This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is pure magic in a pan: luscious apple pie filling melds with ribbons of gooey caramel, golden cake, and buttery, nutty crispness on top. Imagine the scent of caramelized apples wafting through your kitchen and the first warm spoonful melting on your tongue. It’s everything comfort food should be — simple to make, outrageously delicious, and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. If you love crowd-pleasing, no-fuss desserts that taste like autumn in every bite, this recipe is guaranteed to make you smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s why this short and sweet lineup works so well: each ingredient brings a unique texture or flavor, keeping Caramel Apple Dump Cake decadently easy and utterly irresistible. Don’t skip on the optional add-ins for a little extra flair!
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Sweet, gooey, and spiced apples provide the essential fruit base without the work of peeling and chopping.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Brings a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with tart apples.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Makes this dish ultra-easy – the mix forms a golden, tender topping as it bakes.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, sliced thin): Melts into the cake mix, creating a crisp, buttery crust.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds cozy warmth – a dash really brings out the apple flavor.
- Chopped pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Offer a toasty crunch and lovely contrast in texture.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your Caramel Apple Dump Cake releases easily and gets a perfectly crisped edge.
Step 2: Add the Apple Pie Filling
Spoon both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your dish. Spread it out gently—the apples should blanket the pan, setting the stage for all the gooey goodness to come.
Step 3: Drizzle on the Caramel
Grab your caramel sauce and drizzle it all over the apples. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; during baking, the caramel weaves through the filling, infusing every bite with buttery sweetness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel-coated apples. Try to cover every patch so you get an even, golden “crust” once it bakes—no stirring necessary!
Step 5: Add Butter, Cinnamon, and Pecans
Lay thin pats of butter over the dry mix, spacing them out to melt into all the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle with cinnamon for cozy spice, and toss on chopped pecans if you’re in the mood for crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden top and bubbly edges—resist the urge to pull it early! Let it cool slightly so those molten apples and caramel have a chance to settle before you serve.
Step 7: Drizzle and Savor
If you’re feeling extra, finish with another swirl of caramel before spooning up your Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Each serving will be warmly spiced, gooey, and totally irresistible.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Garnishes
A swirl of extra caramel sauce over each serving turns this treat into something swoon-worthy. For a classic finish, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—the chilled cream melts into the warm dessert for ultimate comfort.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and satisfying, so keep sides simple. Serve after a hearty meal with brewed coffee or spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness. If you’d like a crunchier contrast, offer some candied pecans or crisp apple slices alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual servings in ramekins for a dinner-party wow factor! Sprinkle coarse sea salt or crushed pretzels over the top before serving for a salty-sweet twist. If you’re hosting brunch, serve small squares alongside sharp cheddar or brie for a playful sweet-and-savory spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it chills.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Let it cool completely, portion it, and wrap well in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. The texture may soften slightly but the flavor remains divine.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm single portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat larger amounts in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add your garnishes just before serving for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling gives the Caramel Apple Dump Cake a personalized touch. Just be sure your filling is already cooked and sweetened before layering it in the baking dish.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with butterscotch sauce, dulce de leche, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar for added caramel flavor. The cake will still be deliciously decadent.
Can I make this dessert gluten free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the standard mix. Double check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten free, and proceed as normal; the results are every bit as enjoyable.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
Look for a deep golden color on top, with bubbling around the edges. The cake mix should be fully set and not powdery at all—if in doubt, add a few more minutes.
What’s the best way to serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a group?
Serve it family-style right from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own warm portion. For a festive touch, keep a jar of caramel and a tub of ice cream nearby so everyone can top their own slice just the way they like it!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you taste this Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know—if you can resist eating it all yourself! Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert lover, give this recipe a try and let the sweet aroma of apples and caramel set the mood for a memorable treat. Happy baking!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Caramel Apple Dump Cake, a simple yet irresistible dessert that combines the flavors of apple pie filling, caramel, and buttery cake mix. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Cake Mix:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Additional:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, lay butter slices, add cinnamon and pecans.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, drizzle with more caramel if desired.
Notes
- For added crunch, try topping with granola or crushed graham crackers.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
