If you are on the hunt for a cozy, irresistibly sweet treat that’s as simple as throwing ingredients together, then I am so excited to share this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe with you. It’s the perfect balance of tart apple pie filling and luscious caramel, all baked under a golden, buttery cake topping. This dessert feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet it requires very little effort—making it a must-have recipe for busy days, last-minute guests, or whenever you want a comforting homemade dessert that shines every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of pantry staples and getting beautiful flavor and texture from each component. Every ingredient works together to create layers of sweet and gooey satisfaction with a perfectly crispy top.
- Apple pie filling: Provides the juicy, spiced fruit base with classic apple pie flavor and a tender bite.
- Caramel sauce: Adds rich, buttery sweetness that complements the tart apples beautifully.
- Spice or yellow cake mix: Offers a moist, crumbly topping with either warm spices or a simple vanilla note.
- Cold unsalted butter: Creates a golden, flaky crust when sliced and spread on top before baking.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): Perfect for serving, these add a creamy, cool contrast to the warm cake.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake won’t stick and to add an extra touch of richness around the edges. This step prepares the foundation for your dump cake to bake perfectly.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Pour the two cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This juicy layer is the star of the show, bringing that warm cinnamon-spiced fruit base that makes the dessert feel like fall in every bite.
Step 3: Drizzle the Caramel Sauce
Next, drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce right over the apples. This adds a glossy sweetness that will melt into the filling while baking, creating pockets of rich caramel magic throughout the cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Now it’s time for the cake mix—sprinkle it evenly across the top of the apple and caramel layers. This dry topping might seem simple, but it transforms beautifully in the oven, turning into a crisp and tender crust to contrast the gooey beneath.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Take your cold unsalted butter and cut it into thin slices, then scatter the slices evenly over the cake mix. The butter melts as it bakes, helping the cake mix crisp up and brown to golden perfection.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your dump cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is indulgently golden and the filling bubbles with sweet apple juices. This baking time allows everything to meld together into one luscious dessert.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Drizzle More Caramel
Once out of the oven, let the cake rest for a few minutes. The filling thickens slightly, making it easier to serve. Then, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for that extra caramel kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Toppings
Serve your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet and spiced flavors with creamy coolness.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for an inviting touch. For a festive look, chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds add delightful crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the caramel and apple flavors.
Side Dishes
This caramel apple dump cake shines as a dessert on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. It can also be an excellent finale to a fall-inspired dinner featuring roast chicken or pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in cute ramekins for a personalized dessert experience, or layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzles for an elegant gathering. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers can also brighten the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your caramel apple dump cake, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring each serving stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This dessert freezes nicely! Wrap leftover portions tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your cake back to warm perfection, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute or warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream afterward for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute with about 6 cups of peeled, sliced fresh apples tossed in cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice. Just note that fresh apples release more moisture, so the texture and baking time might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check the apple pie filling and caramel sauce are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe without worry.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble everything the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when guests arrive to enjoy the best texture and warmth. Just add the caramel drizzle and toppings right before serving.
What’s the difference between using spice cake mix and yellow cake mix?
Spice cake mix adds warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg directly into the topping, enhancing that autumnal flavor profile, while yellow cake mix offers a lighter, vanilla-flavored crust. Both are delicious, so pick your favorite or what you have on hand.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dump cake?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut can be added on top before baking for extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the cake mix along with the butter slices for a nice touch of crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feel effortless yet incredibly satisfying. Its perfect blend of sweet caramel, tender apples, and a buttery cake topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a quick favorite in your household just like it has in mine!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a spiced cake topping. With minimal prep and a gooey, golden-brown finish, it’s perfect for a cozy treat or holiday gathering. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Cake Topping
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, sliced
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Apples: Evenly spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base of the dessert.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the layer of apples to infuse rich sweetness throughout.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, forming a crumbly top layer.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter thinly and distribute the pieces evenly over the dry cake mix to help create a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly so the filling can set a bit before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dump cake warm, optionally topping with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either spice cake mix for a warm, cinnamon flavor or yellow cake mix for a milder sweetness.
- Using cold butter is key to achieving a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or quality store-bought caramel.
- This dessert is flexible—feel free to substitute apple pie filling with peach or cherry for a different fruit twist.
