Description

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for fall or anytime you crave a sweet, comforting treat. Combining tender apple pie filling with rich caramel, a buttery yellow cake topping, and optional nuts, this dump cake requires minimal prep and bakes into a warm, golden, bubbling delight that’s delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 box yellow cake mix (you can also use spice cake mix for added flavor)
1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Layer Apple Filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.
Sprinkle Cinnamon: If desired for extra warmth and spiciness, sprinkle the apples evenly with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Add Caramel: Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer to infuse rich sweetness throughout the dessert.
Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple and caramel mixture without stirring, ensuring the cake mix covers the filling evenly.
Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the 1/2 cup melted butter over the cake mix, distributing it as uniformly as possible so it melts into the cake mix, forming a golden crust as it bakes.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples underneath are bubbling. Begin checking at 40 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Add Nuts: If using nuts, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top during the last 10 minutes of baking to toast them without burning.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm for best flavor, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

Using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix adds a complementary warm flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Homemade caramel sauce enhances freshness but store-bought works perfectly well.
Try adding 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the apple filling for added depth of flavor.
This cake is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.