Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Fix
Searching for that perfect, comforting dessert that encapsulates all the warmth and spice of autumn? Look no further! This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an absolute dream to make and even better to eat. It’s the epitome of an easy fall dessert, combining simple ingredients like a dry cake mix, sweet and spiced apple pie filling, rich caramel, and a generous pat of butter to create a deliciously crumbly, golden cake with tender, warmly spiced apples nestled beneath. It’s a recipe designed for convenience without compromising on incredible flavor, making it your go-to for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy afternoon treat.
Why This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake stands out as a winner for so many reasons, especially when you’re craving homemade goodness without the fuss. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal effort. Forget about tedious apple peeling and slicing, or meticulously measuring out a dozen different components. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its straightforward “dump-and-bake” method, making it ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike who appreciate efficiency.
The magic happens as the cake bakes: a golden, buttery crust forms over the top, while beneath, the sweet apple pie filling transforms into a tender, spiced fruit base, perfectly infused with pockets of melted caramel. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast of textures – soft, crumbly cake meeting warm, gooey apples and rich caramel. This dessert is designed to be assembled in layers without stirring, allowing each component to shine and develop its unique character during baking. It’s truly a labor of love that feels effortless, perfect for those last-minute dessert needs for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or simply a comforting family meal. Just like our popular Pumpkin Dump Cake, this caramel apple version is guaranteed to be a hit!
Essential Ingredients for Your Caramel Apple Masterpiece
Creating this irresistible Caramel Apple Dump Cake requires just a few key ingredients. You can find the full list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. But first, let’s dive into the specifics of what you’ll need to create this amazing fall dessert!
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
- CAKE MIX: We achieved perfect results with a 15.25-ounce box of Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix. This provides a wonderfully tender and subtly sweet top layer. For an extra boost of autumnal flavor, consider swapping it for a spice cake mix. If you go this route, you can often omit the added cinnamon and nutmeg, or adjust to your taste. Remember, the key here is to use the cake mix in its dry, unprepared form. Do not add eggs, oil, or water as you would for a regular cake – the butter and moisture from the apple filling will work their magic during baking.
- SPICES: Our recipe calls for a simple yet effective combination of ½ Tablespoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to enhance the apple filling. These classic fall spices bring a comforting warmth to the dessert. If you prefer, you can easily substitute these with 2 teaspoons of a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend for a convenient and balanced flavor profile.
- APPLE PIE FILLING: This is truly the star of the show! Store-bought apple pie filling offers unmatched convenience and consistency, allowing you to whip up this cake in no time. Two 21-ounce cans (totaling 42 ounces) are perfect for a 9×13 inch pan. If you happen to have homemade apple pie filling on hand, by all means, use it! Just ensure it’s a similar consistency to canned varieties for best results. Different brands or types of apple pie filling (e.g., Gala, Granny Smith, mixed apple) will subtly alter the flavor, so choose your favorite.
- CARAMEL: We recommend using about 1 ¼ cups of Kraft caramels, each cut in half. Cutting them ensures they melt evenly and distribute throughout the cake, creating delicious pockets of gooey caramel with every bite. You can also use other soft, unwrapped caramel candies. If you can’t find individual caramels, a drizzle of thick caramel sauce (like the kind used for ice cream toppings) could work, but the solid caramels offer a chewier texture.
- BUTTER: Unsalted butter is crucial for the top layer. One cup (two sticks), sliced ¼ inch thick and arranged evenly over the dry cake mix, will melt down and combine with the cake mix to form that irresistible, golden, and slightly crispy crust. Do not skip or skimp on the butter!
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- **Prepare Your Baking Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a standard 9×13-inch baking dish and give its inside a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your delicious dump cake releases easily once baked.
- **Create the Apple Base:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire contents of your apple pie filling (remember, two 21-ounce cans for a total of 42 ounces). Add your warming spices: ½ Tablespoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir everything together thoroughly until the spices are well distributed throughout the apple filling. This ensures every bite is bursting with fall flavor.
- **Layer the Goodness:** Pour the spiced apple filling mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Next, scatter the halved caramels over the apple layer. Don’t worry about perfect placement, they’ll melt beautifully. Then, uniformly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the entire surface. Finally, arrange the thin pats of butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This even distribution is key to achieving that perfect, buttery crust. Remember, resist the urge to stir any of these layers together! The magic of a dump cake is in its layers.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place your layered dessert into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling underneath is bubbly and fragrant. The edges should look set and slightly crispy.
- **Cool Before Serving:** Once baked, remove the dump cake from the oven. It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving is important. This allows the layers to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops and a better overall texture.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Success
To ensure your Caramel Apple Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some key tips and answers to common questions:
Storing your dump cake properly will keep it fresh and delicious for longer. Simply cover your cake with an air-tight lid or tightly wrap it with plastic wrap. It will keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days. For extended freshness, especially if you live in a warm climate or want to enjoy it for nearly a week, store it in the refrigerator where it should keep for around 5-6 days. When ready to serve from the fridge, you can gently rewarm it in the oven or microwave, or simply enjoy it chilled.
Absolutely! Nuts are a fantastic addition that adds wonderful crunch and flavor to this caramel apple dump cake. Walnuts or pecans are particularly well-suited and pair beautifully with the apple and caramel. To incorporate them, simply chop your preferred nuts and sprinkle them evenly over the dry cake mix layer before baking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle them on top as a garnish just before serving for an extra layer of texture and appeal.
The “dump” in dump cake refers to layering ingredients without mixing them. This is crucial because the dry cake mix needs to absorb moisture from the fruit filling and fat from the butter during baking. Stirring would combine the wet and dry ingredients prematurely, resulting in a dense, gluey texture rather than the desired crumbly cake topping. Trust the process; the layers work together beautifully in the oven!
Yes, this dump cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert, making it perfect for entertaining or holiday meal planning. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it at room temperature or gently warm it up for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Perfect Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dessert
While this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is undeniably delicious on its own, a few simple additions can truly take it over the top and transform it into an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are our top recommendations for serving:
- **Classic Indulgence:** A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the ultimate companion to a warm slice of this dump cake. The cold, melting ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples and cake.
- **Extra Caramel Bliss:** Don’t hesitate to add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce over the top of your ice cream and cake. This enhances the caramel notes and adds an appealing glossy finish.
- **Light & Airy:** For a lighter touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a cloud-like texture and balances the richness of the cake.
- **Nutty Crunch:** As mentioned, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans not only adds a lovely textural contrast but also a delightful nutty flavor that complements the apples and caramel perfectly. You can add them during baking or as a garnish.
- **A Touch of Salt:** For a gourmet twist, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle can create a fantastic sweet and salty dynamic that connoisseurs will adore.
We absolutely adore this cake served warm from the oven (after it’s had its essential 15-minute rest period). The aromas fill the kitchen, and the flavors are at their most vibrant. However, if you’ve prepared it in advance, don’t fret! You can easily rewarm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. It’s also perfectly delightful served at room temperature, making it incredibly versatile for any occasion.
More Easy Cake Mix and Fall-Inspired Recipes
If you love the simplicity and delicious results of this Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you’re in for a treat! Cake mix recipes are a fantastic shortcut to incredible desserts with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite easy-to-make recipes, perfect for capturing those cozy fall flavors:
- Pumpkin Dump Cake: Another fall classic, incredibly easy and packed with pumpkin spice.
- Apple Cranberry Cobbler: A vibrant and tangy cobbler that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Crockpot Apple Cobbler: Set it and forget it! A delicious apple cobbler made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake: A sweet, juicy peach dessert that’s perfect year-round.
- Classic Apple Dump Cake: The original, simple apple dump cake for when you want pure apple goodness.
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- non stick cooking spray
- 42 ounces apple pie filling two 21 ounce cans
- ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ¼ cups Kraft caramels each cut in half
- 15.25 ounce dry yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter two sticks, sliced 1/4 inch thick
Optional Topping Ideas
- vanilla ice cream
- caramel sauce
- whipped cream
- chopped nuts
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Mixing bowl
Before You Begin
- We used Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 ounces). You could use a spice cake mix instead and omit the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Instead of using cinnamon and nutmeg, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice.
- Do NOT stir the ingredients in the baking dish. You want to bake it as-is in layers. The pats of butter are what help bake the dry cake mix, do not omit.
- Walnuts or pecans would pair really well with this dump cake. Simply chop and sprinkle the nuts over the cake mix before baking or use them as garnish.
- Store your cake covered with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap at room temperature for 3-4 days. It should keep longer if you store it in the refrigerator, around 5-6 days.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray the inside of a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
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Add the apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large bowl and stir to combine.
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Spread the apple filling mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Top with the caramels. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the top, and then arrange the butter pats evenly across the top.
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Bake until the cake is bubbling and golden brown on the top, about 45 to 50 minutes.
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Let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.