This cozy dessert is all about simplicity and indulgence rolled into one delicious package. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake transforms humble pantry staples into a mouthwatering fall delight. The layers of tender, spiced apple pie filling meet a buttery crumb topping that bakes into a golden, crispy blanket—while ribbons of luscious caramel swirl through every bite. Each slice yields juicy pockets of apple surrounded by sweet, gooey sauce, perfect for spooning warm into bowls. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this beginner-friendly recipe comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time and bakes for 45–50 minutes, with a brief 10-minute rest to let the flavors settle. It yields 12 generous servings, each at roughly 400 calories, so you can share this treat at family gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.
This dessert truly fills your kitchen with cozy comfort. From the moment you assemble the bright apple filling and sprinkle on cinnamon, you’ll feel the anticipation building. With just a box of cake mix, a few common spices, melted butter, and a jar of rich caramel sauce, you’ll create something that tastes like it took hours of effort—but without all the fuss of peeling, measuring, and rolling out dough. I love how this dump cake embraces the messy, homey beauty of simple baking. As someone who’s hosted countless fall dinners, I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has stolen the show—its warm, gooey goodness never fails to spark smiles and happy sighs all around the table.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE
Before you start layering, let’s spotlight the star players that make this dessert shine. Each ingredient contributes to that signature harmony of textures and flavors—from the juicy fruit base to the crispy golden topping.
- Apple Pie Filling
Ready-made filling packed with tender apple slices, sweet syrup, and a hint of spice. It forms the juicy, fruit-forward foundation for the cake, ensuring every bite bursts with orchard-fresh flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon
A warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and a cozy note to the apples. Cinnamon enhances sweetness and perfectly complements the buttery cake topping.
- Ground Nutmeg
A subtle, earthy spice that rounds out the flavor profile. Nutmeg works alongside cinnamon to give the fruit filling a classic fall dessert warmth.
- Yellow Cake Mix
A pantry staple that creates the cake-like crust without the fuss of from-scratch baking. Its fine crumbs bake up light and fluffy, soaking in butter and caramel.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted and drizzled over the cake mix, butter ensures the topping crisps up beautifully and adds rich, savory notes to balance the sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce
Smooth and velvety, caramel sauce weaves its way through the layers, creating gooey pockets of decadent sweetness.
- Salt
A tiny sprinkle heightens the flavor contrasts, bringing out the sweetness in the apples and caramel while preventing the dessert from tasting one-dimensional.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional)
For a delightful crunch, pecans add texture and a toasty nutty flavor. They’re the perfect optional finishing touch.
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE
Creating this dessert is delightfully straightforward. You’ll layer your ingredients in a single baking dish, and the oven does all the magic—transforming each element into a cohesive, warm treat that’s gooey in the middle and crisp on top.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully heated helps the cake topping achieve that ideal golden brown crust while the filling bubbles up underneath.
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom. This establishes the juicy base layer, making sure each corner of the dish is covered.
3. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apple pie filling. These spices infuse the fruit with that classic warm, autumnal flavor, marrying perfectly with the sweet apples.
4. Distribute the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the spiced apple layer. Keep it on top rather than mixing in, so it forms a distinct, fluffy topping.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Make sure to cover all areas—this is what yields a crisp, buttery crust.
6. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cake mix and butter. The caramel melts into the layers as it bakes, creating those mouthwatering gooey pockets.
7. Sprinkle the salt and, if desired, the chopped pecans on top. The salt sharpens the sweetness, while pecans contribute a crunchy finish.
8. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling bubbles up around the edges, signaling it’s perfectly cooked inside.
9. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This 10-minute rest lets the layers set just enough so it’s gooey yet sliceable.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE
When it comes to serving this warm, comforting dessert, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re dishing it out at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, thoughtful presentation and tasty accouterments elevate every bite.
- Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled alongside each warm slice. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the hot, gooey cake, creating a delightful hot-and-cold experience.
- Drizzle extra warm caramel sauce just before serving. Reheat a little caramel in the microwave for a few seconds and swirl it over the top to amplify that rich, buttery flavor.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. The light, airy cream keeps things feeling festive, while a sprinkle of extra spice adds a pretty finishing touch.
- Present on a rustic wooden board or pretty dessert plates, garnished with fresh apple slices or a handful of pecans. Styling your dump cake with natural accents sets a cozy, autumnal mood.
HOW TO STORE CARAMEL APPLE DUMP CAKE
Storing this dessert properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers for up to three days without losing any of that fresh-baked charm. Below are a few tried-and-true methods that preserve moisture, flavor, and texture.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Once completely cooled, transfer slices into a container with a tight-fitting lid. The chilly environment slows down spoilage while the sealed container keeps air—and dryness—at bay.
- Wrap Individual Portions
For quick grab-and-go treats, wrap single servings in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This method locks in warmth and moisture, and you can reheat just one portion at a time.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
If you’d like to keep portions beyond three days, freeze wrapped slices on a baking sheet until firm, then move them into a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat with Care
When you’re ready to enjoy, pop a slice into a preheated 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds. This revives the crisp topping and warms the filling perfectly.
CONCLUSION
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake has all of the hallmarks of a beloved fall dessert—easy assembly, warm spices, buttery cake, and ribbons of caramel that turn every bite into a celebration of cozy comfort. From its quick 15-minute prep to the aromatic 45–50 minutes in the oven, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or endless ingredients to create something truly special. The combination of tender apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked under a golden blanket of buttery cake mix, and punctuated by gooey caramel is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, this beginner-level dessert yields stunning results without stress—perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or quiet evenings curled up with a book.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital folder for whenever those cozy dessert cravings strike. You can also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot common questions or customize the cake to your preferences. If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment, share any questions you have, or provide feedback on tweaks you made. Baking is all about experimentation and joy, so let me know if you need any tips or just want to chat about your caramel apple adventures. Happy baking!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Description
This caramel apple dump cake fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. With layers of spiced apples, buttery cake mix, and rich caramel, each bite is a comforting experience that's perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom.
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Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apple pie filling for added flavor.
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Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the layer of apple pie filling. Do not mix it into the filling.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring all areas are moistened.
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Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cake mix and butter.
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Sprinkle the salt and, if desired, the chopped pecans on top for some crunch.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Note
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a warm caramel apple experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Experiment with different types of cake mix flavors or nut options to customize your cake.
- This recipe is great for fall gatherings or any time you crave a warm and comforting dessert.
