How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

Updated: Oct. 16, 2023

This simple apple dump cake recipe is the perfect dessert for fall. You'll need a box of cake mix, apple pie filling and butter—that's it!

I see dump cake recipe ideas all over TikTok because this dessert is so simple. The name, “dump cake,” refers to the way the ingredients are literally dumped into a baking dish—no mixing is required. A dump cake comes together in minutes and, after it’s baked, the flavor and textures are amazing.

There are several types of dump cakes including peach cake, cherry pineapple cake and, of course, the ever-popular apple dump cake!

3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Learn how to make a dump cake using cake mix and apple pie filling. Serve it on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Apple Dump CakeAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Editor’s Tip: You can also add vanilla extract, cinnamon or nutmeg to round out the flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Layer the pie filling and cake mix

Apple Dump Cake apple layerAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Pour the canned apple pie filling over the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, if desired. (I definitely did.)

Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the canned apple pie filling.

Editor’s Tip: Be sure to spread the cake mix evenly. This will ensure the cake bakes evenly.

Step 3: Add the butter

Apple Dump Cake with melted butterAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Now it’s time for the melted butter! Pour evenly over the layers of apple pie filling and cake mix. Sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar, if desired.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown on the top and bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.

Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Once you start to see bubbling around the edges, this usually means the filling has thickened in the middle and the cake is ready.

Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes, to give the filling a chance to thicken a little more. Then it’s ready to serve!

Looking for more dump cake recipes? Try our favorite caramel apple dump cake and cinnamon roll dump cake.

Tips for Making Apple Dump Cake

Can you use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

You can certainly use fresh apples, but the apple dump cake will need to bake longer. If using fresh apples, peel the apples first, and be sure to add some extra cinnamon sugar to give the apples more flavor and balance out any tartness. Here are the best apples for apple bakes.

Does apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can an apple dump cake be frozen?

Baked apple dump cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. To thaw, place the frozen dump cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave smaller servings for about 45 seconds or until warmed through.

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