Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Hey there, friend! I just tried Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Wow, it is so yummy! I can’t stop thinking about the gooey caramel and soft apples. It feels like a warm hug in every bite. It makes me so happy inside! I really want to show you how easy it is to make at home. You just pour, sprinkle, and bake. Boom, you have a sweet treat! Now, let’s get ready to make it. You won’t believe how simple it is. Grab your things, and let’s do this together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Dessert: No need for complicated mixing—just layer and bake.
• Comforting Flavors: Warm spiced apples, rich caramel, and buttery cake create a cozy treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, holidays, or a simple family dessert.
• Customizable: Easily tweak it with different cake flavors, nuts, or extra toppings.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pan, zero fuss, and no messy bowls!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

• This recipe makes 12 servings—perfect for a family dessert or a gathering.

Difficulty Level:

• Beginner-friendly—absolutely no baking skills required!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, gather these essential tools for a smooth baking process:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for even baking.
• Can Opener – Needed for the apple pie filling if using canned.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate butter and caramel measurements.
• Butter Knife or Spoon – To evenly spread the butter over the cake mix.
• Oven Mitts – Essential for safe handling of the hot dish.
• Serving Spoon – For scooping the warm, gooey dessert.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert:

• 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling – Provides sweet and spiced apple goodness.
• ½ cup caramel sauce – Adds a rich, buttery caramel flavor.
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix – The base for a crisp, golden topping.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a moist, buttery texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – Enhances the warm, spiced flavor.
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture.
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional) – The perfect finishing touch.

Variations for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Use Fresh Apples: Instead of canned apple pie filling, use 4-5 peeled, sliced apples tossed with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for a homemade touch.
• Switch Up the Cake Mix: Try spice cake mix for a warmer flavor, or butter pecan cake mix for a nuttier taste.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle ½ cup oats, crushed graham crackers, or chopped pecans over the top before baking for extra texture.
• Make It Extra Caramelized: Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top before serving for an ultra-rich bite.
• Try a Buttery Alternative: Instead of melted butter, use thinly sliced cold butter pats for a slightly crispier topping.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free-friendly version.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Tip: If you prefer extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon over the apple filling.

3. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

Evenly drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling. This step adds a rich, buttery sweetness that blends perfectly with the apples.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apple layers. Do not stir—keeping the layers separate ensures the classic “dump cake” texture.

5. Top with Melted Butter

Slowly pour the ½ cup melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. This helps create a golden, crisp topping.

Optional: If using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them evenly over the cake mix before baking for extra crunch.

Baking and Serving

6. Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven (350°F/175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp. The apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Tip: If you notice any dry cake mix spots while baking, lightly press them down with a spoon about halfway through to help the butter absorb.

7. Cool Slightly Before Serving

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set while keeping the filling warm and gooey.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting dessert.
• Extra Sweet: Drizzle with more caramel sauce before serving.
• Light & Creamy: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an airy contrast.

How to Store Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30-40 seconds until warm.
• Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness.

Freezing:

• Allow the cake to cool completely.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Sugar	Protein
1 serving (approx. 1/12 of cake)	~320	48g	12g	30g	2g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the brand of ingredients used.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes! Peel, core, and slice 4-5 medium apples, then toss them with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch before layering in the dish.

What other cake mix flavors work for this recipe?

Yellow cake is classic, but spice cake mix, white cake mix, or butter pecan mix all work great.

Why is my cake mix still dry after baking?

This can happen if the butter wasn’t distributed evenly. Try using thinly sliced butter pats instead of melted butter for better coverage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and bake it in advance, then reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the easiest way to enjoy warm, spiced apple goodness with almost no effort. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just need a quick dessert fix, this buttery, caramel-drizzled cake is sure to satisfy. Serve it warm, top it with ice cream, and enjoy every bite.