Imagine everything you love about a classic autumn apple dessert packed into one ridiculously easy, sweetly decadent treat — that’s the magic of Caramel Apple Dump Cake. This recipe layers tender apples, gooey caramel, warm cinnamon, and a buttery cake topping into a dessert that’s as effortless as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight indulgence or a potluck showstopper, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake will quickly become your new go-to when you crave something cozy, nostalgic, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients are all you need to create a Caramel Apple Dump Cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Each component brings something special to the table, from luscious apples to sweet caramel and crunchy pecans — all working together for a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Apple Pie Filling: Using canned apple pie filling makes this dessert effortless, ensuring perfectly tender, spiced apples in every bite.
- Caramel Sauce: The rich caramel drizzled over the apples deepens the dessert’s flavor and adds that signature gooey finish.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth and classic apple pie vibes to the cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Dry cake mix forms a golden, slightly crisp topping with almost zero effort — no mixing bowls required.
- Unsalted Butter: Thinly sliced butter melts into the cake mix, creating a rich, tender, and irresistibly buttery crust.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness (but feel free to leave them out if you prefer nut-free).
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This ensures easy serving and makes cleanup a breeze — always a win!
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Evenly spread both cans of apple pie filling along the bottom of your prepared dish. This layer is the heart of the Caramel Apple Dump Cake, providing juicy apples and lots of cozy flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Cinnamon
Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over the apples, then sprinkle on the cinnamon. This pairing infuses the dessert with sweet, buttery richness and that classic spiced aroma we all love in apple desserts.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take the boxed yellow cake mix and scatter it evenly over your apple and caramel layers. It might look a little odd at this stage, but trust the process — this dry layer will transform into a golden, tender topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Add Butter and Pecans
Arrange your thin butter slices all over the surface of the cake mix, doing your best to cover as much as possible. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. The butter will melt down into the cake mix, giving you that perfect cobbler-like texture.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. When the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, it’s ready! Let the Caramel Apple Dump Cake cool for a few minutes so the layers can set and the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Spoon the cake into bowls while it’s still warm, and for the ultimate treat, drizzle with a little more caramel sauce. Vanilla ice cream is highly recommended — it melts into the warm cake and creates pure dessert bliss.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Garnishes
Elevate your Caramel Apple Dump Cake by finishing it with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce right before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes each serving extra special, and a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of extra pecans adds a beautiful touch and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and sweet, so it pairs best with something light. Try serving it alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot apple cider. If you’re planning a dessert buffet, fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad balance out the indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spoon warm Caramel Apple Dump Cake into individual ramekins or small mason jars for a fun, portable treat. If you’re feeling fancy, layer cubes of the cake with whipped cream and extra caramel in parfait glasses for an eye-catching trifle. You can even serve it chilled for a different twist, with a dollop of crème fraîche for a tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and the texture stays lovely, making it just as delicious the next day — if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Caramel Apple Dump Cake actually freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop out the desired portion and microwave for 30–40 seconds until warm, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel and a scoop of ice cream for that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Just peel and slice about six cups of apples, toss them with sugar and cinnamon, and use them in place of the canned filling. It adds a homemade touch, though you may want to add a splash of lemon juice and a bit more caramel to balance the tartness.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
If you’re out of caramel sauce, you can melt soft caramel candies with a splash of cream or milk for a quick homemade version. In a pinch, the cake will still taste delicious with just apples and cinnamon, but the caramel really takes it over the top!
Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free cake mix. Double-check the other ingredients for hidden gluten, but this swap works beautifully without compromising taste or texture.
Is it possible to make this dessert in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Assemble the Caramel Apple Dump Cake directly in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the top is golden and set. It’s a great option for keeping the kitchen cool or making dessert ahead of time.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
For parties, keep the cake warm in the oven or slow cooker and set up a “dessert bar” with toppings like extra caramel, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and ice cream. Let guests build their own dream bowl of Caramel Apple Dump Cake — it’s always a hit!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake and see just how easy and irresistible it is. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself on a cozy night in, this dessert promises all the comfort and joy of homemade apple pie with a fraction of the effort. Give it a whirl, and I guarantee it’ll earn a spot in your dessert rotation!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and comforting dessert featuring sweet apple pie filling topped with a buttery yellow cake mix crust, drizzled with luscious caramel sauce and optionally sprinkled with crunchy pecans. It’s an effortless autumn treat perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Layer Apple Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a delicious fruity base.
- Add Caramel and Cinnamon: Drizzle the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apples and sprinkle the teaspoon of cinnamon on top for added warmth and flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the entire apple layer to create the cake topping.
- Top with Butter: Arrange the pats of butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This will help the cake crisp and brown beautifully while baking.
- Add Pecans (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dump cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- For a homemade variation, substitute canned apple pie filling with fresh peeled and sliced apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- To make it nut-free, omit the pecans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
