Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that combines tender apples with a sweet, buttery cake topping and rich caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe delivers warm flavors and comforting textures with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, line it with foil, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later.
2. Step 2: If using canned apple pie filling, open and stir gently to distribute the syrup. If using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples into ¼-inch slices. Toss with 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Step 3: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared dish. Spread evenly and press down gently so the apples form a mostly-flat layer.
4. Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the apples. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg evenly on top. Gently tap the dish sides to help the cake mix fill any gaps.
5. Step 5: Warm the caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle it in a grid pattern over the cake mix. Slowly pour melted butter evenly over the surface without stirring to ensure a crisp, golden topping.
6. Step 6: Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp and the apples are bubbling. If browning too fast, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes for the juices to thicken slightly. Drizzle extra warm caramel if desired and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apples for a lighter, fresher flavor and add extra cinnamon to taste.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the caramel or brown sugar slightly.
• Line the pan with foil for easy removal and serving in neat squares.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm, then add fresh ice cream or whipped cream before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes! Fresh apples work wonderfully. Just peel, core, and slice them, then toss with brown sugar and spices to mimic the flavor of canned filling.

Do I need to stir the ingredients before baking?

No. The cake mix and butter are layered on top without stirring so that the butter seeps down during baking, creating a crisp topping over the soft apples.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring sweet apple pie filling layered with a yellow cake mix, drizzled with buttery caramel sauce, and baked to a golden, crisp perfection. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it combines classic fall flavors with effortless preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Base

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling

Cake Topping

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

For Serving

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat & prep your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with foil for easier cleanup, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later. Make sure the oven reaches full temperature to achieve a crisp topping and bubbling filling.
2. Prepare the apples (if using fresh): If not using canned apple pie filling, peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples into 1/4-inch slices. Toss slices with 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to your preference.
3. Layer the apple base: Spoon the apple pie filling or fresh apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even, mostly flat layer using the back of a spatula or large spoon to ensure consistent apple distribution in each bite.
4. Sprinkle the cake mix and spices: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the apples without smoothing it. Dust the cake mix with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Gently tap the sides of the dish to let the dry cake mix settle into gaps for an even crust.
5. Add caramel and melted butter: Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle about 1 cup in a grid pattern over the cake mix, avoiding pooling. Pour melted butter slowly and evenly over the top in thin streams or dollops, making sure the entire surface is moistened. Do not stir; the butter will soak in as it bakes, creating a crisp topping.
6. Bake and monitor: Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and the apple filling bubbles around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking. For fresh apples, an additional 8–10 minutes may be necessary for tenderness.
7. Rest, finish, and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to thicken the juices slightly. Drizzle extra warm caramel on top if desired. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream for the perfect comforting dessert.

Notes

• Using canned apple pie filling saves time but fresh apples provide a fresher taste; adjust baking time accordingly if using fresh.
• Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure a crisp topping and properly cooked filling.
• If the cake top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
• Resting the cake before serving allows the juices to thicken and makes scooping neater.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or increase cinnamon to taste.
• Using a liquid measuring cup with a spout for melted butter helps pour evenly and prevents butter puddles that may burn.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, apple dessert, easy cake, fall dessert, caramel apple cake, yellow cake mix dessert