This Apple Dump Cake is a go-to in my house because it boasts big flavor and dreamy, decadent textures with such minimal effort. Somewhere between a cake, a pie, and a cobbler, this dessert has all the fruity, buttery, juicy flavorful goodness of all three!
The name dump cake comes from its ridiculously easy method of dumping the 3 simple ingredients into a casserole dish and placing it in the oven to bake. No mixing, weighing, whipping; literally no fuss and no mess.
As a busy mom who loves a good kitchen hack, this apple dump and bake dessert takes the cake for the easiest semi-homemade dessert with its foolproof method, minimal ingredients, one casserole dish, and about 5 minutes of hands-on time.
If the ease (and deliciousness!) of this recipe speaks to you, check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake next!
Dump and Bake Apple Dessert Ingredients
I always use yellow cake mix for its richness and buttery flavor, but you can also use white cake mix.
Make sure you use apple pie filling as opposed to just canned sliced or diced apple. The difference is not only the spices, but also the addition of cornstarch to help the apple layer bake firm up while baking.
I prefer unsalted butter here because your cake mix and canned pie filling already contain salt.
Apple Pie Dump Cake with Cake Mix Tips and Tricks
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Your success in this recipe comes down to two key factors. The first: make sure to keep distinct layers- do not mix your fruit, cake mix, and butter, just layer them.
The second: try your best to completely coat the cake mix in an even layer of melted butter.
Grease your dish first. Then, pour in the apple pie filling and spread it out with a spatula to make an even layer in the dish.
Sprinkle the cake mix over the apple, completely coating it. Next, melt the butter and pour it over top, and bake it!
Serve it up just like a cobbler; generous spoonfuls while it’s still piping hot! I like to finish it with a little whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How I Store and Reheat Apple Dump Cake
I usually leave my dump cake right in the casserole dish for storing. I cover it with aluminum foil and place it right in the refrigerator. If you would rather use a spatula to transfer it to a storage container you absolutely can! It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Dump cake is best served warm. You can stick it back in the oven right in the dish with the aluminum foil on. Preheat the oven to 350°F first, then add the 3-ingredient apple dessert in the oven. Check it after 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds on high.
3-Ingredient Dump and Bake Apple Cake
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEEquipment
Ingredients
- 2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (+ more for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter (preferred) or nonstick spray.
- Add the apple pie filling to the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out in an even layer in the dish.2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
- Add the dry boxed cake mix (as is) on top of the peaches in a thin, even layer.1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
- In a Pyrex measuring cup or other microwave-safe dish, melt the butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until completely liquefied. Then, pour the butter over the cake mix, doing your best to completely cover the dry mixture. If need be, tilt the dish back and forth to spread the butter out over top.¾ cup unsalted butter
- Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the apple pie filling is bubbling and the cake layer is firm. Serve warm.
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