Dessert

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

ByLily Cross October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that combines tender apples, warm spices, and a crisp, buttery topping. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat without the fuss of pie-making.

A close-up of a square piece of apple pie sitting on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. The pie has three visible layers: the bottom is a golden-brown crust with a slightly crispy texture, the middle is filled with soft, juicy apple slices coated in a shiny, caramel-colored syrup, and the top shows a flaky, uneven crust with a rich golden color. On top of the pie lies a single scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beginning to melt, with white cream dripping down over the warm filling. The syrup from the pie pools gently on the plate around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, line the dish with foil, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later.
Step 2: If using canned apple pie filling, open the cans and stir gently to mix syrup and apples evenly. If using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples into 1/4-inch slices. Toss with 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 3: Spread the apple pie filling or prepared fresh apples evenly in the baking dish. Press down gently to create a mostly flat surface.
Step 4: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t mix it in; it should remain dry on top. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and optional nutmeg evenly over the cake mix. Tap the sides of the dish gently to help the mix settle into any gaps.
Step 5: Warm caramel sauce if thick, then drizzle it in a grid pattern over the cake mix for even coverage without pooling. Slowly pour the melted butter evenly over the surface in thin streams or dots, moistening the entire top. Do not stir; the butter soaks into the cake mix as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake on the middle oven rack for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp and the apples bubble around the edges. If browning happens too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until bubbling. Fresh apples may need 8–10 extra minutes.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest 10–15 minutes to thicken juices. Drizzle extra warm caramel over the top if desired. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with foil before greasing it.
Try using fresh apples for a less sweet, more textured filling; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon.
Use a liquid measuring cup with a spout to pour melted butter for even coverage and to avoid butter puddles that can burn.
Leftover dump cake can be reheated with a few seconds in the microwave for a warm treat.

Storage

Store leftover caramel apple dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. The topping may lose some crispness but the flavors remain delicious.

How to Serve

A close-up of a single serving of apple pie on a white plate with a light brown rim, showing three main layers: a golden-brown, crispy, and crumbly top crust with cracks; a thick, glossy filling of soft apple slices mixed with cinnamon and syrup that oozes slightly out of the slice; and a firm, golden bottom crust holding the pie together. On top of the pie sits a large, round scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that is slightly melting and dripping down the sides onto the pie. The white plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes, fresh apples can be used by peeling, coring, and slicing them, then tossing with sugar and spices. They may require extra baking time to become tender.

Do I need to stir the cake mix with the apples?

No, the cake mix should remain dry and sprinkled evenly over the apples. The melted butter poured on top will soak in during baking, forming a crisp topping without mixing into the filling.