Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Whipping up a delightful caramel apple dump cake brings pure dessert magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet apples mingle with gooey caramel in this ridiculously simple treat.

Dessert lovers appreciate how minimal effort produces maximum flavor in this rustic creation.

Layers of tender fruit and rich cake come together without complicated techniques.

Pantry staples dance into a memorable autumn-inspired delight that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Warm spices peek through the golden-brown surface, promising a mouthwatering experience.

One bite reveals why this recipe becomes an instant household favorite.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to ensure even heat distribution and a crispy crust.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Enhance the caramel apple taste by adding a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice to the filling.
• Swap for Dietary Needs: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Maximize Nutty Crunch: Toast pecans or walnuts before sprinkling to intensify their flavor and add extra crispiness to the topping.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce caramel sauce amount if you prefer a less sweet dessert, or use sugar-free caramel for a lighter option.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Store leftover caramel apple dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Warm individual servings in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, maintaining the cake's delightful texture and warm flavors.
• Quickly reheat single portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and drying out the dessert.
• Enjoy the cake cold directly from the refrigerator if you prefer a refreshing twist on this delectable dessert.

Delicious Pairings for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Vanilla ice cream creates a dreamy contrast with the warm, rich caramel apple dump cake, melting softly and adding creamy coolness to each bite.
• Warm apple cider or chai tea perfectly echoes the cake's cinnamon notes, enhancing the dessert's cozy autumn flavor profile.
• Serve alongside a smooth bourbon or amaretto, which will highlight the cake's nutty pecan undertones and bring out deeper caramel complexity.
• Freshly whipped cream provides a light, airy texture that balances the dense, sweet cake, cutting through its richness with delicate softness.

Fun Flavor Spins for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure apple pie filling is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan yellow cake mix, and top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a plant-based alternative that maintains the original cake's rich flavors.
• Low-Sugar Option: Select sugar-free apple pie filling, use a sugar-free cake mix, and replace caramel sauce with a sugar-free caramel alternative to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the dessert's classic taste.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Omit pecans or walnuts completely, and instead sprinkle sliced almonds or skip nuts altogether for those with nut allergies or preferences.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade filling works great and can add a more fresh, authentic flavor to the dump cake.

• What if I don't have caramel sauce?

No worries! You can substitute with butterscotch sauce or even maple syrup for a similar sweet touch. The key is having a liquid sweetener to drizzle over the layers.

• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake in advance and reheat it before serving. It tastes just as delicious when warmed up, making it perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or potlucks.

What to Expect from Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights that bring everyone together with its irresistible sweet and gooey texture.
• Dump all ingredients directly into the pan without complicated mixing or complicated preparation, making it ideal for busy home cooks wanting a delicious dessert in under an hour.
• Easily adaptable with optional nuts, different ice cream toppings, or even serving variations that make this recipe a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Use in Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Easy foundation for the dessert, enhances caramel apple flavor.
• Vanilla Cake Mix: Alternative base with classic sweet profile.

• Apple Pie Filling: Provides primary fruit base, pre-sweetened and convenient.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds rich, golden sweetness and extra moisture to the cake.

• Butter, Unsalted: Creates crispy top layer and adds rich, buttery flavor, best when melted.
• Ground Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that complements apple and caramel flavors.
• Pecans, Walnuts: Optional crunchy topping that adds nutty texture and depth, great for extra richness.

How to Assemble a Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Apple Base

Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Make it look even and smooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the filling. Drizzle a generous stream of caramel sauce across the top for extra richness.

Step 3: Scatter the Cake Mix

Open the cake mix package and gently shower the dry mix over the apple filling. Don’t mix or stir – just let it sit prettily on top like a fluffy blanket.

Step 4: Butter Magic

Melt some butter and pour it slowly over the entire surface. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. Want some extra crunch? Shower chopped pecans or walnuts across the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven. Let it bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Cool and Indulge

Pull the cake out and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve while it’s still warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet autumn magic comes alive with caramel apple dump cake, perfectly blending classic comfort and effortless dessert charm. Buttery crumbles and warm spices invite home bakers to savor simple seasonal bliss without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 ounces or 595 grams each) apple pie filling
• 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts

Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating it with a light layer of cooking spray and setting the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Create a rich foundation by distributing apple pie filling uniformly across the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
3. Enhance the filling’s flavor profile by gently sprinkling ground cinnamon and generously drizzling caramel sauce over the apple layer.
4. Carefully cascade the dry cake mix across the apple mixture, maintaining an even distribution without disturbing the underlying layers.
5. Transform the dessert’s texture by methodically pouring melted butter over the entire surface, maximizing coverage of the dry cake mix.
6. Introduce additional depth and crunch by scattering chopped pecans or walnuts across the buttered layer if desired.
7. Position the baking dish in the preheated oven and allow the dessert to bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown, bubbling top that signals perfect caramelization.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the dump cake to rest briefly, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to meld.
9. Serve while warm, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to elevate the indulgent experience.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and make this dessert accessible for everyone with gluten sensitivities.
• Add extra texture by toasting nuts before sprinkling them on top, which intensifies their nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different pie filling variations like pear or peach to create unique flavor combinations and keep the recipe exciting.
• Reduce sugar content by using less caramel sauce or choosing a sugar-free caramel alternative for a lighter version of this indulgent dessert.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 128
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 17 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg