Caramel Apple Dump Cake combines the classic flavors of caramel and apple pie in a simple, no-fuss dessert. Whether you use fresh or canned apples, this cake is the perfect comfort food to enjoy during the fall or any time you’re craving something sweet and warm. The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity—just layer the ingredients in a pan, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a warm, gooey cake with layers of soft apples, a buttery cake topping, and a sweet caramel drizzle that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time. It’s the perfect dessert for busy days when you want to make something homemade without a lot of effort. Whether you choose to use fresh apples or canned apple pie filling, the flavor is deliciously comforting, and the caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that elevates the dish. The cake topping forms a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet apples beneath. The addition of pecans or walnuts gives the cake a nice crunch, but you can leave them out if you prefer a smoother texture. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients

For Fresh Apples:

Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and sliced
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon (optional)
Lemon juice

For Canned Apple Option:

Canned apple pie filling
Jar of caramel sauce (or homemade caramel)
Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter, melted
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Variations

Different Fruit: Instead of apples, you can use other fruits like pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure the caramel sauce is also gluten-free.
Spicy: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice to the fresh apples for extra warmth and flavor.
Vegan: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based caramel sauce to make this dessert vegan.
Nut-Free: Skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free dessert. The cake will still have great texture and flavor without them.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples (if using fresh)

If you’re using fresh apples, start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, cinnamon (optional), and lemon juice. This will help release the natural juices from the apples and create a delicious base for the cake.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

If using fresh apples, spread the prepared apples in an even layer at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’re using canned apple pie filling, simply pour it directly into the dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples or pie filling.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel sauce. Do not mix or stir the cake mix—just spread it out as evenly as possible.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Nuts

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible, but don’t worry if some areas are uncovered—it will still bake beautifully. If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top for added crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Dump Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dump cake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. The top should be slightly crisp, and the apples should be tender.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. For a special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Stir: One of the key elements of a dump cake is that you don’t mix the layers. Simply layer the ingredients as directed, and the cake will bake up perfectly.
Use Room Temperature Butter: If you forget to melt the butter ahead of time, you can microwave it for about 20-30 seconds. Just make sure it’s melted but not too hot.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the apple layer, especially if using sweetened canned apple pie filling.
Cover If Browning Too Quickly: If the top starts to get too dark before the cake is done baking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Use a Large Baking Dish: Make sure your 9×13-inch baking dish is large enough to hold the ingredients comfortably. If you use a smaller dish, the layers may overflow.

How to Serve

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a treat on its own, but it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent experience, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion when you need a warm, comforting dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot cider or coffee for the ultimate treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a warm dessert.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the dump cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix, such as spice cake or butter cake, for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this dessert in a smaller pan?

If you want to make a smaller batch, you can reduce the recipe and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

3. Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, frozen apples can work, but make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

4. What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use homemade caramel or simply skip it and use extra sugar in the apple filling for a slightly different flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to bake it fresh before serving.

6. Can I use other types of apples?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, but you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples for this recipe.

7. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and opt for dairy-free ice cream or whipped cream for serving.

8. Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use less sugar in the apple layer or opt for unsweetened applesauce in place of the apple pie filling.

9. Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

You can mix in other fruits like pears or berries for added flavor and texture, but be mindful of the extra moisture these fruits may add.

10. Can I skip the nuts?

Yes, the recipe will still turn out delicious without the nuts, so feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free dessert.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its gooey caramel, tender apples, buttery cake topping, and optional nuts, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you use fresh apples or canned apple pie filling, the result is a comforting, warm dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time of the year. This easy recipe requires minimal effort, and it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and time. Make it for your next gathering, or simply enjoy it as a cozy treat at home!