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

Scale

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