If you’re craving a dessert that hits all the right notes — sweet, buttery, fruity, and incredibly comforting — then you absolutely have to try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a marvelous blend of tender apple pie filling, luscious caramel, and a golden cake topping that’s as easy to throw together as it is delicious to devour. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe feels like a warm embrace after a long day and is bound to become a favorite go-to treat when you want something both simple and sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. From the cozy spice of cinnamon to the richness of butter, every element works together to craft that classic autumnal feel.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): The juicy, spiced apples form the heart of the dessert, providing moisture and sweetness.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Adds irresistible sticky sweetness and a buttery depth that makes this cake shine.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The dry mix is the secret to a golden, fluffy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm spice that enhances the apple’s natural flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, thin pats): Melts into the cake mix to create a crispy, buttery crust.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to the finished dessert.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out easily after baking. Pro tip: Lightly greasing the dish lets the edges caramelize beautifully for that perfect “just-out-of-the-oven” texture.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer is packed with juicy apples and spice, creating that comforting base of the dessert. A smooth, even layer helps all the flavors meld as the cake bakes.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Next, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apple filling. This step infuses the cake with incredible richness and that sticky sweetness that dreams are made of. Don’t be shy here — the caramel turns this into a truly decadent treat.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the caramel-drizzled apples. The cinnamon adds an inviting warmth and depth that elevate the overall flavor profile, making the cake feel cozy and full of character.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix
Pour the dry yellow cake mix over the apples and spread it out evenly, but don’t stir. This is what makes it a true “dump cake” — the layers bake individually but meld deliciously in the oven. This crumbly, dry top will transform into a golden, tender crust.
Step 6: Top with Butter Pats and Pecans
Place thin slices of unsalted butter evenly on top of the cake mix. These little pats melt into the dry mix during baking, giving you that irresistibly crispy, buttery topping. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the butter for added texture and a toasty, nutty note.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your dessert for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Letting it cool slightly allows the layers to set so every slice holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is stunning on its own, but topping it with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce takes it to the next level. For even more indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm cake and create a luscious bite every time.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is rich and sweet, pairing it with a light, refreshing side like fresh fruit or a simple green salad can balance things out nicely. It’s also excellent alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea, making it a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins with a sprig of fresh thyme or cinnamon stick for a rustic flair. You can also layer it with whipped cream and extra caramel in clear glasses for a charming parfait-style presentation — perfect for dinner parties or holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dessert holds up beautifully, and the flavors even deepen after resting, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe foil or place it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Serving it warm brings back that fresh-baked feel and makes the caramel sauce luscious and gooey once again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh apples work wonderfully, just peel and slice them, then toss with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice before layering. Keep in mind you might need to bake a bit longer to get the apples tender and bubbly.
Is it okay to substitute the yellow cake mix?
Yes, you can swap it out for spice or even carrot cake mix for a flavor twist. Each mix will bring a unique character, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a dairy-free butter alternative and check that your cake mix is dairy-free as well. The caramel sauce might need to be replaced with a dairy-free version or homemade caramel to keep it vegan-friendly.
Why don’t I mix the ingredients together?
The magic of a dump cake is in its layering. The dry cake mix sits on top of the wet fillings and bakes into a crisp, crumbly crust while the fruit mixture bubbles below, giving you that wonderful contrast in textures.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
Look for a golden-brown cake top and bubbly fruit edges. Sometimes, the butter bubbling through hints it’s ready too. A toothpick into the cake topping should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those effortless desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or quiet nights in. I hope you give it a try soon and find as much joy in baking and sharing it as I do!
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake combining the sweetness of apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a moist yellow cake topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and is best served warm with a drizzle of caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced into thin pats)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Apple Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
- Add Caramel and Cinnamon: Drizzle the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling, then sprinkle the teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the caramel and apples to infuse warm spice notes.
- Apply Cake Mix: Pour the dry yellow cake mix over the apple filling and caramel layers, spreading it evenly but do not stir or mix the layers together.
- Top with Butter: Evenly distribute thin pats of the unsalted butter on top of the dry cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible to help the cake crisp and brown beautifully while baking.
- Add Pecans (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped pecans across the top if using, for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired and serve warm, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use homemade apple pie filling if you prefer a fresher taste.
- Substitute spice cake mix for the yellow cake mix to add a depth of warm seasonal flavor.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be reheated for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
