Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe (Just 3 Ingredients!)

This easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe combines apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter to make a warm, buttery dessert with only five minutes of prep. The apples become sweet and bubbly while the cake mix bakes into a golden, lightly crisp topping.

Updated September 9, 2026: I've refreshed this post with clearer step-by-step instructions, additional troubleshooting tips, new variations, and expanded FAQs based on your questions and feedback. The same easy three-ingredient recipe remains unchanged. Originally published October 7, 2019, and updated with new photos and information on September 19, 2022.

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The weather begins to cool, mums show up everywhere, football season gets underway, and the fall festivals return.

Pumpkin usually receives most of the attention, but apples deserve their moment too. This is the dessert I make when I want those warm fall flavors without peeling apples, mixing batter, or pulling out half the kitchen.

After testing and sharing recipes here since 2013, I can confidently say this is one of the easiest desserts on Simply LaKita. Dump three ingredients into a baking dish, in the correct order, then let the oven handle the rest.

If you enjoy easy apple desserts, be sure to try my Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls and Southern Fried Apples next.

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This Apple Dump Cake

• Just three ingredients - All you need is canned apple pie filling, a box of cake mix, and butter.
• Five minutes of prep - Layer everything in the baking dish and place it in the oven.
• No mixing required - There's no batter to prepare and no mixing bowl to wash.
• Warm and comforting - The sweet apples and buttery golden topping make this perfect for fall.
• Great for gatherings - One 9x13-inch pan makes 12 servings and travels well for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.
• Easy to customize - Change the cake mix, add warm spices, or finish it with pecans or caramel.
• Made with pantry staples - Canned apple pie filling and boxed cake mix mean you can make it any time of year.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you'll need to make this easy three-ingredient Apple Dump Cake.

• Apple pie filling - You'll need two 21-ounce cans. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish so every serving contains plenty of apples and sauce.
• Yellow cake mix - Use one full standard box of dry yellow cake mix. Butter cake mix or spice cake mix may also be used. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions.
• Butter - Use ½ cup of salted or unsalted butter. Cut it into very thin slices and distribute them evenly over the dry cake mix. You may also melt the butter and slowly drizzle it over the surface.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make Apple Dump Cake

Here's a quick overview of the process. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grab a 9x13-inch rectangular or 11x11-inch square baking dish. Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the baking dish and spread the apples and sauce into an even layer.

Step 2: Add the Dry Cake Mix

Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Gently smooth it into an even layer so there are no large mounds. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box directions, and do not stir it into the apple filling.

Step 3: Cover with Butter

Cut the butter into very thin slices and arrange them closely together over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. The areas covered with butter will become golden and crisp. Large uncovered areas are more likely to remain dry or powdery. If using melted butter, slowly drizzle it back and forth over the cake mix, paying special attention to the corners and edges.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

If you notice a dry patch of cake mix during the final 10 minutes, carefully place a small pat of butter over that spot and return the cake to the oven. Allow the dump cake to rest for 10 minutes before serving. The apple filling will be extremely hot and will thicken slightly as it cools.

LaKita's Expert Tips

• Do not mix the layers. The apple filling, cake mix, and butter should remain layered. The steam and moisture from the apples hydrate the cake mix as it bakes.
• Spread each layer evenly. Uneven piles of cake mix can remain powdery in the center.
• Slice the butter very thinly. Thin slices provide better coverage than thick pats and help the topping brown evenly.
• Pay attention to the corners. The edges and corners are the easiest places to miss when adding butter.
• Use melted butter if you prefer. Slowly drizzle it across the entire surface instead of pouring it all into one spot.
• Watch for visual cues. The dump cake is ready when the apple filling is bubbling and the topping is golden with no large patches of dry cake mix.
• Don't add the cake mix package ingredients. You do not need eggs, oil, or water. Use the dry mix directly from the box.
• Let it rest before serving. The filling is very hot directly from the oven. A short rest also gives it time to thicken.
• Serve it warm. Apple dump cake is best warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice cake mix - Replace the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for even more cinnamon and fall flavor.
• Butter cake mix - Use butter golden cake mix for a richer, more buttery topping.
• Fried apple dump cake - Replace the apple pie filling with enough canned fried apples and their syrup to create a thick, even fruit layer across the bottom of the pan.
• Add warm spices - Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice over the apple filling before adding the cake mix.
• Add chopped pecans - Sprinkle chopped pecans over the butter before baking for extra crunch.
• Caramel apple dump cake - Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix or over each serving after baking.
• Extra apples - Add an additional can of apple pie filling if you prefer a fruitier, more cobbler-like dessert.
• Try another fruit - Use cherry pie filling to make a traditional oven-baked version inspired by my Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead

For the best topping, assemble the dump cake shortly before baking. If you need to get a head start, spread the apple pie filling in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate.

Add the dry cake mix and butter immediately before placing the dessert in the oven. This prevents the cake mix from absorbing moisture unevenly while it sits.

Storage

Allow the leftover Apple Dump Cake to cool before covering the baking dish with aluminum foil or transferring individual servings to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20- to 30-second intervals until warm.

To reheat a larger amount, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and warm it in a 325°F oven. Remove the foil during the final few minutes to help the topping crisp again.

How to Serve Apple Dump Cake

This Apple Dump Cake is delicious warm straight from the baking dish, but these toppings make it even better:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• Chopped toasted pecans
• A light dusting of powdered sugar
• A cup of strong coffee
• A mug of hot apple cider

For the ultimate fall dessert, serve the cake warm so the ice cream melts into the buttery apple filling.

Frequently Asked questions

Did You Make This Recipe?

There's something about warm apples, a buttery golden topping, and melting vanilla ice cream that makes this simple dessert feel extra special.

If you try this easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe, I'd love to know what you think! Leave a comment and star rating below, share a photo on Instagram and tag @SimplyLaKita, or save the recipe on Pinterest for your next fall gathering.

And if you have a question I didn't answer, leave it in the comments. I read every one.