3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake
3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 340 calories per serving.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $12.85 total, $1.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 21 oz can Apple pie filling (1 standard can; can substitute with other pie fillings (cherry, blueberry, pumpkin pie filling, etc.))
- 15.25 oz box Yellow cake mix (1 standard box; can use spice cake mix for extra fall flavor)
- 1.5 sticks Unsalted butter (Melted (equals 12 tablespoons or 170g))
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (optional) (For extra fall flavor; sprinkle to taste)
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional) (For crunch; can omit or substitute with pecans)
- as needed Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving) (For serving; not included in nutrition estimate)
Instructions
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Add apple pie filling
Open the 21 oz can of apple pie filling and pour it into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. If apple slices are too large, cut them into bite-sized pieces directly in the dish.
Time: PT2M
Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon
Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon evenly over the apple pie filling for extra flavor.
Time: PT1M
Add cake mix
Open the box of yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz) and sprinkle it evenly over the apple pie filling. Use a fork to gently spread and break up any clumps, making sure the entire surface is covered.
Time: PT2M
Optional: Add walnuts
Sprinkle about 1/2 cup chopped walnuts evenly over the cake mix for added crunch.
Time: PT1M
Melt butter
Cut 1.5 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter into pieces and place in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute, or until fully melted.
Time: PT2M
Drizzle butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
Time: PT5M
Cleanup
Wash the baking dish, spatula, fork, measuring cup, and any other utensils used. Wipe down counters and put away ingredients.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 340
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 53g
- Fat
- 13g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, low-calorie
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs (in cake mix), Milk (in cake mix and butter), Tree nuts (if using walnuts)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Apple pie filling: Cherry pie filling, Blueberry pie filling, Pumpkin pie filling (not puree)
- Instead of Yellow cake mix: Spice cake mix, White cake mix
- Instead of Unsalted butter: Salted butter
- Instead of Ground cinnamon (optional): Pumpkin pie spice, Apple pie spice
- Instead of Chopped walnuts (optional): Chopped pecans, Omit for nut-free
- Instead of Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving): Whipped cream, No topping
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Fork
- Microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl
- Knife (optional)
- Oven mitts
- Microwave
- Spoon (for serving)
- Bowl (for serving) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over filling without mixing in.
- Melt butter fully and drizzle to cover as much cake mix as possible.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Try different pie filling and cake mix combinations for variety.
- Add a pinch of salt to the butter before drizzling for flavor balance.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Troubleshooting
Dry patches of cake mix on top after baking.
Drizzle butter more evenly next time or spritz dry spots with a little melted butter or milk before baking.
Soggy or undercooked center.
Bake longer until the top is golden and filling is bubbling. Check oven temperature with a thermometer.
Burnt edges.
Check at 35–40 minutes and cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave.
Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Safe at room temperature for up to 6 hours; refrigerate after that.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble up to the butter drizzle step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Can be baked ahead and reheated in oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
