If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug in every bite, then this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s ridiculously simple to throw together but delivers layers of tart apple sweetness, spicy cinnamon and nutmeg, buttery cake, and rich caramel sauce that meld into pure comfort on your plate. This recipe is the perfect blend of effortless and indulgent, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor and texture. From the tender apple filling’s natural juiciness to the buttery richness and the crunchy pecans, the combination is simple but essential to achieve that perfect dessert.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Provides sweet, tender fruit that’s the heart of this dessert.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the spices.
- Caramel sauce (1 jar, 12 oz): Enhances sweetness and gives a luscious, sticky finish.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Acts as a quick and delicious topping that crisps up while baking.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, sliced into pats): Infuses moisture and richness, ensuring the cake topping is golden and tender.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty contrast to the soft layers.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will bake evenly for that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Layer the Apples and Spices
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples to infuse them with warm aromatic spices that bring out the best fall flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Drizzle Half Your Caramel Sauce
Pour half of the caramel sauce over the spiced apple filling. This step is key to embedding deep caramel sweetness inside the cake that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layers. This mix will provide a quick cobbler-like crust that crisps up during baking, contrasting beautifully with the soft fruit beneath.
Step 5: Dot with Butter and Pecans
Scatter thin pats of unsalted butter all over the surface of the cake mix, covering as much area as you can. If you love a bit of crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. These additions create a golden, buttery, and nutty topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and you see the apple filling bubbling up around the edges. This bubbling is a sign of perfectly cooked filling and caramel melting into the cake.
Step 7: Finish with Remaining Caramel
Once your cake has cooled just enough to handle, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. This adds fresh, sticky sweetness and an inviting glossy finish that makes the dessert truly mouthwatering.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream alongside your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe turns it into an indulgent treat that delights every sense. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds a pretty, flavorful touch.
Side Dishes
Serving this rich dessert alone is perfect, but if you want to round out your menu, consider light sides like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables when pairing with a full meal. The dessert is so flavorful that it also shines brilliantly at brunch or potlucks on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins for personal servings that look elegant yet stay effortless. You can also layer it with dollops of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting between spoonfuls for a richer dessert experience. Or use fresh sliced apples caramelized in butter and cinnamon to garnish the top for added freshness and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the topping from becoming soggy, try to let it cool completely before storing. Leftovers taste fantastic cold or gently reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dump cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe warm again, simply heat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Reheating brings back that freshly baked charm perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh apples sliced and tossed with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice make a lovely substitute. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the apples soften fully.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix, or can I try another flavor?
Yellow cake mix works best because of its buttery flavor and texture that complements the apples and caramel. However, some people enjoy using spice cake mix for an extra kick of flavor—feel free to experiment!
What’s the best type of caramel sauce to use?
Store-bought caramel sauce from the jar works wonderfully here, especially if it’s thick and rich. You can also use homemade caramel if you want to take it up a notch, but it’s not necessary for a delicious result.
Is it necessary to add pecans?
Not at all! Pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you’re not a fan or have allergies, you can skip them without sacrificing the overall deliciousness of the cake.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free or vegan?
This recipe as written isn’t gluten-free or vegan, but you can adapt it by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and vegan butter substitutes. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe has a special way of making the simplest moments feel a little extra sweet and comforting. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s bursting with warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. Trust me, once you make it, this will become your new favorite for fall—or anytime you need a cozy treat. So grab your baking dish and start layering that caramel and apple magic today!
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
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert combining the warmth of spiced apple pie filling with the buttery sweetness of yellow cake mix and rich caramel sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe perfect for fall gatherings, offering a comforting blend of textures with a crunchy pecan topping and luscious caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ jar (6 ounces) caramel sauce, divided
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Remaining 6 ounces caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples to infuse warm spices.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce (about 6 ounces) evenly over the spiced apple filling to add rich sweetness that will meld into the fruit during baking.
- Apply Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layer, creating a crumbly topping that will bake into a golden crust.
- Butter and Nuts: Arrange the sliced pats of unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as many areas as possible; this helps create a moist, tender cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly beneath.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling the remaining caramel sauce on top. Serve warm for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Serve the dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- You can substitute fresh sliced apples tossed with sugar and lemon juice in place of canned apple pie filling; just increase the baking time slightly to ensure the apples cook through.
- Optional chopped pecans add texture but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Make sure to evenly distribute butter slices to achieve a moist crust.
