If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly comforting and bursting with flavor, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender apple pie filling mingling with a luscious caramel drizzle, all baked under a golden, buttery cake topping that’s delectably simple to prepare. This recipe is a brilliant way to bring fall flavors to your table with minimal effort but maximum joy. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family night or a weekend get-together, it promises smiles and seconds all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with a few pantry staples that each play a key role in delivering that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness. Every ingredient is essential—bringing color, texture, and deep flavor to the final dish without any fuss.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, about 21 ounces each): The star ingredient packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that create a juicy, flavorful base.
- Caramel sauce (½ cup, plus extra for serving): Adds irresistible gooey sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
- Spice or yellow cake mix (1 box, 13.25 to 15.25 ounces): Provides a quick, crunchy, golden layer that transforms into a buttery crust while baking.
- Unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, 6 ounces), cold: Melted during baking, this gives the cake a rich, moist texture and a beautifully crisp top.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): The ideal cool and creamy topping to contrast the warm, spiced 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). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help develop a beautifully browned crust. This simple prep ensures your cake will slide right out when it’s ready to serve, making cleanup easier too.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This layer acts as a juicy, flavorful foundation that steams up beautifully during baking, infusing the entire dessert with that classic apple-cinnamon charm.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Pour ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apples. This step is pure magic as the caramel melts into the filling, deepening the flavor and adding a luscious richness that keeps every forkful indulgent and decadent.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle your chosen spice or yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apple layers. Resist the temptation to stir—this “dump” cake gets its unique texture from the dry cake mix baking atop the filling, creating a wonderful contrast between crisp and gooey.
Step 5: Distribute the Butter
Cut the cold unsalted butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly over the dry cake mix. As the butter melts in the oven, it moistens the cake mix and helps it form that irresistible golden crust with delicate, buttery richness.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling happily around the edges—this bubbling goodness is a sign of the perfect melding of flavors.
Step 7: Cool and Add Final Touches
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool slightly so it sets up a bit, making it easier to serve. Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top to add a finishing touch of stickiness and shine that amps up the dessert’s decadent appeal.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Optional Toppings
Serve your Caramel Apple Dump Cake warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy chill perfectly balances the warm, spiced caramel apple sweetness for an unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and added flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the spices in the cake mix and enhances that cozy fall feel.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides like a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a comforting afternoon treat. For festive occasions, serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese plate, which surprisingly balances the sweetness with savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, layering with extra caramel and apple pie filling between layers. You can also use themed serving dishes or add a small sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color that feels special yet effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the texture, though it’s best enjoyed warm, so plan to reheat before serving.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream afterward makes it feel freshly made and oh so satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel, core, and slice about 5-6 medium apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice to mimic the canned filling’s flavor. The baking time may need slight adjustment depending on moisture content.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce—can I make a substitute?
Yes, you can whip up a simple caramel sauce by melting together brown sugar, butter, and cream over low heat until smooth and thickened. This homemade version pairs beautifully and gives you complete control over sweetness.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Using cold butter sliced thinly helps create a flaky, crispy topping as it melts slowly during baking. While you can try melted butter, the texture won’t be quite as delightfully crisp and layered.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Look for a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your other ingredients, like apple pie filling and caramel sauce, are certified gluten-free. This swap makes the treat accessible without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, consider using a sugar-free or low-sugar apple pie filling and reduce the amount of caramel sauce. Balancing with a lightly spiced cake mix can also add depth without overwhelming sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that proves how simple ingredients and easy steps can result in a show-stopping dessert. It’s warm, comforting, and utterly delicious—perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find that it becomes one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights and sweet celebrations alike.
Print
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 an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. With layers of sweet apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a crispy spice cake topping, it delivers comforting fall flavors with minimal effort. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 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
Optional for Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Apple Filling: Evenly spread the two cans of apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple pie filling to add a rich, sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry spice or yellow cake mix evenly on top of the caramel and apple layer, ensuring it covers the apples completely.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter into thin slices and distribute them evenly over the cake mix to help create a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Optional Toppings: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- You can use either spice cake mix for more autumnal flavor or yellow cake mix for a simpler, sweeter topping.
- Make sure the butter is cold and sliced thinly to create a crumbly, crisp top.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
