If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s equal parts effortless and spectacular, let me introduce you to Caramel Apple Dump Cake. This delightful treat captures the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic caramel apple pie but skips the fuss of rolling out dough or prepping crusts. Instead, just layer, bake, and savor a bubbling pan of cinnamon-spiced apples, gooey caramel pockets, and the golden crunch of buttery cake. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering or a last-minute sweet tooth emergency, Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delicious triumph every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Caramel Apple Dump Cake is just how simple its ingredient list is. Each component brings something essential, from soft, fragrant apples to ribbons of luscious caramel and that irresistible tender cake top. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Apple pie filling (2 20-ounce cans): Delivers juicy, tart apples in sweet syrup for the ultimate shortcut to big apple flavor.
- Allspice (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic pop that rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
- Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Gives everything that familiar, homey, apple-pie vibe.
- Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels (½ 10.8-ounce bag, cut in half): These melt into dreamy pockets of caramel for that signature ooey-gooey texture. Feel free to use any similar soft caramel here.
- Super moist butter yellow cake mix (1 box): The magic shortcut! Turns bubbling fruit into a buttery, golden cake topping.
- Salted butter (¾ cup, or 1 ½ sticks, cut into 15 squares): Ensures your topping bakes up crisp, rich, and not too sweet—don’t skip the salt, it’s what balances the caramel and apple beautifully.
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional): It’s not mandatory, but trust me: a cool scoop of vanilla over warm Caramel Apple Dump Cake is pure heaven.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin with a quick preheat of your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coat of cooking spray so that every luscious bit of your Caramel Apple Dump Cake slides out easily later. This tiny step makes a big difference in cleanup, too!
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling and Spices
Pour both cans of apple pie filling into your baking dish. Sprinkle the allspice and cinnamon right over the top, then stir gently to get those warm spices evenly mixed through the apples. Smooth everything into a single, even layer with your spatula; this ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Caramels
Take your caramels (cut in half for easier melting and spreading), and scatter them generously over the spiced apple layer. No need for perfection—just make sure every section gets a few caramel pieces. As your Caramel Apple Dump Cake bakes, these melt to create pockets of sweet, gooey bliss.
Step 4: Top with Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix right out of the box over the apples and caramel. Don’t mix! Simply use your hands or a spatula to spread it out evenly. This forms the signature “dump cake” crust that turns golden and crisp on top while the fruit bubbles below.
Step 5: Add Butter
Scatter the cold, square-cut butter evenly all over the top of the dry cake mix. This allows the butter to melt as the Caramel Apple Dump Cake bakes, saturating the cake with rich flavor and creating irresistible golden edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through for even browning. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling, the top is a gorgeous golden brown, and your kitchen smells like fall dreams come true.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm square of Caramel Apple Dump Cake is just unbeatable. A drizzle of caramel sauce, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can really elevate your presentation.
Side Dishes
This dessert is pretty show-stopping on its own, but if you want a contrasting note, serve it alongside a little bowl of fresh berries or a crisp green apple salad. These light, fresh sides cut through the richness and complete a beautiful, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a party, consider baking and serving it in individual ramekins. Or get playful by layering leftovers into dessert parfaits, alternating with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a simple but stunning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the cooled Caramel Apple Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in your fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze portions of Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To recapture those fresh-from-the-oven aromas and textures, warm single servings in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F until hot and bubbly once again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh apples and a little extra time, go for a homemade filling. Just make sure it’s nice and saucy to match the canned texture for the best Caramel Apple Dump Cake results.
Do I have to use Werther’s caramels, or can I substitute another brand?
You can use any chewy, soft caramel—you just want ones that will melt smoothly. Classic Kraft caramels or even a high-quality store brand work just as well in this Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
What’s the best cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Butter yellow cake mix gives the richest, most nostalgic flavor, but white or vanilla cake mix also makes a lovely Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Spice cake mix is another fun twist if you want even bigger autumn vibes!
Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. Most major brands offer gluten-free options now, and the recipe works beautifully with the substitution.
Is it possible to make this ahead for a party?
Definitely! Bake the Caramel Apple Dump Cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, and store covered in the fridge. Reheat before serving, and add any garnishes fresh for that just-baked flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong apple pie lover or just looking for the easiest possible route to dessert bliss, Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a must-try for your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to experience how the gooey caramel, spiced apples, and buttery cake all come together. Happy baking—let this be the simple, smile-inducing treat that sweetens your week!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that transforms classic apple pie flavors into an easy-to-make cake. With layers of apple pie filling, chewy caramel, and buttery cake mix, this dump cake bakes up into a warm, comforting treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 20-ounce cans apple pie filling
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Caramel Layer:
- ½ of a 10.8 ounce bag Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels, cut in half
Cake Layer:
- 1 box super moist butter yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup salted butter, cut into 15 squares
Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer Apple Filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling in the baking dish. Sprinkle allspice and cinnamon over the apples, then stir to combine.
- Add Caramel: Place the halved caramels over the apple layer.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the caramel layer.
- Add Butter: Place butter squares on top of the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
- Serve: The cake is ready when the edges are bubbling, and the top is golden brown. Serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 261 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 348mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
