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This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious caramel apple dump cake that will impress your family and friends.
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“I made this recipe 2x and took it to 2 different gatherings. It is just amazing. I have had 5 people ask me for the recipe. I did add more caramel over the apples( I am a caramel addict), also comstock has caramel apple pie filling which I used 1 can of this and 1 regular pie filling. I also covered the whole 9×13 pan with butter. About 1 1/2 sticks. I did not scimp. It is sooooo good. I also love most dump cakes, so easy to make!!!” – Lynda
I remember the first time I made this cake forever ago. It was a chilly fall day, and I wanted to make something sweet without spending all day baking.
I found this easy recipe and thought, “Dump cake? That sounds too easy to be good!” But boy, was I wrong. It was all downhill from there, haha!
The combination of apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and cake mix creates a golden brown, gooey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
This cake has become a family favorite, especially during the holiday season. It’s the perfect fall dessert to enjoy after a hearty family meal.
You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special skills. If you can open a can and use a spoon, you can make this cake!
One time, I brought this cake to a potluck, and everyone thought I had spent hours making it. Little did they know, it took me only minutes of prep time! Here comes my Caramel Apple Dump Cake!
Some of our other favorite CAKE RECIPES we have on our site include: Strawberry Dump Cake with Cheesecake Filling, Cherry Dump Cake, and No Bake Strawberry Woolworth Cake Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients from the Grocery Store: You probably already have most of these items in your pantry.
- Minimal Effort for Maximum Flavor: With just minutes of prep, you get a delicious dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it.
- Perfect Fall Dessert: Combines favorite fall flavors like apples and caramel into one delicious cake.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Apple Pie Filling
- Caramel Sauce
- Yellow Cake Mix
- Ground Cinnamon
- Salted Butter
- Ice Cream (optional)
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Evenly top with the caramel sauce.
- Cut the top of the yellow cake mix bag open and add the cinnamon. Stir it around.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top.
- Pour the butter on top and try to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on the top.
- Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream and more caramel sauce.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CAKE MIX?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of cake mixes like white cake mix, spice cake mix, or even French vanilla cake mix.
Each one adds a different flavor to the cake.
If you choose a spice cake mix, you might skip the extra ground cinnamon since the mix already has those spices.
Using different cake mixes is a great way to customize the recipe.
WHAT CAN I TOP THIS WITH?
There are all kinds of delicious toppings you can add!
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with the warm cake.
You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for extra caramel apple flavor.
Whipped cream, caramel ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also make great additions. There are a bunch more options below!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Bring it on!
Part of the reason dump cake is great is because you can always DUMP more ingredients in, haha!
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor
- Caramel bits mixed into the apple filling
- Sprinkle of apple pie spice over the top
- White chocolate chips added to the cake mix
- A dash of nutmeg for extra warmth
- Diced fresh apples mixed into the filling
- Oats sprinkled on top for a crumble-like texture
- A layer of cream cheese beneath the cake mix for richness
- Cinnamon ice cream instead of vanilla
- Powdered sugar dusted over the top before serving
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Just a few ideas here to get your brain started in the right direction.
- Apple Pie Filling: Use cherry pie filling for a cherry dump cake or peach pie filling for a peach dump cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Replace with homemade caramel sauce or butterscotch sauce.
- Salted Butter: Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for different flavors.
- Ice Cream: Serve with whipped cream, caramel ice cream, or whatever flavor you want.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store any leftover apple dump cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Cover as Much Cake Mix as Possible: When pouring the melted butter over the dry cake mix, try to moisten as much as you can for the best results and to avoid dry spots.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to avoid burns—the caramel and apples get very hot!
- Add Extra Caramel: Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top for a gooey caramel layer that’s irresistible.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the cake bake evenly and ensures the caramel and butter spread nicely.
- Try Different Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake mixes or pie fillings for new flavors.
- Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Enjoy this delightful Caramel Apple Dump Cake whenever you need a quick and delicious dessert.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy your favorite fall flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 21 ounce cans apple pie filling
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce plus more for serving
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup salted butter melted
- Ice cream for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish.2 21 ounce cans apple pie filling
- Evenly top with the caramel sauce.3/4 cup caramel sauce
- Cut the top of the yellow cake mix bag open and add the cinnamon. Stir it around.1 box yellow cake mix, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top.
- Pour the butter on top and try to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible.3/4 cup salted butter
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on the top.
- Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream and more caramel sauce.Ice cream
Notes
- Cover as Much Cake Mix as Possible: When pouring the melted butter over the dry cake mix, try to moisten as much as you can for the best results and to avoid dry spots.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to avoid burns—the caramel and apples get very hot!
- Add Extra Caramel: Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top for a gooey caramel layer that’s irresistible.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the cake bake evenly and ensures the caramel and butter spread nicely.
- Try Different Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake mixes or pie fillings for new flavors.
- Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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I made this recipe 2x and took it to 2 different gatherings. It is just amazing. I have had 5 people ask me for the recipe. I did add more caramel over the apples( I am a caramel addict), also comstock has caramel apple pie filling which I used 1 can of this and 1 regular pie filling. I also covered the whole 9×13 pan with butter. About 1 1/2 sticks. I did not scimp. It is sooooo good. I also love most dump cakes, so easy to make!!!
I love these recipes! Dump cakes are one of my favorites to make. You can also use a Gluten Free cake mix.