If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the cozy flavors of fall with effortless preparation, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples swimming in luscious caramel, all topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s one of those comforting sweets that feels homemade but is so simple to pull together, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave a little sweet indulgence without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and richness that make this dessert irresistible.
- Apple pie filling: Choose a quality canned filling to provide tender, juicy apples with warm spices that form the dessert’s sweet base.
- Caramel sauce: This adds a rich, buttery sweetness that elevates the entire dish to next-level comfort food status.
- Spice cake mix: Using a boxed mix keeps things quick and adds a perfect blend of cinnamon and spice flavors with a soft, cake-like crumb.
- Butter: Thin slices of butter melt during baking, giving the top an irresistible golden, crisp finish that’s full of richness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and has a nice even browning along the edges. This simple prep lays the foundation for a beautiful bake.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Spread the canned apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This gives you a juicy, flavorful base. Don’t be shy about getting every corner covered, so each bite has a perfect apple hit.
Step 3: Drizzle Over the Caramel Sauce
Next, drizzle the luscious caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer. The caramel seeps into the apples as it bakes, infusing them with a deep, buttery sweetness that makes this dump cake truly decadent.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix
Evenly scatter the dry spice cake mix right on top of the caramel and apple layers. This mix will form the golden cake crust after baking, marrying those warm spices with the fruit underneath.
Step 5: Dot with Slices of Butter
Slice your butter thinly and distribute the pieces evenly over the spice cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts and creates that perfectly crisp, buttery crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your cake for about an hour, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and you see the caramel and apple juices bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure magic.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—it’s the classic pairing that contrasts wonderfully with the warm cake. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top is like the final touch of indulgence that takes each bite to a heavenly level.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this dessert at a gathering, consider pairing it with a light, crisp salad to balance the sweetness or a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement the warm flavors. These sides keep the meal rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with whipped cream and chopped toasted pecans for crunch. You can also layer it in clear glass jars to showcase all the beautiful textures and colors—making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is just as delightful the next day! Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy that comforting flavor again.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake either before or after baking. If freezing before, cover tightly to prevent freezer burn. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it well. Thawed portions taste amazing when reheated, so consider freezing single servings for easy future treats.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover cake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps restore the crispiness of the top layer. Microwave reheating is quicker but might soften the crust, so oven reheating is often preferred to keep that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade apple pie filling can add an extra burst of flavor and texture, though canned filling is great for convenience. Just make sure your homemade filling isn’t too watery to avoid a soggy cake.
What can I substitute for the spice cake mix?
If you don’t have spice cake mix, a yellow or butter cake mix with added cinnamon and nutmeg works well. You can also make your own spice blend to fold into a plain cake mix for that warm, cozy flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes! The 9×13-inch size serves roughly 8 to 8.8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or parties. You can double the recipe in larger pans for bigger groups.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of oats on top before baking add wonderful texture and make the cake even more special.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a golden-brown top that’s bubbling around the edges. The butter will have melted into a crisp layer, and the caramel apples will be tender and juicy, releasing their sweet aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves easy yet indulgent desserts. It comes together quickly, bakes into a warm, comforting treat, and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe box. Once you try it, it’s hard to imagine fall or any cozy occasion without it on your table. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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
A quick and delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake featuring layers of spiced apple pie filling and caramel sauce, topped with spice cake mix and rich butter, baked to golden perfection. This easy dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each)
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Topping
- 15 ounces spice cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter, sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Add caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple pie filling to add richness and sweetness.
- Top with cake mix: Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix uniformly over the caramel-covered apples to form the crumbly topping.
- Butter topping: Slice the butter thinly and place the slices evenly over the spice cake mix to ensure a moist, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced butter for even melting and a crispy topping.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Add vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce to elevate the dessert.
- If apple pie filling is not sweet enough, adjust caramel amount according to taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
