Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a wonderfully simple and comforting dessert that brings together the best flavors of fall with minimal effort. This recipe combines tender, spiced apple pie filling with a buttery cake topping and luscious caramel sauce to create a moist, flavorful treat. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its ease—no mixing bowls or complicated steps are required, just layering ingredients in a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. The warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel fills the kitchen, making it a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal.

This dessert balances sweetness and spice, featuring a crisp, golden cake layer with soft, juicy apples underneath. The caramel adds richness and a gooey texture that complements the tender fruit perfectly. Serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream elevates the experience, turning this straightforward recipe into a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just looking for an easy dessert idea, this caramel apple dump cake offers a delicious shortcut to homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Preparation

No need for complicated mixing or multiple bowls—just layer and bake.

2. Classic Flavor Combination

The comforting taste of spiced apples paired with rich caramel is irresistible.

3. Versatile Serving Options

Delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

4. Great for Last-Minute Desserts

Quick to assemble, perfect when you need something fast yet impressive.

5. Perfect for Fall and Beyond

Captures the cozy essence of autumn but enjoyable year-round.

Ingredients

• Apple pie filling
• Caramel sauce
• Spice or yellow cake mix
• Cold unsalted butter
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Variations

• Fruit Options: Swap apples for pears or peaches for a different twist.
• Cake Mix: Use a gluten-free or sugar-free cake mix if needed.
• Toppings: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Spices: Sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
• Caramel: Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

Step 2

Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple filling.

Step 4

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the caramel and apple layer.

Step 5

Slice the cold butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly on top of the cake mix.

Step 6

Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 7

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and extra caramel sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use cold butter to achieve a crisp, crumbly topping.
• Do not stir layers; the magic of a dump cake is in the layering and baking process.
• For extra gooey caramel, add a bit more sauce before baking.
• Use high-quality apple pie filling for the best flavor.
• Let the cake cool a bit to set before serving for cleaner slices.

How to Serve

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish. This dessert pairs well with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate leftover cake for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook the apples with sugar and spices first to mimic pie filling.

2. What type of cake mix works best?

Spice or yellow cake mix complements the apple and caramel flavors nicely.

3. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and a suitable cake mix to make it dairy-free.

4. Do I have to use caramel sauce?

Caramel adds richness, but the cake is still good without it.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

6. How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden and the filling bubbly around the edges.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify pie filling ingredients for gluten content.

9. Can I add nuts?

Yes, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for extra texture.

10. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm leftovers slightly and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the flavors of fall with minimal effort. Its layered simplicity, combined with warm apples and rich caramel, makes it an ideal sweet treat for busy cooks and dessert lovers alike. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight dessert, this dump cake delivers comforting flavor and delightful texture with every bite.

Print