Love caramel? Love apples? This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Delight is sweet, warm, and so easy to make!
You just dump apple pie filling, caramel, and cake mix into a dish—then bake until golden and bubbly. Every bite is gooey, soft, and full of fall flavor.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you want a cozy dessert fast. No mixing bowls. No stress. Just sweet comfort.
Grab your ingredients and a baking dish—let’s make this easy caramel apple treat today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Baking: This is a true dump-and-go dessert. No mixers, no complicated steps.
- Perfect for Fall (or Anytime): The warm apple pie filling and caramel flavor feel cozy any time of year.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a dessert that both kids and adults love.
- Quick Assembly: Prep takes less than 10 minutes, and the oven does the rest.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: Just about 1 hour
Servings:
This recipe serves 8–10, depending on portion size. Great for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.
Difficulty Level:
Very easy — beginner-friendly with no special skills needed.
Required Kitchen Tools
Here are the basic tools you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Oven mitts
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
You only need six ingredients for this simple, sweet treat:
- Cooking Spray
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for topping if desired)
- 1 (15.25 oz) box spice cake mix
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional but adds crunch)
Variations for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Swap the Cake Mix: Try vanilla, yellow, or butter pecan cake mix if you don’t have spice cake.
- Add Fruit Layers: Layer in sliced fresh apples or pears with the canned filling for extra texture.
- Make it Nut-Free: Leave out the walnuts or replace with granola topping for a crunch.
- Serve A La Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle more caramel on top.
- Turn into Bars: Chill and cut into squares for caramel apple dump cake bars.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Apple Pie Filling
Pour both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread it out into an even layer.
3. Drizzle the Caramel
Warm your caramel sauce slightly if it’s thick. Drizzle ½ cup of it over the apple pie filling. Don’t mix—just pour it right on top.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple-caramel layer. Try to cover the surface completely—don’t stir it in.
5. Add the Butter
Slowly pour the melted butter all over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible so it bakes up golden and crisp.
6. Top with Walnuts (Optional)
Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped walnuts over the top for crunch and flavor. You can skip this if you prefer it nut-free.
7. Bake It
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This dessert is best served warm, right out of the oven or reheated. Try these serving ideas:
- With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake and creates the perfect bite.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a swirl on top for extra softness.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: Go ahead—add more caramel right before serving.
- Chilled Option: You can refrigerate and serve cold for a firmer, bar-like texture.
Storing Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds.
- Freezer: You can freeze baked dump cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Make Ahead: Assemble all ingredients in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use real butter (not margarine) for the richest flavor and golden crisp topping.
- Don’t stir the layers. This dessert works best with distinct layers of filling, cake mix, and butter.
- Even butter coverage helps avoid dry patches. Use a spoon to spread it out or add more if needed.
- Warm caramel pours more easily and mixes into the apples better than cold, thick caramel.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Caramel Apple Dump Cake FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cinnamon first to mimic pie filling.
Can I use yellow or vanilla cake mix?
Absolutely. The flavor will be slightly milder than with spice cake but still delicious.
Do I need to mix the layers?
No. Just dump and layer — that’s the magic of this recipe.
How do I keep the top from being dry?
Make sure the butter covers most of the dry cake mix, or use a spoon to gently press the dry mix into the wet layer before baking.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Delight is a cozy, comforting dessert that requires little effort and delivers big flavor. Whether you’re serving it warm from the oven with ice cream or saving leftovers for later, it’s one of those simple bakes that always hits the spot.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Delight A Simple And Irresistible Dessert Recipe