Apple Dump Cake Bars – 3 Ingredient Dump Cake for Busy Weeknights

Life gets busy, but dessert doesn’t have to suffer. From my kitchen to yours, these Apple Dump Cake Bars are a testament to balanced, stress-free cooking. With minimal prep and a one-pan method, this easy dump cake recipe is ideal for holidays, family dinners, or a sweet winter indulgence. Packed with apple flavor and a tender crumb, it’s the ultimate quick dessert recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s quick, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, these Apple Dump Cake Bars are exactly what you need. This easy apple dump cake bars recipe combines the charm of an old fashioned apple dump cake bars with the convenience of a 3 ingredient dump cake approach. You can make a caramel apple dump cake or try apple dump cake with fresh apples for a fresher flavor. Whether you follow the pioneer woman apple dump cake style or use a 4 ingredient apple dump cake method, this apple dump cake recipe is perfect for holidays, weeknights, or any special occasion. Love classic flavors? The apple dump cake bars with cake mix version is a crowd-pleaser, while apple dump cake without cake mix offers a healthier twist. Ranked among the top 10 dump cakes, it’s a versatile, one-pan dessert everyone will enjoy. From sticky caramel layers to tender apple filling, this old fashioned apple dump cake bars recipe is comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Apple Dump Cake Bars recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a comforting and flavorful dessert. The apple pie filling provides the sweet, tender fruit base, while ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth, perfect for a winter dessert recipe or holiday dump cake. The yellow or spice cake mix forms a light, fluffy topping, which pairs perfectly with the melted butter to create a golden, slightly crisp finish. Optional rolled oats or chopped nuts add texture and a bit of crunch, enhancing the classic old fashioned apple dump cake bars experience. Whether you’re making a quick apple dump cake without cake mix or following a 4 ingredient apple dump cake version, these ingredients ensure easy apple dump cake bars that everyone will love. This versatile apple dump cake recipe can be adapted to create a caramel apple dump cake, pioneer woman apple dump cake, or even a top 10 dump cakes-worthy dessert.

🛒 Ingredients:

2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 box (15 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced
Optional: ½ cup rolled oats or chopped nuts for extra texture

How to Make This Recipe

Making Apple Dump Cake Bars is delightfully simple and perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Start by preheating your oven and preparing a pan for easy cleanup. Spread the apple pie filling evenly—whether you’re making a caramel apple dump cake or a fresh apple dump cake with fresh apples. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples for that signature warm flavor found in old fashioned apple dump cake bars. Next, evenly layer the cake mix on top, then drizzle melted butter to create a golden, crisp topping. Optional rolled oats or chopped nuts add a crunchy texture that elevates this easy apple dump cake bars recipe. Baking transforms these simple ingredients into a tender, gooey dessert that’s one of the top 10 dump cakes anyone can make. Whether you follow a pioneer woman apple dump cake style, a 3 ingredient dump cake shortcut, or a 4 ingredient apple dump cake version, this apple dump cake recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

🛠 Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan
Spread 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling evenly in the pan
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg over the apples
Evenly layer 1 box (15 oz) yellow or spice cake mix on top of the apples
Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) melted or sliced butter evenly over the cake mix
Optional: Sprinkle ½ cup rolled oats or chopped nuts for extra texture
Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly
Allow to cool slightly before cutting into bars

Expert Cooking Tips

These Apple Dump Cake Bars are incredibly versatile, but a few expert tips can make your dessert even better. For a caramel apple dump cake twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before topping with cake mix. If you prefer a healthier version, try apple dump cake without cake mix using a simple homemade crumble. Using fresh apples creates a lighter, more natural flavor, similar to a pioneer woman apple dump cake. This apple dump cake recipe works beautifully as a 3 ingredient dump cake or a 4 ingredient apple dump cake for super quick preparation. For crispier topping, use butter slices instead of melted butter, which enhances old fashioned apple dump cake bars. Ranked among the top 10 dump cakes, these easy apple dump cake bars are perfect for family gatherings, holiday desserts, or busy weeknight treats. For convenience, apple dump cake bars with cake mix is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

💡 Expert Tips:

Drizzle caramel over apples for a caramel apple dump cake
Use fresh apples for apple dump cake with fresh apples
Try apple dump cake without cake mix for a lighter version
Layer cake mix evenly for old fashioned apple dump cake bars
Slice butter instead of melting for crispier topping
Follow 3 ingredient dump cake or 4 ingredient apple dump cake shortcuts
Use apple dump cake bars with cake mix for quick, easy apple dump cake bars

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Apple Dump Cake Bars are the ultimate easy dessert that combines sweet apples, warm spices, and a tender cake topping into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re making a caramel apple dump cake, a 3 ingredient dump cake, or an old fashioned apple dump cake bars version, this apple dump cake recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or quick weeknight indulgence. Try apple dump cake with fresh apples or apple dump cake bars with cake mix for convenience. Ranked among the top 10 dump cakes, these easy apple dump cake bars are versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Apple Dump Cake Bars

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

All the cozy, cinnamon-spiced flavor of an apple dump cake in easy-to-serve bars. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or grab-and-go snacks, these bars are soft, sweet, and topped with a buttery cake mix crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 box (15 oz) yellow or spice cake mix

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced

• Optional: ½ cup rolled oats or chopped nuts for extra texture

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

 

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Apple Layer: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir.

4. Top with Butter & Optional Ingredients: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle oats or nuts if using.

5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

6. Cool & Cut: Allow to cool for 15–20 minutes. Cut into bars and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

• Fresh Apples Option: Use 5–6 cups peeled, sliced apples tossed with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon flour.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter.
• Make It Crunchy: Sprinkle a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the top for a crispier texture.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired