You’re about to fall in love with the ooey-gooey world of Caramel Apple Dump Cake—a magic dessert where apples and rich caramel mingle under a buttery, golden topping. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for last-minute gatherings, lazy Sunday baking, or any day you crave soul-soothing comfort. With minimal prep and big flavor payoff, this is the dessert equivalent of a cozy hug, blending tart apples, sweet caramel, and dreamy cake into each glorious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe? Every ingredient brings something special to the table, and you don’t need a long shopping list to create dessert bliss. Simple pantry staples and a little creative layering ensure the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is as flavorful and beautiful as it is fuss-free.
- Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): This shortcut ingredient brings a perfectly sweet, spiced apple flavor without any peeling or chopping required.
- Caramel Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds decadent, buttery richness that melts into the apples as it bakes.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The magic on top! It forms a lightly crisp, golden layer that beautifully complements the gooey filling.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, thinly sliced): Melted into the cake mix, it creates that irresistible crunchy edge and tender crumb all in one.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings cozy spice and warmth, deepening the apple filling’s flavor.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving, optional): A creamy finish turns each serving into an extra-special treat.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps everything from sticking and makes serving out big, inviting scoops of Caramel Apple Dump Cake a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling and Caramel
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just cover the bottom. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, letting some sink into the nooks and crannies for little pockets of caramel joy.
Step 3: Add Dry Cake Mix and Cinnamon
Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel layer. Then dust the top with ground cinnamon for that extra dose of fall flavor. Don’t stir—this unique method is what makes dump cakes so simple and wonderful!
Step 4: Top with Butter
Arrange the thinly sliced butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. As it bakes, the butter melts down, crisping and flavoring the cake layer so you’ll get buttery bites in every spoonful.
Step 5: Bake
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is delightfully golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes—though it’s hardest part—to help it set slightly before serving up that first glorious scoop.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Garnishes
A cloud of whipped cream or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm Caramel Apple Dump Cake turns it into a true showstopper. For extra flair, drizzle with a bit more caramel sauce or a light dusting of cinnamon—guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
Though this dessert can stand tall on its own, a mug of hot coffee, apple cider, or spiced chai is a lovely pairing. On autumn days, try it with a crisp green salad as a light contrast before diving into dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in rustic mugs for a cozy party vibe, or layer scoops in parfait glasses with crushed graham crackers and caramel drizzle for a playful twist. If you have leftovers, sandwich a spoonful between two soft cookies for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Caramel Apple Dump Cake left (lucky you!), cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making day-two servings extra delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture best if enjoyed within 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings of Caramel Apple Dump Cake in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. A scoop of ice cream on top after reheating makes it taste oven-fresh!
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh apples and a favorite filling recipe, go for it. Just make sure the filling has enough liquid so the cake stays moist and luscious as it bakes.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
No worries. You can skip the caramel (though it’s in the name!) or swap it for butterscotch sauce or a sprinkle of brown sugar. The result will still be scrumptious.
Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that your caramel sauce and pie filling don’t contain gluten, and you’ll be all set to enjoy this delicious treat.
How do I add nuts for crunch?
Before baking, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix layer. They toast beautifully in the oven, adding a wonderful crunch to each bite.
Can I try other cake mix flavors?
Definitely! Spice cake mix is particularly delicious for a deeper autumn flavor, but white or butter cake mixes work great, too. Let your taste buds guide you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you’re in for a fast favorite. It’s easy enough for novice bakers, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch as it becomes part of your own cozy dessert traditions!
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious simplicity of Caramel Apple Dump Cake, a sweet treat that combines the flavors of apple pie with gooey caramel and a buttery cake topping. This easy dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Serving Suggestions:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the dish and drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Arrange butter slices evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking.
- You can also use spice cake mix for a richer fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
