If you’re craving a cozy dessert that’s practically foolproof and guaranteed to impress, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe checks all the boxes. Imagine layers of tender apples and gooey caramel bubbling under a golden, buttery cake topping—it’s sweet, a little bit salty, and begging to be served with a scoop of ice cream. Best of all, this delicious shortcut dessert lets you enjoy the homey flavors of caramel apples with just minutes of prep and zero fussing with pie crusts or fancy technique!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is what makes this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe a weeknight favorite, but don’t let the short ingredient list fool you. Every component shines—apple pie filling brings instant juicy flavor, while cake mix and butter create the ultimate crispy-tender topping. Here’s everything you’ll need, with tips for making the most of every bite.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each): This shortcut gives you soft, cinnamon-spiced apples in an instant—choose your favorite brand, or use homemade if you like!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds classic warmth and coziness, boosting those apple pie vibes in every spoonful.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Just a touch brings a subtle, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with caramel and apples.
- Caramel sauce or caramel topping (½ cup, plus more for drizzling): Drizzling this over the apples infuses the whole cake with sweet, gooey caramel flavor—try salted caramel for an extra treat.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The magic ingredient for that signature “cobbler meets cake” topping, turning golden and crisp in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, sliced into thin pats): Laying these over the cake mix ensures every crumb gets luscious, buttery meltiness as it bakes.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Totally optional, but a sprinkle of nuts adds crunch and a toasty flavor contrast to all that ooey-gooeyness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving (and cleanup!) a total breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of your dish. Give them a little love with a spoon to make sure every inch is covered—these apples are the base and will get irresistibly bubbly and caramelized.
Step 3: Spice and Drizzle
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the apples, then gently stir to combine. Next, drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple mixture so every bite picks up some gooey caramel flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix right over the apples and caramel. Don’t stir it in! Keeping the layers separate gives you that signature crumbly topping after baking.
Step 5: Butter It Up
Arrange the butter slices all over the cake mix, doing your best to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter will melt as it bakes, turning dry cake mix into a crispy, golden crust.
Step 6: Finish with Nuts (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for a little crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts across the top. They’ll toast up and add a delicious nuttiness that complements the apples and caramel.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool just slightly so it thickens up, but don’t wait too long—you want it warm!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, drizzle extra warm caramel sauce over each serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream takes every bite to the next level, balancing the rich flavors with a creamy, cool contrast.
Side Dishes
Because this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is beautifully indulgent, pair it with something light—try a fresh fruit salad or a mug of black coffee for a lovely balance. If it’s a holiday, set out some sharp cheddar cheese slices for a savory-sweet twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your dump cake warm right out of the baking dish for a rustic family-style dessert, or scoop into individual ramekins and top each with a little caramel spiral and toasted nuts for a dinner-party-worthy treat. You can also pack slices into mason jars for an adorable picnic or giftable dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just be sure to let it come to room temp before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture.
Freezing
This cake actually freezes beautifully! Simply wrap portions well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight, ensuring the cake maintains its gooey texture and buttery crunch.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds, or reheat larger amounts in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through. For best results, add a fresh drizzle of caramel just before serving to recapture that just-baked aroma and taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Just slice 5–6 apples and toss them with ½ cup of sugar and a little cinnamon before layering them in the dish. It’ll be a bit less sweet than the original Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe, perfect if you’re craving something slightly tart.
Do I need to mix the cake mix into the filling?
Nope! It’s important to leave the cake mix dry on top of the apple and caramel layers. That’s what creates the signature crumbly, slightly crisp topping that makes this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe so irresistible.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix—the results are just as golden and delicious. Be sure to double-check your caramel sauce and pie filling for any hidden gluten if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is amazing warm or cold. Try reheating it and serving with yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat, or pair with whipped cream and coffee for an easy dessert anytime.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to toss in a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or even some chopped pears for extra flavor and a little variety. The recipe is flexible, and experimenting can lead to delicious results.
Final Thoughts
You’ve just unlocked the secret to a show-stopping, low-effort dessert that wins over any crowd. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a festive occasion, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe brings comfort and joy with every gooey, caramel-drizzled bite. I hope you give it a try and watch it disappear in record time!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe. Layers of apple pie filling, warm spices, caramel sauce, and a buttery cake topping come together for a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce or caramel topping, plus more for drizzling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples and gently stir to combine. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple mixture.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir. Place the butter slices evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- You can substitute fresh sliced apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon if you prefer a less sweet version.
- For salted caramel flavor, use a salted caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
