Comforting 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake

It was one of those rainy afternoons when the steady tap on the window begged for something warm and sweet. Digging through the pantry, I spotted a lone box of cake mix and a can of apple pie filling. Instantly, it brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen where butter, sugar, and a little patience always transformed into magic.

With curiosity, I melted some butter, layered the apples, sprinkled the dry mix on top, and slid the dish into the oven. Soon the air was filled with the smell of caramelized apples, golden cake, and browned butter. That moment reminded me how simplicity often creates the most inviting flavors.

The first spoonful was golden, bubbly, and rich the kind of dessert that makes everyone stop and gather around. My family didn’t wait for photos; they dove right in with spoons, which to me said everything. From that day forward, Comforting 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake earned its place at my table.

Short Description

Comforting 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is a quick and foolproof dessert made with pantry staples. With minimal effort, you’ll get a golden, buttery top over sweet apple pie filling, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Key Ingredients

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cup
• Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray so the filling won’t stick.

Step 2: Spread the filling
Pour the apple pie filling into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This ensures every bite gets a juicy layer of spiced apples.

Step 3: Add the cake mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir. The dry mix will bake into a golden crust as the butter melts.

Step 4: Drizzle with butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible so the topping browns evenly.

Step 5: Bake until golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to scoop.

Tip: If your topping looks dry in some spots, drizzle a little more melted butter halfway through baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only three simple pantry ingredients

A warm, comforting dessert in under an hour

No mixing bowls needed—just layer and bake

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight cravings

Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Not spreading the apple pie filling evenly
Uneven filling leads to bites that feel too dry or too heavy with apples.
Solution: Use a spoon to spread the filling into a flat, even layer before adding the cake mix.

Dumping the butter in clumps
Pouring butter unevenly causes dry patches of cake mix on top.
Solution: Melt the butter fully and drizzle in a slow, steady stream across the surface.

Stirring the layers together
Mixing ruins the distinct crust and gooey layers.
Solution: Resist the urge this is a dump cake, not a stirred cake. Just layer and bake.

Overbaking
Leaving it too long in the oven can make the topping overly hard and dry.
Solution: Check at the 45-minute mark. Look for a golden crust and bubbling edges.

Serving too soon
Cutting in while it’s piping hot can cause the filling to run everywhere.
Solution: Allow at least 10 minutes of cooling for the filling to thicken slightly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for a seasonal twist

Pair with a mug of hot cider or black coffee for a cozy treat

Great as a plated dessert for guests or casual family-style at the table

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft

For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to revive the crispy topping

Avoid freezing, as the filling may become watery when thawed

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, spice cake or white cake mix both work beautifully and add a different depth of flavor.

2. Can I add nuts or toppings?
Absolutely, pecans or walnuts add crunch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar gives extra flavor.

3. Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, leave it uncovered so the top browns and crisps properly.

4. Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish. Bake time may be closer to 35–40 minutes.

5. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Tips & Tricks

Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before layering for a spiced kick

Slice fresh apples into the filling for extra texture

For a richer crust, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter

Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling overflow

Recipe Variations

Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake
Mix to enhance the warm apple flavors. Bake the same way for a cozy autumn twist.

Try cherry or blueberry pie filling
Instead of apple for a fruity spin on the classic dump cake. Follow the same layering and baking instructions.

For a caramel apple flavor
Drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix. Bake as directed, and serve with more caramel on top.

Mix ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Into the dry cake mix before drizzling with butter for added crunch. Bake as usual for a nutty finish.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Comforting 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake, I’m reminded how little it takes to create something that feels like a hug in dessert form. The way the buttery crust crackles against the tender apples never fails to win over anyone at my table.

It’s a recipe that doesn’t just save time, it creates memories. I’ve made it for rainy afternoons, quick weeknight desserts, and even festive gatherings where everyone asked for the recipe. The simplicity invites creativity, while the flavors bring undeniable joy.

So if you’ve ever felt too busy for homemade dessert, let this dish prove otherwise. With just three ingredients and under an hour, you’ll have a golden, bubbly cake that tastes like it took all day to make. That’s the magic of this recipe, and why it’s earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.