Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake

This easy 3-ingredient apple dump cake is the definition of comfort in a pan. With juicy chopped apples, a buttery golden topping, and a soft cake-like texture, it’s one of the simplest desserts you’ll ever make. There’s no mixing, no complicated prep, and no hassle—just pure apple flavor baked to perfection. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or eat it straight from the pan, it’s a quick, cozy dessert that feels homemade with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just Three Ingredients

You only need three pantry staples: apples, yellow cake mix, and butter. That’s it. The magic happens in the oven, where the melted butter seeps through the cake mix and forms a golden crust while the apples soften into a rich, cinnamon-scented filling. It’s an easy, failproof recipe that anyone can make.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dump cake is ideal for last-minute desserts, family dinners, or cozy weekend treats. The flavor is warm and familiar, like an apple pie without the work. It’s also a great way to use up extra apples during the fall season. You can serve it plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Print

Preparing the Ingredients

Choosing the Apples

You can use any apples you have on hand, but a mix of sweet and tart varieties gives the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp make a great combination because they balance sweetness and acidity. Peel, core, and chop them into small pieces for even baking. The apples will soften and release their juices as they bake, creating a natural caramelized filling.

The Simple Pantry Staples

A box of Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix provides a soft, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with apples. Melted butter adds richness and helps create a golden, crisp top. If you like a hint of spice, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before baking to enhance the flavor.

Assembling the Cake

Layering the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread the chopped apples evenly across the bottom of the pan. The apple layer will bake down and create a juicy base. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples, using the back of a spoon to smooth it out without pressing.

Adding the Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Tilt the pan slightly to help the butter cover as much surface as possible. The butter will soak into the cake mix while baking, creating a buttery, crumbly top that’s crisp around the edges and tender in the center. If any dry spots remain after baking, don’t worry—they add a slight crunch that many people love.

Baking and Cooling

The Perfect Bake

Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The butter will have melted through the layers, binding the cake mix into a crust and baking the apples into a tender filling. The kitchen will fill with the aroma of buttery cake and baked apples, making it impossible to resist a taste straight from the oven.

Cooling for the Perfect Texture

Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and makes the dessert easier to scoop. If you serve it warm, the texture is soft and gooey, similar to apple cobbler. When cooled, it becomes firmer and sliceable, perfect for plating with ice cream or whipped cream.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Classic Pairings

Serve this apple dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a classic pairing. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a sweet finishing touch. If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg create an elegant presentation.

When to Serve

This dessert is perfect any time of year, but it truly shines in fall when apples are in season. It’s great for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or even breakfast the next day with a cup of coffee. For more fruity dump cake inspiration, check out this similar recipe: Easy Raspberry Dump Cake. Both are simple, beautiful, and full of seasonal flavor.

Tips and Variations

Small Tweaks, Big Flavor

• Add cinnamon: Sprinkle a teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the apples before adding the cake mix for a warm flavor.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans on top add a wonderful crunch.
• Use different cake mix flavors: Spice or butter pecan cake mixes also pair wonderfully with apples.
• Mix fruits: Add cranberries or raisins for a fun twist that adds tartness and texture.

Keep It Perfect Every Time

For best results, make sure your butter is melted completely so it distributes evenly. If you want an extra-crisp top, drizzle a few extra tablespoons of butter over dry spots halfway through baking. This helps create a richer crust and ensures every bite is golden.

Storage and Reheating

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four. The flavors deepen as the dessert sits, making it even more delicious the next day. You can freeze it for up to two months in an airtight container. To serve again, thaw overnight and reheat before enjoying.

Reheating for Best Flavor

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the entire pan in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The butter will soften, and the aroma of baked apples will fill the air again. The topping stays crisp, and the filling becomes warm and gooey—just like fresh from the oven.

FAQ

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, use two 20-ounce cans of apple pie filling for a quicker version.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives a richer flavor, but margarine works if needed.

Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s optional. Peeled apples give a smoother texture, while unpeeled ones add a rustic feel.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—it’s comfort food at its best.

Conclusion

This easy 3-ingredient apple dump cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert. With juicy apples, buttery topping, and soft cake texture, it’s the perfect mix of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or satisfying a sweet craving, this dessert always delivers. It’s proof that with just a few ingredients, you can create something truly delicious and comforting—simple baking at its finest.