If you have a sweet tooth and a fondness for cozy desserts, you are going to adore this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of warm, tender apples, luscious caramel, and a crisp cake topping that snaps just right with every forkful. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make, but so impressive and comforting—a match made in dessert heaven that you can whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to bring to a family gathering or a treat to enjoy on a chilly evening, this dump cake will become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding its own magic to the final dish. The sweet apple pie filling brings soft fruitiness, the caramel sauce introduces rich, buttery depth, and the dry cake mix crisps up on top to create that wonderful contrast you crave. Finally, butter ties it all together with golden richness and a hint of indulgence.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, about 21 ounces each): This is the star fruit component that gives the cake its signature apple flavor and juicy texture.
- Caramel sauce (½ cup, plus extra for serving): For that buttery-sweet caramel note that elevates the dessert to something truly special.
- Spice or yellow cake mix (1 box, 13.25 to 15.25 ounces): The dry cake mix forms the golden, crunchy topping with either a subtle spiced or classic vanilla cake profile.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, 6 ounces): Thinly sliced to create the perfect texture contrast as it melts into the cake mix layer during baking.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving): The ideal creamy accompaniment to balance the warm, gooey sweetness of the 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) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and helps create those delectable crispy edges.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy, sweet base is packed with tender apple slices that will work their magic beneath the cake topping.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Sauce
Generously drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce all over the apples. This addition gives the dessert its luxurious, rich undertone, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly distribute the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. This dry topping will soak up some juices while forming a beautiful, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Top with Butter
Slice the cold butter thinly and scatter the pieces evenly over the cake mix. The butter melts slowly in the oven to produce a crispy, buttery, and slightly crunchy top layer that contrasts perfectly with the sweet filling.
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 golden brown and the apple filling bubbles invitingly around the edges — this is the hallmark of a perfectly baked Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the dessert cool just a bit to set slightly; this makes serving easier without losing the warm gooeyness everyone loves.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Before serving, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top. If you want to take it further, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that beautiful contrast of warm and cold flavors.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of caramel sauce on top can add extra shine and sweetness. For a little color and crunch, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts works beautifully, while a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm spice notes in the cake mix.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with cozy drinks like hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea. If you want a lighter balance, fresh fruit or a crisp green salad with citrus dressing can be a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dump cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, try serving individual portions in small ramekins. Top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, then garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. You can also transform it into a parfait by layering crumble pieces with whipped cream and chopped apples in glass cups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further and the cake to stay moist.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing works well. Wrap the cake tightly in foil and then plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. It will stay good for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. If reheating a larger portion, place it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
While fresh apples can be used, the canned apple pie filling is preferred as it is already cooked and sweetened, providing the perfect texture and flavor balance for this dump cake. Using fresh apples may require extra preparation and adjustments in sugar and cooking time.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes! Cold butter creates pockets of richness as it melts slowly, which results in a better texture for the crispy cake topping. Melted or softened butter won’t give you the same light, crunchy layer on top.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce with something else?
You can try caramel-flavored syrup or dulce de leche as alternatives, but real caramel sauce provides the best buttery sweetness and depth for this recipe. Avoid skipping it because it’s key to the dish’s signature flavor.
What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?
Both spice and yellow cake mixes work wonderfully. Spice cake adds warmth and complexity with cinnamon and nutmeg, while yellow cake mix keeps the flavor classic and slightly sweeter. Choose based on your personal taste preference.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dump cake a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready, which will give you that perfect warm-and-fresh texture everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare but delivers a comforting, indulgent experience that friends and family will ask for again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears — you’ll be so glad you did!
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 a quick and comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, fruity treat. With layers of sweet apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a crispy cake topping made effortless by using boxed cake mix and cold butter, this dessert comes together in minutes and bakes to golden perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible finish.
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, sliced thinly
Serving (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even browning.
- Layer Apples: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful and juicy base.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling to infuse rich sweetness throughout the dessert.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly distribute the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, forming the crumbly topping.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter thinly and scatter the pieces evenly over the cake mix layer; this will melt and create a golden, crisp crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Serve: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence and serve the cake warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Notes
- Be sure to use cold butter and slice it thinly to get an even topping texture.
- Using spice cake mix adds warm flavors, but yellow cake mix is a great neutral option if preferred.
- If you like a thinner or thicker cake topping, adjust the amount of cake mix slightly to your taste.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
