Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that combines the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall with incredibly simple preparation, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy apple pie filling layered under a golden, buttery cake topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce—no mixing bowls, no fuss, just pure deliciousness straight from your oven to your table. This recipe takes the classic dump cake concept and elevates it with sweet caramel and spice, making it the coziest treat for family gatherings or an easy weeknight dessert. Once you try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe couldn’t be simpler, and every ingredient plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dessert so irresistible. From the sweet apple pie filling to the crunchy nuts on top, these components come together effortlessly but deliver maximum impact.

• Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): The juicy, spiced apples form the delicious base of the cake, packed with natural sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a warm, cozy spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Caramel Sauce (1/2 cup): This rich drizzle infuses the dish with a buttery sweetness that elevates every bite.
• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): The dry mix creates that signature crumbly, golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft apples.
• Melted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Poured over the cake mix, butter ensures the topping bakes to a perfect, crispy crust.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor in the final minutes of baking.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile without overpowering the apples or caramel.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter so the dump cake won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Apples

Open your cans of apple pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy, flavorful layer is the heart of your cake.

Step 3: Add a Hint of Cinnamon

If you’re a fan of a bit of spice, sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples now. This step is optional but highly recommended for an added depth of flavor that sings with autumn vibes.

Step 4: Drizzle on the Caramel

Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples, letting it soak into the filling just enough to create that perfect balance of gooey sweetness.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Now it’s time to dump your yellow cake mix evenly on top of the apple and caramel combo. Resist the urge to stir—the dry mix forms a beautiful crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Pour the Melted Butter

Carefully pour your melted butter over the cake mix, trying to spread it uniformly. The butter’s magic happens here, turning the dry mix into a golden, crisp topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes! The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling up through the crust.

Step 8: Add the Nuts for Crunch

If you’re using walnuts or pecans, sprinkle them on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This little touch toasts the nuts and adds a wonderful crunchy texture.

Step 9: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once out of the oven, give your cake about 10 minutes to cool slightly—this makes it easier to serve and lets all those wonderful flavors settle together.

Step 10: Serve Warm and Indulgent

The true joy of this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is in how you serve it. Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience that’s hard to beat.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe with a few simple yet elegant garnishes. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish, while a drizzle of extra caramel sauce keeps every bite perfectly moist and decadent. Freshly chopped nuts add texture and visual appeal, making each slice a feast for both eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

Although this dessert shines on its own, pairing it with a dollop of cooling vanilla ice cream or whipped cream transforms it into a rich, creamy delight that balances the warm fruit and crunchy topping. For an extra cozy touch, try serving alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee that complements the caramel and cinnamon notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the dump cake in individual ramekins for cute, personalized portions, or layer it parfait-style with whipped cream and extra caramel in clear glasses. If you’re in the mood for a party, turn leftovers into warm dump cake parfaits topped with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dessert multiple times without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dump cake freezes well. Just wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead during busy holiday seasons.

Reheating

For reheating, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until warm and gooey or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a fresh scoop of ice cream on top after warming will bring it right back to its fresh-baked glory.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel and slice about 6-7 medium apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice before layering. You may want to slightly increase the baking time to ensure the apples become tender and bubbly.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the boxed cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix of your choice. Just check the ingredients to make sure it’s a blend suitable for baking, and you’ll have a gluten-free Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe that tastes just as amazing.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free yellow cake mix and substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Look for caramel sauces that are dairy-free, or make your own by using coconut milk and coconut sugar for a delicious alternative.

Why does this dish call for ‘dumping’ ingredients?

The beauty of a dump cake like this is its simplicity—you literally “dump” layers of ingredients on top of one another without mixing, making it a quick and easy dessert. The butter on top melts during baking, creating a cake-like crust without complicated steps.

Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

Definitely! Pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries make great additions or substitutions alongside the apples. Just keep the filling quantity similar and adjust spices as needed to complement the fruit flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings comfort, warmth, and joy with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving an easy treat after a long day, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and soon this sweet, buttery, caramel-drizzled goodness will become a beloved staple in your recipe box.

Print