Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Easy & Amazing Dessert
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (21-ounce) apple pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice mix; 1 ½ sticks cold unsalted butter, sliced into 24 pats; ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts; Caramel sauce, for topping; Vanilla ice cream, for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Caramel Apple Dump Cake has officially stolen my heart as the ultimate comfort dessert. I remember the first time I made this easy dessert; the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to cozy autumn evenings. It’s so incredibly simple, you just dump everything in a pan, and the result is pure magic – a gooey, sweet apple base crowned with a buttery, crisp cake topping. This homemade Caramel Apple Dump Cake is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a Tuesday night when you need a little extra sweetness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons!

Incredible Flavor: The combination of warm, sweet apples and a buttery, crisp cake topping is simply divine.
Minimal Effort: It’s a true dump-and-bake wonder, making it the perfect Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making it an affordable treat.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting dessert, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Super Speedy Prep: Seriously, this Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake takes mere minutes to assemble before it hits the oven.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch.
Cozy Comfort: It’s the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for those crisp evenings when you crave something warm and delicious.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this Dump Cake with Caramel Apples is the easiest part! You’ll need minimal items, most of which you probably already have on hand.

2 cans (21-ounce) apple pie filling – This forms the gooey, sweet base, so don’t drain them!
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Use this directly from the box; no need to add extra eggs or oil.
1 teaspoon apple pie spice mix – This enhances the warm, comforting apple flavor.
1 ½ sticks cold unsalted butter, sliced into 24 pats – Chilled butter is key for creating that perfectly crisp topping.
½ cup roughly chopped walnuts – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples.
Caramel sauce, for topping – A decadent drizzle to finish it off.
Vanilla ice cream, for topping (optional) – Because what’s better than warm cake and cold ice cream?

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Making this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even beginner bakers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, promising a delicious dessert with minimal fuss. Follow these Apple Caramel Dump Cake instructions closely for a perfect result every time.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Easy & Amazing Dessert - Caramel Apple Dump Cake - main visual representation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Spread the two cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You want a nice, consistent layer of sweet, gooey apples.
Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly from the box over the apple pie filling. Resist the urge to stir; this helps create distinct layers.
Step 4: Sprinkle the apple pie spice mix uniformly over the dry cake mix. This adds that essential warm, cozy flavor we all love.
Step 5: Arrange the sliced cold butter pats evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes. At this point, the edges should start looking a bit golden, and you might catch the first hints of warm apple spice.
Step 7: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the roughly chopped walnuts over the top of the partially baked cake.
Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes. The Apple Caramel Dump Cake instructions suggest baking until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is heavenly!
Step 9: Let the cake cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Achieving that perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake is all about a few key tricks. I’ve found these little details make all the difference between a good dump cake and an absolutely amazing one.

Always use cold, cubed butter. It melts slower, creating pockets of crispiness in the cake topping.
Don’t stir the layers! Keep the apple pie filling and the dry cake mix separate for that classic gooey bottom and crisp top.
Chop your nuts well but not too fine; you want some texture in every bite of your Caramel Apple Crumble Dump Cake variation.
If you don’t have apple pie spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves works beautifully. For more information on spices, check out SpiceAdvice.com.

What’s the secret to perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

The magic lies in not stirring the layers and using cold butter pats. This ensures a distinct gooey apple base and a wonderfully crisp, buttery cake topping, making it the Best Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this dessert ahead of time! Just layer the ingredients as directed, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

The biggest pitfall is stirring the layers – resist that urge! Also, make sure to cover the entire surface with butter pats, as bare spots won’t get that golden-brown crispness.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Serving this delightful dessert is as easy as making it! The warm, gooey apples and crisp cake topping are fantastic on their own, but a few additions elevate it even further. For a classic pairing, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is an absolute must; the contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream is pure bliss. If you want to lean into the “crumble” aspect, think of it as a Caramel Apple Crumble Dump Cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or even a side of custard. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce right before serving adds an extra layer of decadence that truly makes this dessert shine. For more dessert inspiration, explore our dessert recipes.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Easy & Amazing Dessert - Caramel Apple Dump Cake - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Keep in mind these are approximate values. For more general nutritional information, you can consult resources like the National Nutrition Portal.

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 280mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used for your Homemade Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Properly storing your leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake is key to enjoying it later. First, allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container. For refrigeration, it will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep this amazing dessert for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes having a slice of this comforting dessert a breeze anytime!

Reheating is simple! For refrigerated slices, microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Frozen slices can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheated. Alternatively, you can reheat frozen slices directly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy your perfectly stored and reheated Caramel Apple Dump Cake!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Dump Cake

What is Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

A Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a super simple dessert made by layering canned apple pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter in a baking dish, then baking it until golden and bubbly. It’s called a “dump cake” because you literally just dump the ingredients in without much mixing. The caramel aspect usually comes from a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, making it an extra decadent treat.

Why is Caramel Apple Dump Cake popular?

Its popularity stems from its incredible ease of preparation and delicious taste. It requires minimal effort and common pantry staples, making it accessible for any skill level. The combination of warm, gooey apples, sweet cake, and buttery crust is incredibly comforting, especially during fall. It’s a perfect dessert for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want a homemade feel without the fuss.

Can I use different kinds of apples in my Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

While the recipe calls for apple pie filling for ultimate simplicity, you absolutely can use fresh apples! You’d need about 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. Toss them with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice before layering them in the dish. This variation leans more towards a homemade apple crumble dump cake. For tips on selecting apples, see USApple.org’s variety guide.

What can I serve with my Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

This dessert is fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast is divine! A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce also adds a lovely touch. For a more dessert-like experience, consider a side of custard or even a light crème anglaise.

Variations of Caramel Apple Dump Cake You Can Try

While this Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many fun ways to customize it! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. One popular twist is the Caramel Apple Dump Cake with pecans; simply swap out the walnuts for chopped pecans for a slightly different nutty crunch. For those with dietary needs, you can adapt this dessert too. Creating a Dairy-free Caramel Apple Dump Cake is achievable by using a dairy-free yellow cake mix and substituting the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Similarly, a Gluten-free Caramel Apple Dump Cake can be made by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. You could even try a different fruit filling, like cherry or peach, for a delightful twist on this classic dump cake recipe. For more ideas on gluten-free baking, visit Celiac.org.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Easy & Amazing Dessert - Caramel Apple Dump Cake - additional detail