If you are looking for the ultimate ’emergency dessert’ that tastes like a labor of love, this Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake is the answer. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu fall gatherings, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples—apple pie filling and boxed cake mix—into a warm, bubbly masterpiece with almost zero cleanup.
Unlike traditional cobblers that require peeling and dicing, this ‘dump and bake’ method creates a thick, cinnamon-infused apple base topped with a golden, buttery crust that crunches perfectly with every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that truly defines effortless baking.
This recipe was originally published in August of 2021, but has been updated with improved recipe tips.
If you love easy-to-make recipes that use common ingredients that you might have in your pantry, this recipe is exactly what you need in your life this summer. We used two cans of different canned apple pie filling, and the results were fantastic! Enjoy this dump cake warm, out of the oven with some fresh whipped topping, caramel drizzle, or vanilla ice cream for the BEST kind of easy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Dump Cake
Most desserts require a sink full of dishes, but this Apple Dump Cake is a game-changer for busy families. It’s the ultimate “emergency dessert” because it relies on shelf-stable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
What sets this version apart is the crust-to-fruit ratio. By using two cans of filling instead of one, we ensure every bite is saucy and rich, preventing the common “dry cake” issue found in other recipes.
Ingredients for Apple Dump Cake
To get that perfect bakery-style finish, quality matters even with just three ingredients:
- Apple Pie Filling: I recommend using a “Premium” or “More Fruit” variety. This ensures you get chunks of real apple rather than just flavored syrup.If you have extra apple filling, try these Crescent Apple Rolls.
- Yellow or Spice Cake Mix: The standard 15.25 oz box works best. If you want a deeper “Fall” flavor, swap the yellow cake mix for a Spice Cake mix. Love using cake mix for easy desserts? You have to try this Apple Spice Dump Cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Using melted butter poured evenly provides a more consistent, golden crust than the traditional method of placing cold butter pats on top.
- Cinnamon – *optional* ingredient that adds extra warmth to the pie filling flavor.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake (Step-by-Step)
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You are looking for the edges to bubble with thick apple syrup and the top to turn a deep, golden brown.
Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Empty both cans of apple pie filling into a 9×13 baking dish. I like to take a knife and roughly chop the apples right in the pan so the fruit is more evenly distributed.
The “Dump” Method: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples. Crucial Tip: Use the back of a spoon to lightly press the powder down so it’s level, but do not stir it into the fruit!
The Butter Layer: Add your butter pats, or if you prefer to melt the butter, pour your melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry mix. You want to aim for “total coverage.”
Tips for the Perfect Muffin Top (Adaptation: The Perfect Golden Crust)
While we aren’t making muffins here, the goal is the same: a crispy, delicious top.
Temperature Matters: If your oven runs cool, the bottom might get soggy. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before the pan goes in.
The Sift Trick: If you have time, sift your cake mix before dumping it. This removes those little “flour balls” that sometimes stay dry during baking.
Add Salt: A pinch of sea salt over the butter layer cuts through the sweetness of the canned filling and makes the flavor “pop.”
Variations & Substitutions
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the cake mix.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the butter layer for an added “Apple Crisp” texture.
- Dairy-Free: You can substitute the melted butter with a neutral-flavored oil or a vegan butter alternative
If you prefer berries over apples, try our Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh apples?
Yes, but it requires an extra step. You’ll need to peel and slice about 6 large apples and toss them with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Since fresh apples don’t have the “goop” of canned filling, add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to help steam the cake mix.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To get that crispy top back, reheat a slice in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 minutes.
More Apple Baked Recipes
- Crescent Apple Rolls with Cinnamon Sugar
- Apple Crisp Recipe
- German Apple Pancake
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe (Best & Warm)
Equipment
- Oven (adjusted to center rack)
- 11" x 13" casserole dish
- Wooden Spoon
- can opener
Ingredients
- 40 ounces apple pie filling 2 cans of apple pie filling
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 18.5 ounces yellow or golden cake mix
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon **optional, but super tasty
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11 x 9 casserole pan with nonstick spray.
- Dump both cans of apples into the greased pan and spread them. If using this optional ingredient, sprinkle cinnamon evenly over apples.
- Sprinkle on cake mix over apples, and gently pat into the apple mixture.
- Add sliced butter pats to the top of the cake evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes. The top of the cake will be firm, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
I have been making this for many years, my favorite way to make it is with a spice cake mix. It adds a lot of flavor and is so good.
Sorry! You’re correct! I was rushing against my better judgement. It is the 11 x 13 baker, and you sprinkle the cinnamon over the apple layer. Thank you so much!
I see a couple of errors in your recipe.. what size pan? 11 x 13 baking pan or 11 x 9? Calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, but your instructions don’t tell what to do with it? I’m confused.