There’s something magical about the combination of apples and caramel — the warm, rich, buttery notes of caramel playing perfectly with the sweet-tart juiciness of apples. When that classic pairing meets the ease and comfort of a dump cake, you get a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also exceptionally simple to prepare. The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a perfect recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing treat.

This dessert is a beautiful blend of textures and flavors: tender, spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a golden, buttery cake topping that requires minimal effort. True to its name, the “dump” method involves layering ingredients directly into a baking dish — no bowls or mixers required. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers maximum reward with minimum effort.

Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a cozy fall evening, or a last-minute potluck, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the ultimate Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy to Make – No complicated steps or equipment; just layer and bake.
Minimal Cleanup – Only one baking dish required — no bowls, mixers, or measuring cups for the batter.
Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit at holidays, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Warm, Cozy Flavors – Apples, cinnamon, and caramel make for the perfect fall-inspired treat.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with different fruit or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Apple pie filling
Caramel sauce
Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Chopped nuts (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

Variations

Swap the Fruit

Try using peach, cherry, or mixed berry pie filling in place of apple for a different flavor twist.

Add Spices

Enhance the fall flavors by adding nutmeg, allspice, or clove to the apple filling.

Make It Nutty

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Try a Different Cake Mix

Spice cake or butter pecan cake mix adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dessert.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Dump the apple pie filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3

Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apple filling layer.

Step 4

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the caramel and apples.

Step 5

Slice the butter thinly and place the pieces across the entire surface of the cake mix.

Step 6

(Optional) Sprinkle with cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Step 7

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 8

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use cold butter for easier slicing and even distribution across the top.
Don’t stir the layers; keeping them separate is key to the dump cake texture.
Check the cake at the 40-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to set slightly and avoid a runny texture.

How to Serve

Serve warm straight from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent touch, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. It’s also delicious with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Add fresh caramel or ice cream to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

1. What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish without mixing, resulting in a cobbler-like texture.

2. Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and spices first to create a similar consistency to canned pie filling.

3. What kind of caramel sauce works best?

Use thick, high-quality caramel sauce, either homemade or store-bought. Avoid caramel syrups meant for drinks.

4. Do I need to melt the butter?

No, slice the cold butter and place it on top of the cake mix for even baking.

5. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Spice cake, white cake, or butter pecan cake mixes all work well.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

7. Is this dessert overly sweet?

It is sweet, but the tartness of the apples helps balance it. You can reduce the caramel or use unsweetened apple filling if desired.

8. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. The texture may be softer than oven-baked.

9. Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake uncovered so the top becomes golden and slightly crisp.

10. What size dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for even cooking and serving.

Conclusion

The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredibly satisfying. With only a handful of ingredients and virtually no prep time, this cake delivers rich autumn flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving something sweet on a weeknight, this dump cake is the perfect go-to. Warm, gooey, and topped with ice cream — it’s everything comfort food should be. Give it a try and watch it become a new seasonal staple in your kitchen.