One rainy afternoon, I was tucked away in my kitchen while the windows fogged from the cool drizzle outside. My husband was reading in his chair, the grandkids were scattered around the living room with board games, and I had this sudden urge to make something warm and comforting.
I didn’t want to fuss with a complicated recipe or spend hours measuring and mixing, so I reached for a few pantry staples I always keep on hand—apple pie filling, a box of yellow cake mix, and butter
As the cake baked, the scent of spiced apples and golden cake filled the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen. Before long, we had warm bowls in our hands, the cake still bubbling at the edges, and laughter floating through the room.
It may be one of the easiest desserts I’ve ever made, but it’s also one of the most satisfying. Each bite feels like a small act of kindness, especially when shared with the people you love most.
Short Description
This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is a quick, fuss-free dessert that combines apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and melted butter for a golden, bubbly treat perfect for family gatherings or weeknight indulgence.
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
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Oven mitts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Spread the Filling
Pour the apple pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula so every corner is covered.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir—the layering is what creates the cake’s crisp, crumbly topping.
Step 4: Drizzle the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter across the surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. If a few spots remain dry, that’s fine—they’ll bake into a nice crunchy texture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the top looks too dry after baking, drizzle an extra tablespoon of melted butter over it and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort in a Dish: Warm, spiced apples topped with golden cake crumble—like apple pie without the effort.
Pantry-Friendly: Only three ingredients you probably already have at home.
Family Approved: A hit with kids, grandkids, and even picky eaters.
Minimal Cleanup: One dish, one spoon, and you’re done.
Foolproof: Hard to mess up, making it great for beginner bakers.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the layers: Stirring the cake mix into the filling makes the texture gummy. Solution: Simply sprinkle and drizzle, no mixing needed.
Uneven butter coverage: Dry patches may remain. Solution: Use a spoon to spread butter across the top or drizzle an extra tablespoon mid-bake.
Undercooking: Pulling the cake out too early leaves the topping pale and soft. Solution: Bake until the edges bubble and the surface is golden brown.
Overcrowding the pan: Using a smaller dish can make the filling overflow. Solution: Always use a 9×13-inch dish.
Rushing the cool time: Serving immediately can make it runny. Solution: Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before scooping.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider.
Serve family-style at a potluck or buffet in the baking dish.
Dress it up for the holidays by dusting with powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pie filling?
Yes, cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling works wonderfully.
2. Do I need to prepare the cake mix first?
No, use the dry mix straight from the box for the crumbly topping.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives a richer flavor and better browning.
4. What if my topping is too dry?
Drizzle an extra tablespoon or two of melted butter and bake for a few more minutes.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day in advance and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for extra warmth.
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake mix before baking for crunch.
Use cold butter cut into thin slices instead of melted butter for a more cobbler-like topping.
Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Recipe Variations
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix.
Spiced Apple Version: Stir 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg into the cake mix for deeper flavor.
Nutty Apple Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular one.
Apple Berry Mix: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the apple filling for a fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
Making this apple pie dump cake doesn’t require fancy skills, just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience while it bakes. What I treasure most is how it draws people together, kids running to the kitchen when they smell apples bubbling, adults sneaking seconds when no one is looking. It’s a recipe that feels old-fashioned in the best way, humble yet heartwarming.
If you’re looking for something to share at your next family dinner or just a cozy night at home, this cake is a wonderful choice. It’s not about perfection, but about creating a moment of comfort and togetherness. And in my kitchen, that’s what cooking has always been about.
3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread apple pie filling evenly in the dish. Sprinkle yellow cake mix over the top without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter across the surface, covering as much as possible.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
