Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Warm, gooey, and filled with comforting fall flavors, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make—and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of recipe that fits effortlessly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor. The combination of spiced cake, tender apple pie filling, and a rich caramel drizzle creates a beautifully layered dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.

This recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where you want to serve something satisfying but don’t have time for complicated steps. It’s especially great during autumn, but thanks to year-round availability of the ingredients, you can make it any time. The buttery, golden topping forms a crisp contrast to the warm apples and soft caramel, giving you that irresistible mix of textures. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply on its own, this dump cake delivers the taste of homemade comfort with almost no effort. Simple enough for beginner bakers, yet delicious enough to impress guests, this is a dessert you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Just 4 Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry staples and ready-made ingredients, making it incredibly easy and convenient.

2. Perfect for Beginners

No baking skills required—just dump, layer, and bake. It’s practically foolproof.

3. Deliciously Comforting

The warm apple pie filling, spice cake, and buttery caramel are the ultimate comfort food combination.

4. Great for Any Occasion

From fall holidays to casual dinners, this dump cake fits any setting with minimal prep.

5. Customizable

With easy ingredient swaps and add-ins, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

this …

Ingredients

• Apple pie filling
• Caramel sauce
• Spice cake mix
• Butter

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Use different cake mix: Try yellow or white cake mix if you prefer a milder spice flavor.
• Add cinnamon: Boost the spice with a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the apple filling.
• Mix in fresh apples: Stir chopped fresh apples into the pie filling for added texture.
• Top with oats: Sprinkle an oat crumble over the cake mix before baking for a crispier top.

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

Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 3

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple pie filling.

Step 4

Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. Do not stir.

Step 5

Slice the butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly across the top of the dry cake mix.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality caramel sauce for the richest flavor.
• Don’t stir the layers—keeping them separate is key to the dump cake texture.
• Slice butter thinly and distribute it evenly to ensure proper coverage.
• Let the cake rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
• For a crispier top, bake until deep golden and bubbling.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a richer presentation.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
• Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
• Serve chilled for a firmer, more bar-like texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade filling works great and gives the dessert a more personal touch.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely. Yellow, white, or vanilla cake mix are good alternatives if you don’t like spice cake.

4. Do I need to melt the butter before adding it?

No, just slice it thinly and distribute it evenly over the cake mix.

5. What size pan should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.

6. Can I add fresh fruit?

Yes, chopped apples or pears can be mixed into the pie filling for extra texture.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not unless you use a gluten-free cake mix and check the labels on your other ingredients.

8. Can I make this in a crockpot?

Yes, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours, uncovered at the end for crispness.

9. How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick to check the center.

10. What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

You can skip it or substitute with butterscotch sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect blend of ease and indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients and practically no prep, this dessert transforms into a warm, buttery masterpiece that tastes like you spent hours baking. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a quick treat, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. Its rich flavor, versatility, and unbeatable simplicity make it a dessert staple for any season.

Print