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If you love the cozy flavors of baked apples, caramel, and buttery cake, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake will steal your heart—and maybe even your spot as the family’s favorite baker. This dessert brings together everything we love about fall in one simple, no-fuss recipe: warm spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a crisp, golden cake topping.
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The best part? It’s incredibly easy. No mixing bowls, no complicated steps—just “dump” the ingredients into your baking dish and let your oven do the magic. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just craving something sweet on a chilly night, this dessert is guaranteed to impress without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dump cake earns its name for being one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. Here’s why it’s such a hit with both beginners and seasoned bakers:
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- Foolproof recipe: No electric mixer, no cake batter prep—just layer and bake.
- Short ingredient list: Simple store-bought items turn into a bakery-quality dessert.
- Perfect for fall: Filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and warm caramel.
- Feeds a crowd: Great for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Smells heavenly: The aroma of baked apples and butter fills your kitchen.
This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it desserts that still tastes like you spent hours baking.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
The Apple Foundation
- Apple Pie Filling: Two cans of apple pie filling create the sweet, tender fruit base. It’s the perfect shortcut for classic apple pie flavor without the work.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg (optional): Add warmth and depth—especially perfect for autumn.
The Cake Layer
- Yellow or Spice Cake Mix: Skip the prep—just sprinkle it straight from the box. Yellow cake mix gives a buttery, classic flavor, while spice cake mix adds extra warmth.
The Caramel Layer
- Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels: Melted caramel creates a sweet, gooey layer between the apples and the cake. If using soft caramels, mix them with a splash of cream for smoothness.
The Buttery Topping
- Unsalted Butter: Thinly sliced butter melts into the dry cake mix, creating a crisp, golden topping that’s buttery and irresistible.
Optional Add-Ins
- Pecans or Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Bring texture and a hint of chewiness to the topping.
Tips and Tricks
- Slice butter evenly: Thin pats of butter spread more evenly during baking, ensuring a golden crust.
- Don’t stir the layers: The magic of a dump cake is in the layering—stirring ruins the texture.
- Use caramel bits for ease: They melt evenly and save time compared to unwrapping caramels.
- Cool before serving: Letting the cake rest helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
- Add ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this dessert into a showstopper.
Variations and Customizations
Make your Caramel Apple Dump Cake unique with these fun variations:
- Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty twist.
- Apple Pecan Crunch Cake: Add a handful of chopped pecans to the top before baking.
- Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: Use cinnamon roll-flavored cake mix for extra spice and sweetness.
- Caramel Pear Dump Cake: Swap apple pie filling for pear filling for a seasonal twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a dessert everyone can enjoy.
Pairing Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with classic fall favorites:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess balances the warm caramel apple flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Adds lightness to every bite.
- Hot Apple Cider or Coffee: Perfect drinks for cozy evenings.
- Warm Custard Sauce: Pour a little over the top for a creamy finish.
Storage Instructions
Keep your leftovers fresh and delicious with these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the dump cake a few hours in advance, then reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely. Homemade filling adds an extra touch of flavor—just make sure it’s not too runny.
What’s the best cake mix to use?
Both yellow and spice cake mixes work beautifully. Yellow offers a buttery, classic flavor, while spice cake enhances the fall spices.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown and crisp, with bubbling caramel around the edges.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine in a pinch.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then stir lightly to blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling. Do not stir—just spread it into an even layer.
- If using soft caramels, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add nuts or oats if desired.
- Slice butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top. The butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
- Spice cake mix enhances the warm apple-cinnamon flavor.
- This dessert tastes best served warm, but it’s equally good chilled the next day.
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