Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Decadent and Effortless Dessert 🍏🍰🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect solution! Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples swimming in rich caramel sauce, topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that bakes to perfection with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a quick weeknight treat, or just craving something sweet, this dump cake is guaranteed to satisfy. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—cake mix, apple pie filling, and caramel sauce—so no advanced baking skills are required!
If you love easy dessert recipes that deliver big on flavor, you’ll want to check out our collection of simple dessert ideas for more inspiration.
2. Ingredients
To make this easy caramel apple dump cake, you’ll need these simple ingredients that come together to create magic:
- 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling (or make your own with 4 cups sliced apples, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling – we recommend using a high-quality brand like this homemade version)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (spice cake mix works wonderfully too for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
- Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. For extra flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon and gently stir to coat all the apples. If you’re using fresh apples, make sure they’re sliced uniformly so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add the Caramel
Now comes the fun part—the caramel! Drizzle about 1/2 cup of caramel sauce generously over the apples, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible. For an extra indulgent treat, you can warm the caramel slightly before drizzling to help it spread more easily. This step ensures every bite will be packed with that rich, buttery caramel flavor we all love.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Here’s where the “dump” in dump cake comes into play. Take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel and apple layer. The key here is to distribute it as evenly as possible without stirring. This creates that perfect cake-like topping that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. If you want to add some texture, you can gently press down on the cake mix with the back of a spoon to help it settle into the caramel layer.
Step 4: Pour Melted Butter
This is the secret to achieving that perfect golden crust. Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. You might notice some dry spots—that’s okay! The butter will spread as it bakes. For extra crispiness, you can use a fork to gently poke holes in the topping to help the butter penetrate deeper into the cake mix.
4. Baking & Serving
Bake your creation for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you can see the caramel bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving—this allows the caramel to thicken slightly so it’s not too runny. For the ultimate experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is simply divine!
5. Variations & Tips
- Crock Pot Method: Perfect for parties! Layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours. The texture will be slightly different but just as delicious.
- Spiced Twist: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cloves to the apples for extra warmth and complexity.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter for added texture.
- Caramel Swirl: After adding the butter, use a knife to gently swirl some of the caramel up into the cake mix for a marbled effect.
- Individual Servings: Divide the ingredients among ramekins for personal-sized desserts (reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes).
6. Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, individual portions can be microwaved for 30-45 seconds, or you can warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. The cake topping may soften slightly when stored, but the flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious!
7. Why This Recipe Works
This best caramel apple dump cake recipe has stood the test of time because it delivers incredible results with minimal effort. The science behind it is simple: the cake mix absorbs the butter and caramel to create a crisp yet tender topping, while the apples underneath become perfectly soft and flavorful. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet but not too sweet, with the tartness of apples cutting through the richness of the caramel. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to suit different tastes and occasions.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple filling? Absolutely! Fresh apples make a wonderful alternative. Just peel and slice about 4 cups of apples (Granny Smith work well for their tartness), toss with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and cinnamon, then use in place of canned filling.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the entire cake (up to the butter step) and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I freeze this dessert? While possible, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, do so before baking, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
9. Conclusion
This simple caramel apple dump cake truly is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for an easy crowd-pleaser or a beginner wanting to impress, this recipe won’t let you down. The combination of warm, spiced apples, rich caramel, and buttery cake topping is simply irresistible. Serve it at your next gathering and watch how quickly it disappears, or make it just because—you deserve a treat this good! Don’t forget to visit MealsMom for more delicious dessert ideas that are sure to become family favorites.