3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake

This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts I’ve ever made—and it tastes like a cozy slice of homemade apple pie with zero fuss. With just a can of pie filling, a box of cake mix, and melted butter, I can throw it together in minutes. It’s sweet, buttery, and always a hit when I need a quick and satisfying dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes almost no effort, but the result feels warm and indulgent. It’s perfect when I want something homemade without mixing bowls or complicated steps. The topping turns golden and crisp while the apple filling bubbles beneath—comfort food at its finest. I also like how easy it is to customize with spices, nuts, or different pie fillings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. I spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. I sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling—no mixing required.

4. I drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible.

5. I bake the dump cake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. I let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s amazing warm with ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• I sprinkle cinnamon or apple pie spice over the filling for more flavor.

• I use spice cake mix instead of yellow for a deeper, autumn vibe.

• I add chopped walnuts or pecans to the top for crunch.

• I swap in cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for a new flavor each time.

• I add caramel drizzle after baking for an extra decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or place the baking dish in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the topping can become soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes bake it earlier in the day and warm it up before serving. It holds up well for a few hours.

Do I need to mix the cake mix with the butter?

Nope! I just sprinkle it dry and drizzle the butter over it. That’s the beauty of a dump cake—no stirring required.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Absolutely. If I have apples and some time, I cook them down with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice and use that instead.

What’s the best way to serve it?

I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also great with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! I’ve made this with white, spice, and even butter pecan cake mix. Each version has its own charm.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is one of my favorite go-to desserts when I need something easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing. It captures all the flavors of apple pie without the work, and it always disappears fast. Whether I’m making it for guests or just to treat myself, it’s a sweet win every time.