If you’re craving a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of tender spiced apples mingling with decadent caramel, all topped with a buttery, golden crust that’s effortlessly whipped together without any fuss. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself with minimal work but maximum flavor. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and that’s part of its charm. Each ingredient brings a unique element to the table—think sweet and spiced fruit layers, rich caramel notes, a moist crumb topping, and a buttery finish that all balance beautifully without any complicated prep.
- 42 ounces apple pie filling: The star of the show, providing tender, sweet apples with warm spices that awaken the senses.
- ½ cup caramel sauce: Adds that irresistible gooey sweetness that makes every bite luscious and indulgent.
- 15 ounces spice cake mix: Introduces a fragrant, cozy spice blend and a soft texture that crisps up on top perfectly.
- 12 tablespoons butter: Thinly sliced and scattered across the top for a rich, golden crust that seals in moisture.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, making cleanup just as effortless as the recipe itself.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This forms the juicy, fruity base of your dump cake, filled with tender apples swimming in cinnamon-spiced syrup that’s already a delight on its own.
Step 3: Drizzle Caramel Sauce Over the Apples
Next, generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. This adds a sweet, buttery richness that will melt into the fruit as it bakes, creating pockets of irresistible, sticky goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Spice Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly across the caramel-coated apples. This layer will bake into a soft yet slightly crisp topping, capturing the essence of classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Step 5: Add the Butter Slices
Slice your butter thinly and distribute it evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter melts slowly during baking, moistening the topping and helping it turn that perfect golden brown.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the dump cake for about 1 hour, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and you see bubbling caramel and apples around the edges. This is when all the flavors have melded beautifully and the textures are just right.
Step 7: Serve Warm
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is best served warm, ideally with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake shines on its own, you can elevate it by topping with whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. These simple garnishes add layers of flavor and texture that make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this dessert as part of a meal, it pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced apple cider or a robust cup of coffee. For a festive twist, add in a side of sharp cheddar cheese slices—it’s a classic combo that highlights the apple’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider scooping the dump cake into individual ramekins and garnishing each with a sprig of fresh mint. Or, serve it in a trifle dish layered with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a show-stopping presentation that’s just as delicious as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover caramel apple dump cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your refrigerated or thawed dump cake back to life, warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. The top will crisp up again and the filling will bubble warmly, just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel and slice about 6 cups of tart apples like Granny Smith, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice, then proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind it might need a bit more baking time to soften the fresh fruit.
Is there a substitute for the spice cake mix?
Yes, you can swap the spice cake mix for yellow or butter cake mix for a different flavor profile, though you’ll lose some of the warm spices that complement the apples and caramel so well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure your apple pie filling and caramel sauce are also gluten-free. This way, you’ll get all the flavors without any gluten worries.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient and delicious, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel sauce made with butter, cream, and brown sugar can elevate this dump cake even further.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins mixed into the apple filling add a wonderful textural contrast and extra flavor to the dump cake.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a magical combination of simplicity and soul-soothing flavor that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring a treat solo, the warm spices, buttery crust, and rich caramel notes come together to create a dessert that feels lovingly homemade with as little effort as possible. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to create a little slice of sweet happiness any day of the week!
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 simple and delicious dessert that combines sweet apple pie filling with rich caramel and spice cake mix for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. A quick layer-and-bake recipe that results in a warm, gooey, and spiced dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each)
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 15 ounces spice cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Apples: Evenly spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for balanced flavor.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple pie filling for a sweet, rich addition.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the caramel and apple layers. Do not mix, just spread evenly.
- Add Butter: Slice the butter thinly and arrange the pieces evenly across the top of the cake mix to help it brown and create a moist texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm. Offer vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce on the side for an indulgent finish if desired.
Notes
- Use good quality apple pie filling for the best taste and texture.
- Butter should be sliced very thinly to ensure it melts evenly during baking.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and caramel beautifully.
