If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully simple, yet incredibly satisfying treat that combines tender baked apples with rich caramel and the cozy spices of a cake mix. This recipe captures the essence of classic apple pie flavors but with the ease of just “dumping” ingredients together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Once you taste this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort dessert all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples that come together effortlessly but deliver a show-stopping result.
- 42 ounces apple pie filling: This provides sweet and tender apple chunks that form the juicy base of the dessert.
- ½ cup caramel sauce: Adds luscious, buttery sweetness that ties the whole dessert together.
- 15 ounces spice cake mix: Brings warm, aromatic spices and a cakey texture without any fuss.
- 12 tablespoons butter: Thin slices of butter melt on top, creating a golden, crispy crust that’s pure magic.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly, showcasing its beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Pour the entire 42 ounces of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared dish. This forms the juicy, fruity foundation of your cake, bursting with sweet apple flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Next, generously drizzle the ½ cup of luscious caramel sauce over the apple filling. This step adds a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples and deepens the flavor profile.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry 15-ounce spice cake mix evenly over the caramel and apples. This dry layer will soak up the juices and caramel during baking, transforming into a moist, flavorful topping.
Step 5: Add Butter on Top
Slice the 12 tablespoons of butter thinly and distribute it evenly across the surface of the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter melts and helps the cake mix turn crispy and golden brown, delivering that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your dump cake for about 1 hour, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. The fragrant spices, caramel, and apples combine into a warm, inviting dessert that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe warm is where the magic happens. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the top is the ultimate classic pairing. For added indulgence, drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or toasted pecans for texture contrast and a burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or even a rich, vanilla-flavored custard alongside. If you want to keep the theme, a dollop of whipped cream or a side of spiced nuts can add delightful complementary notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. Top each portion with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for a charming touch. You can also layer leftovers into parfait glasses with whipped cream for a fun, layered dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can happily sit in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing its flavor or moistness. Reheat gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe also freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up in the oven to refresh the texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crisp again. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to maintain that delicious crust and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel, core, and slice about 5-6 medium apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice before layering. Just be aware that fresh apples release more juice, so adjust the baking time slightly to keep the cake from becoming too watery.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?
If you don’t have caramel sauce, don’t worry! You can substitute with dulce de leche, butterscotch sauce, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a different but delicious sweetness.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
This version isn’t gluten-free because it uses a traditional spice cake mix. However, you can try swapping the cake mix for a gluten-free spice cake mix or make a homemade gluten-free topping to keep things allergy-friendly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few substitutions, yes! Use a dairy-free apple pie filling, a vegan caramel sauce, a vegan spice cake mix, and replace butter with a plant-based alternative to enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and you see bubbling sauce around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake topping should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about how simple ingredients can turn into a heartwarming dessert like this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a secret weapon in your kitchen—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and deliciously nostalgic. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dump cake always delivers a slice of homemade happiness. Give it a try soon, and be prepared for all the compliments coming your way!
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and delightful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat. It combines tender apples in a sweet caramel sauce topped with a spiced cake mix and buttery slices, baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each)
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Cake Layer
- 15 ounces spice cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add apple pie filling: Layer the entire 42 ounces of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle caramel sauce: Evenly drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apple pie filling to add sweetness and rich flavor.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Sprinkle the 15 ounces of dry spice cake mix evenly over the top of the apple and caramel layer.
- Top with butter slices: Slice 12 tablespoons of butter thinly and distribute the slices evenly over the cake mix to promote browning and moisture.
- Bake the cake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Serve the dump cake warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize by adding nuts or raisins.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Dump cakes require no mixing— ingredients are layered directly, saving prep time.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for best flavor results.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
