How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023
This simple apple dump cake 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 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
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 cup melted butter
- Optional: 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar
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-in. baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the pie filling and cake mix
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
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 up to 3 to 4 days.
Can an apple dump cake be frozen?
Baked apple dump cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 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.
Chocolate Dump Cake
This chocolate dump cake recipe fits right in with busy schedules; it requires no sifting, whisking or decorating. Just dump, stir, bake and serve this decadent dessert.
The Easiest Blueberry Dump Cake
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake
There's no mixing, sifting or beating required to make this caramel apple dump cake recipe. Just add a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Hungry for more? Check out this delicious banana pudding dump cake recipe.
Oreo Dump Cake
Craving a sweet and easy dessert? You can thank TikTok for this Oreo dump cake recipe.
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
This comes to us courtesy of TikTok creator @aquickspoonful. Her recipe includes cinnamon swirl cake mix, plus two intriguing ingredients we hadn’t considered trying: tubes of cinnamon roll dough and a can of frosting! Of course, we had to put her recipe to the test in our Test Kitchen.
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
This is one of the best peach dump cake recipes in the world. It's sweet, tender cake with a beautifully crisp cobbler topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and dessert is golden. —Keri Sparks, Little Elm, Texas
Carrot Dump Cake
Because our family adores carrot cake, I experimented to find an easy way to make it so we could enjoy it all the time. This super moist dump cake version makes my family smile when it suddenly appears on the table. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Covered-Cherry Dump Cake
My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
With an apple farm just down the road, I'm always looking for creative ways to use up those bushels. We love this cozy apple snickerdoodle dump cake with caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii
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This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
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I fell in love with this simple cobbler-like dump cake recipe after making it only once! The filling is warm and gooey while the cake topping is golden and buttery. —Jenna Urben, Dallas, Texas
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This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Apple-Sweet Potato Pecan Dump Cake
This quick cake has lots of delicious apples, sweet potatoes, spices, pecans and caramel. My surprise of white cheddar cheese enhances the wonderful filling. —Kathy Specht, Clinton, Montana
Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake
When a chocolate craving hits, I whip up this cake my aunt inspired. It’s gooey and saucy but not crazy sweet. It’s also potluck-perfect. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Slow-Cooker Apple Pudding Cake
A satisfying dessert, pudding cake is a superb treat on a chilly night. It has three separate layers—apples, cake and sauce—and I like to serve it in a bowl. —Ellen Schroeder, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake
I clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia
Minister's Delight
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
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When it's warm, this reminds me of super moist lava cake. And until I made this, I didn't think a slow-cooker cake could be so attractive. It's a real winner. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Pineapple Dump Cake
With just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you'll have a sweet and succulent pineapple dump cake on your hands. (Or rather, in your bowl.)
Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake
Looking for a quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This Dutch oven dump cake will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
This simple apple dump cake is the perfect dessert for fall. You'll need a box of cake mix, apple pie filling and butter—that's it!
Pressure-Cooker Chocolate-Apricot Dump Cake
Years ago, I used to prepare a dessert similar to this in the oven. I converted the recipe to my Instant Pot and now we can enjoy it quickly. Try it with white cake mix and blueberry pie filling, too. It's best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Are you wondering how to bake a cake without an oven? Try these slow cooker cake recipes that are a piece of cake to make.
Peach Cake
I first tasted this cake about 15 years ago when a dear aunt brought it to a family reunion. I knew I had to have the recipe...and I was thrilled to discover how easy it is to make.—Donna Britsch, Tega Cay, South Carolina
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I make a Black Forest cake the easy way: Dump everything into a dish and let the magic happen. Give it a cherry topping by reserving two tablespoons of juice from the canned cherries and stir into whipped cream. —Meghan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Cherry Pudding Cake
A cross between a cake and a cobbler, this dessert is a hit whenever I make it to share at a potluck. My family insists I make an extra batch to leave at home. A neighbor shared the recipe over 30 years ago. —Brenda Parker, Kalamazoo, Michigan
German Chocolate Dump Cake
We make this for Sunday lunches when the whole family gets together. The cream cheese topping is so good, it doesn't need frosting.
