🍎 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Bake – The Easiest Dessert Ever!

Looking for a quick, cozy dessert that tastes just like homemade apple pie without all the work? This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Bake is about to become your new favorite!

Made with just three simple ingredients, this delicious bake combines tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a soft, golden, buttery topping. It’s wonderfully comforting, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for busy mornings, family desserts, or those moments when you’re craving something sweet.

Think of it as all the delicious flavors of apple pie without making a traditional pie crust!

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or enjoy a portion for breakfast with your morning coffee. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Difficulty: Very Easy
• Category: Dessert / Breakfast
• Method: Baking

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Bake

• 2 cans (approximately 21 oz / 595 g each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (approximately 15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow or vanilla cake mix
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted

These three ingredients create an easy dump-style apple pie bake. No additional sugar, eggs, or milk are needed.

Optional Toppings

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2. Add the Apple Filling

Open both cans of apple pie filling and spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to distribute the apples so every serving gets plenty of fruit.

If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the apples for extra warmth and flavor.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Open the cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the apple pie filling.

Spread it gently so the entire surface is covered.

Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Use it dry, straight from the box.

4. Pour Over the Melted Butter

Melt the butter and slowly drizzle it over the dry cake mix.

Try to distribute the butter as evenly as possible, covering as much of the surface as you can.

This helps the cake mix develop a golden, buttery topping as it bakes.

5. Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

If you notice dry patches of cake mix after about 25 minutes, gently spoon a little of the hot buttery filling from the edges over those areas.

6. Cool Slightly

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes.

This gives the apple filling time to settle and makes serving easier.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon generous portions into dessert bowls.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Enjoy every sweet, buttery, apple-filled bite!

Tips for the Best 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Bake

• Use apple pie filling: It already contains sweetened, seasoned apples, making this recipe incredibly convenient.
• Spread the cake mix evenly: An even layer helps the topping bake more consistently.
• Distribute the butter carefully: Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible to avoid dry floury patches.
• Don’t stir the layers: Keeping the apple filling and cake mix separate creates the classic dump-cake texture.
• Check the center: The topping should be cooked through, not just golden around the edges.
• Let it rest: Allowing the bake to cool slightly helps the filling thicken.
• Serve warm: This dessert tastes especially delicious fresh from the oven.

Delicious Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie Bake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the cake mix.
• Cinnamon Apple Bake: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the apple filling.
• Pecan Apple Pie Bake: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the cake mix before adding the butter.
• Apple Crisp Style: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a warmer, spiced flavor.
• Apple Pie Cheesecake Bake: Add small spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese over the apple filling before sprinkling on the cake mix.
• Salted Caramel Apple Bake: Finish with salted caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Homemade Apple Version: Replace the canned filling with approximately 6 cups cooked, thickened apple filling seasoned with sugar and cinnamon. Make sure it isn’t watery.

What to Serve with Apple Pie Bake

This easy apple dessert is delicious on its own, but these toppings make it even better:

• Vanilla bean ice cream.
• Freshly whipped cream.
• Warm caramel sauce.
• Chopped toasted pecans.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• Greek yogurt for a breakfast-style serving.
• A cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the apple pie filling in the baking dish ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

For the best topping texture, add the dry cake mix and melted butter just before baking.

If you bake the entire dessert ahead, refrigerate it and reheat individual portions before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The topping may soften slightly after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat the baking dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
• Serving: Keep leftovers refrigerated within 2 hours of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I really make apple pie bake with only 3 ingredients?

Yes! All you need is canned apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and melted butter. Together, they create a delicious dessert with very little preparation.

2. Do I need to mix the cake mix with eggs and milk?

No! Use the dry cake mix directly from the box. Do not follow the cake mix package instructions.

3. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple filling?

Yes, but fresh apples need to be cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and a thickener first to create a filling similar to canned apple pie filling.

4. Why does my topping have dry patches?

The butter may not have reached every part of the dry cake mix. Drizzle it slowly and evenly. If needed, spoon a little hot filling over dry spots while baking.

5. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Yellow, vanilla, spice, and even butter pecan cake mixes work beautifully with apple filling.

6. Can I serve this for breakfast?

Yes! It’s delicious as an occasional sweet breakfast or brunch treat. Serve a smaller portion with Greek yogurt or fresh fruit for a more balanced breakfast.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add the apple filling, dry cake mix, and melted butter in layers to a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours, checking that the topping is cooked through. Slow cooker results will be softer and less crisp than oven-baked versions.

Approximate Nutrition Information

Per serving, assuming 8 servings:

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Sugar: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 380 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and varies by cake mix, apple filling, and butter brand.

The Easiest Apple Dessert You’ll Ever Make! 🍎

This 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Bake proves that delicious homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated. With sweet tender apples, a golden buttery cake topping, and almost no preparation, it’s the perfect treat for busy days and cozy family gatherings.

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert, or enjoy a little portion with your morning coffee. One simple recipe, three ingredients, and plenty of delicious apple pie flavor!