This effortless dessert combines tender apple pie filling, sweet caramel, and a spiced cake topping. Perfect for fall, it's a cozy treat that's ready in no time. Whether you're hosting a gathering or craving a warm and comforting dessert, this caramel apple dump cake is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Just a few simple steps and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for fall – A delicious combination of apples, caramel, and warm spices.
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for gatherings, holidays, or a simple family dessert.
- No mixing required – Just layer the ingredients and bake!
- Pairs well with ice cream – Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each)
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 15 ounces spice cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the top of the fruit layer.
- Thinly slice the butter and arrange the slices evenly over the cake mix, ensuring most of the cake mix is covered.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer for a rich, chocolaty touch.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap the apple pie filling for canned pumpkin mixed with brown sugar and spices.
- Salted Caramel: Use a salted caramel sauce for a perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Different Cake Mix: Try yellow or butter pecan cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds.
FAQs
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes! Use about 5–6 peeled and sliced apples mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and a little cornstarch.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
Any store-bought or homemade caramel sauce works. You can also use salted caramel for a richer flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
What type of butter should I use?
Unsalted butter works best, but salted butter can be used for a slightly salty contrast.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Yellow, white, or butter pecan cake mix are great alternatives.
Should I stir the ingredients together?
No, just layer them as directed for the best texture.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Can I add oats to the topping?
Yes! Sprinkle some oats on top for extra texture and crunch.
Why is my dump cake dry in some spots?
Make sure the butter slices cover most of the cake mix to ensure even moisture.
Conclusion
Caramel apple dump cake is the ultimate easy fall dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, spiced, and caramel-infused treat perfect for any occasion. Serve it with ice cream, drizzle it with extra caramel, and enjoy every cozy bite!
