Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert full of sweet apples and gooey caramel. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests without the fuss of a traditional pie.
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 (11-ounce) bag caramel bits
- or 1 (14-ounce) bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then stir lightly to blend.
- Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling. Do not stir — just spread it into an even layer.
- Step 4: If using soft caramels, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Step 5: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add nuts or oats if desired.
- Step 6: Slice butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top. The butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes.
- Step 7: Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts or oats on top before baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, choose a spice cake mix or reduce the caramel amount slightly.
- Soft caramels melted with cream create a smoother drizzle, while caramel bits add a bit of chewy texture.
- Use fresh or homemade apple pie filling for a more natural flavor experience.
Storage
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. This cake is best served warm, topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use about 6 cups of peeled, sliced fresh apples tossed with sugar and spices. Pre-cook the apples slightly to soften them before layering in the dish for best results.
What can I substitute for caramel bits or soft caramels?
If you don’t have caramel bits or soft caramels, you can omit them or drizzle with caramel sauce or dulce de leche. Brown sugar sprinkled on top can also add a nice caramelized flavor when baked.
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert featuring a sweet and tender apple filling topped with a crunchy cake mix and luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, classic dessert, this recipe combines the flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery cake, and rich caramel for a delicious treat that requires minimal prep and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Cake Topping
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 11-ounce bag caramel bits or 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Apple Filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then gently stir to combine the spices evenly.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling without stirring, ensuring an even layer over the fruit.
- Melt Soft Caramels (if using): If you choose to use soft caramels instead of caramel bits, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Top with Caramel and Optional Add-Ins: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the dry cake mix. Optionally, add chopped nuts and oats evenly across the top for texture and flavor.
- Add Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt while baking, creating a golden, buttery crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, use pecans or walnuts and oats as suggested.
- If using soft caramels, melting them with heavy cream creates a smooth drizzle that distributes evenly.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven; the cake should be bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- This dump cake is very forgiving and can be customized with different cake mixes or additional spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, fall dessert, caramel apple cake, simple dump cake recipe, apple cinnamon dessert
