the leftover apple dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works great if you want to make it ahead for later. I slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag. It keeps up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

The warm baked apple and cake mixture tastes best reheated in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—use short bursts to avoid drying it out. Adding a little extra butter or a splash of cream before reheating helps keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a total winner in my book because it takes minimal effort to make something everyone loves. Whenever I’m pressed for time or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, this cake comes through like a champ. It’s one of those recipes I happily share with friends because it’s impossible to mess up and always brings smiles. So go ahead—grab those three ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy the warm, cozy goodness in your kitchen tonight.

Print