This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—just dump the ingredients into a pan and bake! With tender spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery cake topping, this warm and cozy dessert is perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you need a quick and delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy – No mixing required—just layer and bake!
- Warm & Comforting – A perfect blend of caramel, cinnamon, and apples.
- Minimal Ingredients – Only a handful of pantry staples needed.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday desserts.
- Customizable – Add nuts, ice cream, or extra caramel for even more flavor!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apple pie filling (or fresh apples with cinnamon and sugar)
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra warmth)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- Ground cinnamon (for extra spice)
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Extra caramel drizzle
Directions
Assemble the Dump Cake:
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Apples & Caramel – Spread apple pie filling evenly in the dish and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix – Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the apples.
- Add Butter – Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring it covers as much as possible.
- Optional Nuts & Cinnamon – Sprinkle with chopped pecans and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake – Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly – Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy – Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce.
- Apple Crisp Dump Cake – Add an oat streusel topping for crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Extra Spiced Version – Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Nut-Free Version – Skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes! Use 5-6 peeled, sliced apples mixed with ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
Store-bought works fine, but homemade caramel sauce adds extra richness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the top is set.
Do I have to melt the butter?
No, you can slice cold butter and place it evenly over the cake mix instead.
Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! It will still be delicious but slightly lighter in flavor.
How do I make this extra crispy on top?
Bake an extra 5-10 minutes or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Absolutely! Mix dried fruit into the apple filling for extra texture.
What can I serve with this cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce make it even better!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Is this the same as an apple cobbler?
No, cobblers have a biscuit-like topping, while dump cakes use cake mix.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the easiest way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie with minimal effort! With layers of gooey caramel, spiced apples, and a buttery cake topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, comforting treat!
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert made with apple pie filling, caramel sauce, cake mix, and butter. With minimal effort, you get a warm, gooey apple filling with a crispy, buttery topping—just like an apple cobbler, but even easier!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Layer the Filling:
- Spread apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon (if using) and drizzle with caramel sauce.
-
Add Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples—do not stir!
-
Drizzle Butter:
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top, covering as much dry mix as possible.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best experience!
Notes
- Want a homemade touch? Use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned.
- For a caramel explosion, add extra caramel drizzle after baking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat before serving!