This blog post is all about a caramel apple dump cake recipe.

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Caramel apple dump cakes are a popular dessert in my family for so many reasons. This is a recipe that I love to use in the fall because of its comforting and delicious flavors.

This caramel dump cake is a staple dessert in the colder months and I love using this recipe for when we have family get-togethers.

This is a dish that almost everyone will be satisfied with. And the fact that it is easy to make gives it so many bonus points.

The stars of the show are the spiced granny smith apples, enriched with brown sugar, butter, and other spices.

Then they are enhanced with a rich and luscious caramel. The sweetness of the caramel and the tartness of the apples is a classic flavor combo.

At the top is a soft golden brown cake layer. The slightly crisp top and the juicy bottom are a combination that makes this dump cake so satisfying.

If you’re really adventurous you could to this dessert off with nuts like pecans for an extra crunch. And you have to it all off with some vanilla ice cream,

When to make a caramel apple dump cake?

This is such a versatile dessert and can be enjoyed throughout the entire year. But it will be a hit at family dinners and potlucks.

This is also an amazing dessert for guests or for a weekend treat. Since it’s quick to prepare, and the flavors are sure to please a variety of preferences.

But there isn’t a specific time frame you need to make a caramel apple dump cake. You could make this whenever you want to enjoy a warm and cozy treat. This is my favorite dessert to indulge in on a chilly evening.

What is a Dump Cake?

Dump cakes are a popular dessert because of how simple they are to make. You just “dump” the ingredients in a pan and bake.

There are not a lot of steps to the recipe because all of the work is done in the oven. So no mixing, measuring, or beating is necessary.

Now the name may be off-putting but this dish is amazing for when you have pop-up guests. Or want to make a quick treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Some popular dump cakes include cherry, pumpkin, and pineapple. My favorite recipe is a caramel apple dump cake.

It’s made up of yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, and caramel bits. Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans, and you’ll get a warm flavorful treat for autumn.

More Dump Cake Recipes to Try

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake

You can make your own filling by using Granny Smith apples, butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

You could also make your own cake batter from scratch with flour eggs and butter.

But in my opinion, the point of a dump cake is ease and convenience. So this recipe is an example of working smarter and not harder.

That’s why I chose boxed yellow cake and canned apple pie filling, There’s no need to reinvent the wheel because it still comes out oh so good!

I used 2 cans of apple pie filling to ensure that the 9 x 13-inch pan was completely covered at the bottom. That way there are enough apples to go with the entire box of cake mix.

How to Make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch pan or use cooking spray.

Pour apple pie filling into the baking dish. Spread evenly and add cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.

Spread caramel bits over the pie filling.

Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the filling and caramel. If you don’t want to use yellow cake mix a fabulous alternative is butter pecan cake mix.

Take a stick of butter and thinly slice it into squares. Cover the top of the cake mix. You can melt the butter if you like.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce if desired. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Recipe Variations and Tips

There are so many ways you can tweak this recipe depending on your preferences. You can add nuts or keep it nut-free. I typically add walnuts at the top of the butter before putting it in the oven.

Butter can be melted or cut into squares. The trick is to evenly distribute butter at the top of the cake mix. Pour the melted butter carefully You use a generous amount to cover the top to avoid any dry powdery patches in your dump cake.

As for the cake mix, you can use your preference but the best options of the recipe are yellow or butter pecan. We highly reccomend butter pecan or spice cake mix if you plan on topping the cake with nuts.

Add dry cake mix (straight out of the box) on top of the pie filling. You do not need to add anything to the cake mix.

You could also use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits. They work the same.

Can you make caramel apple dump cake in a crockpot?

You can make this in a crockpot. Caramel in the crock pot can become a bit sticky. I reccomend using an oven because using a pan helps with spreading everything evenly.

Storage Options

Cool It: Let your amazing dump cake cool down a bit after it dazzles the oven. Give it some chill time on the countertop until it’s room temperature.

Cover Up: Pop a lid or some foil on that beauty. You want to keep it cozy, not crispy.

Fridge or Freeze: If you’re planning on gobbling it up within a few days, your fridge is your buddy. If you want to prepare in advance for weeks, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to keep it fresh.

Leftovers

When it’s time for round two (or three, we don’t judge), heat it up in the microwave or oven.

Add some extra caramel sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or whipped cream when you serve it.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake FAQ

What’s the best occasion for a caramel apple dump cake?

Anytime you want to make taste buds do the happy dance! Parties, holidays, or simply because you deserve it.

Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?

Sure thing! Use gluten-free cake mix or a vegan-friendly alternative. Dessert knows no limits!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers? What are those? But if you must, wrap it up in foil or airtight containers. In the fridge, it’s good for a few days. Freeze for a future sweet surprise.

Caramel apple dump cake- 7 Easy Steps

Recipe by ShawnaCourse: RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

A delightful dessert that’s one of my family favorites! Simply dump apples, caramel, and cake mix into a pan, bake, and watch the caramel apple goodness unfold. Perfect for any occasion, and it’s as easy as pie (or cake)! 🍏🍰😋

Ingredients

• 2 cans of apple pie filling 20 oz

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1/2 cup Caramel bits

• 1 stick of salted butter

• Spices (nutmeg and cinnamon)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease the pan or use cooking spray.
• Pour apple pie filling into the pan. Spread evenly and add cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Spread caramel bits over the pie filling.
• Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the filling and caramel.
• Thinly slice a stick of butter into squares. Cover the top of the cake mix. (Add nuts)
• Bake for 45-50 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Nutrition
• Per Serving: Calories 486 | total fat 23g |saturated fat 11g | cholesterol 41mg| sodium 532mg | total carbohydrate 69g | dietary fiber 2g | total sugars 47g | protein 4g | vitamin c 2mg | calcium 118mg | iron 1mg | potassium 118mg

This blog post was all about a caramel apple dump cake recipe.