Caramel apple dump cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for fall and beyond. Bursting with sweet apple pie filling, buttery cake mix, and a rich drizzle of caramel, this dump cake is as effortless as it is delicious. You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull off this show-stopping treat. Just layer the ingredients, bake, and dig in! It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This caramel apple dump cake is love at first bite. It combines the nostalgic flavors of apple pie and caramel in a quick-to-make dump cake format. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. The contrast between the tender apples, gooey caramel, and crisp buttery topping makes it irresistible. Plus, there’s no mixing bowl required—just layer and bake!
Ingredients
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2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
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1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
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1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice cake mix or yellow cake mix
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6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and sliced thin
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Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
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Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
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Layer the Ingredients:
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Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish.
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Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
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Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
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Distribute the butter slices over the cake mix, covering the surface as much as possible.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Helpful Tips
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Slice the butter thinly and spread it evenly to ensure the topping bakes evenly.
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Use a spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal flavor, or yellow cake mix for a classic taste.
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Check the cake at 50 minutes to avoid over-browning.
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Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes after baking so the caramel sets slightly.
Substitutions And Variations
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Cake Mix: Try white or butter pecan cake mix for a twist.
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Fruit: Substitute with peach or cherry pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
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Toppings: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
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Sauce: Use salted caramel for a sweet-savory balance.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 12 servings):
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Calories: 380
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 55g
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Sugar: 38g
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Fiber: 1g
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Protein: 2g
Serving Suggestions
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Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for extra flair.
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Enjoy alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a creamy caramel latte to embrace the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare and bake the cake, then refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling? Absolutely—just ensure it’s about the same volume and consistency.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce? You can skip it or use butterscotch sauce instead.
Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the filling is gluten-free.
Why didn’t my topping brown evenly? Be sure to distribute butter slices evenly over the cake mix and avoid clumping.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this irresistible caramel apple dump cake! It’s one of my favorite go-to desserts because it’s so easy, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I love the way the apples and caramel meld into a gooey base while the buttery topping adds that perfect crunch. I hope you enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones. Wishing you joyful baking adventures, and thank you for being part of this warm and welcoming food-loving community!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert layered with apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and buttery cake mix.
Ingredients
2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced thin
Unsalted butter, for greasing
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle.
-
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
-
Layer the Ingredients:
-
Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish.
-
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
-
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
-
Distribute the butter slices over the cake mix, covering the surface as much as possible.
-
-
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Notes
Use spice cake mix for a seasonal twist, or yellow cake mix for a classic flavor. Add nuts for crunch or use different pie fillings for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 2g