If you’re craving a dessert that is insanely easy to make yet bursting with cozy fall flavors, you have to try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender baked apples, rich caramel, and a golden buttery cake topping, all coming together in one pan with almost no fuss. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or whipping up a sweet treat on a weeknight, this dump cake promises a comforting and delicious ending to any meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. Each element brings something special, from the fruity apple pie filling to the buttery crisp cake topping.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, about 21 ounces each): This is the juicy, tender fruit base that gives the dessert its classic apple flavor and lovely texture.
- Caramel sauce (½ cup, plus extra for serving): Adds that luscious, sweet, and sticky richness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Spice or yellow cake mix (1 box, 13.25 to 15.25 ounces): The dry cake mix forms a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the gooey apple and caramel underneath.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, 6 ounces): Provides moisture and a flaky, buttery finish when sliced and distributed on top.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving): The perfect cool, creamy companion to warm, sweet dump cake.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the cake from sticking and adds just a hint of extra richness around the edges.
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This thick fruit layer acts as the juicy heart of your dump cake, infusing sweetness and moisture as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Caramel
Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce generously over the apples. This step seals in indulgence, ensuring every slice carries that dreamy caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon-spiced apples.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. This dry top creates a wonderful contrast once baked and gives the cake its signature crisp, crumbly texture.
Step 5: Dot with Butter
Slice the cold unsalted butter thinly and distribute the pieces evenly over the top of the cake mix. These butter bits will melt slowly during baking, creating a golden, flaky crust that’s pure perfection.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the filling is delectably bubbly and fragrant.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Add More Caramel
Once baked, remove your cake from the oven and let it cool just enough so it’s not too hot to serve. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top.
Step 8: Serve Warm with a Creamy Topping
Serve your Caramel Apple Dump Cake warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. The contrast between warm and cold turns this dessert into a heavenly experience.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream on top elevates this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts can offer a subtle crunch and an extra touch of flavor that’s always appreciated.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced cider or a robust cup of coffee, balancing the sweetness while keeping the cozy vibes going. It also holds its own as a dessert after a hearty autumn meal, making it a versatile treat in any setting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cake in individual ramekins instead of a large dish. Top each portion with a drizzle of caramel and a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. It’s sure to impress guests and bring smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep the top crust from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat to bring back that freshly-baked magic.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dessert around a little longer, you can freeze the cake either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up to serve.
Reheating
Reheat your Caramel Apple Dump Cake gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This brings back the crisp topping and luscious filling without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh apples, peel and slice about 6 cups of tart apples, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice, then proceed with the recipe. This gives your cake a fresh, homemade apple flavor.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for convenience, but feel free to use homemade caramel if you have it on hand. Just make sure it’s pourable and not too thick so it blends beautifully with the apples.
Can I swap the cake mix for a gluten-free option?
Yes! There are many gluten-free cake mixes available now that will work well in this recipe. Just choose one that’s suitable for your dietary needs and follow the baking instructions as usual.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, but be mindful that it may slightly increase the overall saltiness of the dessert. Unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt levels and the cleanest flavor.
How can I make this dessert more festive for holidays?
Try adding spices like nutmeg, ground cloves, or allspice to the cake mix before sprinkling it over the apples. Adding chopped nuts or a cinnamon sugar topping before baking can also boost the festive flair.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how simple ingredients can come together in this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe to create such a standout dessert. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. If you haven’t made a dump cake before, this one is a fantastic place to start — I promise it will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, sweet treat. Using simple ingredients like apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and boxed cake mix, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The crispy, buttery cake topping and gooey caramel apple filling pair beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Topping
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, sliced thinly
Optional Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer apple filling: Evenly spread the two cans of apple pie filling over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a fruit base.
- Add caramel sauce: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple pie filling for a rich, sweet flavor layer.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the caramel and apple filling, covering the entire surface.
- Top with butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the cake mix to create a crisp, golden crust while baking.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Cool slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Serve with toppings: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving. Optionally, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use cold butter slices to achieve a nicely browned and textured topping.
- Spice cake mix adds extra warmth and flavor; yellow cake mix is a good alternative for a milder taste.
- Ensure the apple filling layer is spread evenly to prevent sogginess in some areas.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and allow flavors to meld.
- Feel free to substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel or a salted caramel for added richness.
