If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is calling your name. Imagine layers of sweet, tender apples mingling with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, crowned by a buttery, golden cake topping that crisps just right. A drizzle of luscious caramel sauce brings it all together, making every forkful pure magic. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy night in, this dessert shines for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors that taste like fall itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating your own Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role—from the sweet and spiced apple filling to the buttery topping that crisps to perfection, these components are exactly what makes this dessert so irresistible.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 20 ounces each): Provides juicy, tender apples already infused with sweetness for ease and flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the apple beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, nutty warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Creates the fluffy and crisp cake layer that contrasts deliciously with the fruit.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, melted): Ensures the topping bakes up golden and rich without overpowering the sweetness.
- Caramel sauce (½ cup, plus more for drizzling): Infuses the whole dessert with that irresistible buttery caramel flavor.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and a toasty nutty dimension.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and help ensure your cake comes out in one perfect piece that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Spread the apple pie filling evenly at the bottom of your prepared dish. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples. Give the mixture a gentle stir to marry the spices with the fruit without breaking up the apples too much.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Sauce
Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the spiced apple mixture. This infuses your base with a sweet, buttery richness that will shine through once baked.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Now, evenly spread the dry yellow cake mix right over the apples and caramel. It’s okay if some fruit peeks through—the cake mix will create that buttery, crisp layer on top that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Pour Melted Butter
Slowly pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to coat as much as possible. This is the magic step that transforms the dry cake mix into a golden, tender topping.
Step 6: Add Pecans (Optional) and Bake
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if you’re using them—they lend a delightful crunch. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the mixture is bubbling hot around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an extra special touch and watch everyone swoon over this effortless dessert!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect way to garnish your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. The cold, smooth texture contrasts exquisitely with the warm, gooey cake and gooey caramel. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for that extra cozy look and feel.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs marvelously with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy evening treat. If serving after dinner, a light salad or fresh fruit salad balances the richness and refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cake in individual ramekins or cute mason jars—ideal for parties or gifting. Layer with caramel drizzle and a pecan on top, and your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe turns into a show-stopping sweet treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a slice or two without any waste.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake before or after baking. Just wrap it well in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it holds up well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your chilled or thawed cake, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat the whole pan in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream to bring that just-baked magic back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Using about 5 cups of peeled, sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon makes a less sweet but wonderfully fresh version of this recipe. Just make sure to soften the apples slightly before layering for even baking.
Is it okay to skip the nuts?
Definitely! The pecans are optional and meant to add crunch, but the cake is flavorful and delicious all on its own without them.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix?
You can try vanilla or even spice cake mix to add a different flavor twist. Just know that each will change the taste and texture slightly, but it’s still going to be a crowd-pleaser!
How long should I let the cake cool before serving?
Cooling it for about 10 to 15 minutes helps the caramel set a bit and makes serving easier, plus it ensures you don’t burn your mouth on that hot, gooey goodness.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verifying the pie filling is gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe to suit gluten sensitivities without losing any of the charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how effortlessly you can pull together the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe yet end up with a dessert bursting with warmth, sweetness, and rich fall flavors. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel right at home and eager to share with family and friends. I hope you’ll give this recipe a go soon—it just might become your new favorite go-to dessert for cozy nights and celebrations alike.
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make caramel apple dump cake featuring layers of spiced apple pie filling, gooey caramel sauce, and buttery yellow cake mix, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for fall desserts and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Cake Layer
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Apple Filling and Spices: Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples. Stir gently to combine the flavors without breaking up the filling too much.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple mixture to add a rich, sweet depth.
- Layer Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layer, making sure the fruit is completely covered.
- Pour Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, saturating as much of it as possible to create a moist, golden crust.
- Add Pecans (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, if desired.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cake is cooked through and the filling is hot.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if you like, and enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- For a less sweet, fresher version, substitute canned apple pie filling with about 5 cups of fresh sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon.
