Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Look no further for the easiest fall dessert! This caramel apple dump cake is made with a cake mix, caramel, butter, and apple pie filling for a deliciously crumbly cake with spiced soft apples tucked beneath.

Why this recipe works

Caramel apple dump cake is simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. It requires no prepping of apples or spending forever measuring out each individual component. The top layer of this dump cake is a soft, golden cake and the bottom layer is sweet apple pie filling. Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle to really take it over the top!

Much like every other dump cake recipe, don’t be tempted to stir – we want it to bake as layers. You’ll basically layer the ingredients into a dish then top with pats of butter and bake until bubbly and golden brown. That’s it. Fall flavors are perfect for dump-and-bake cakes. Both this caramel apple version and our pumpkin dump cake are great as last-minute desserts for Thanksgiving or fall parties.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE MIX – We used Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 ounces). You could use a spice cake mix instead and omit the cinnamon and nutmeg. Do not bake or prepare the cake mix, you need it to be dry to make the magic happen.

SPICES – Instead of using cinnamon and nutmeg, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice.

APPLE PIE FILLING – Apple pie filling is the star of the show in this recipe. Store-bought is convenient and quick, but you can certainly use homemade if you have some on hand.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray the inside of a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Add the apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large bowl and stir to combine.
3. Spread the apple filling mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Top with the caramels. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the top, and then arrange the butter pats evenly across the top.
4. Bake until the cake is bubbling and golden brown on the top, about 45 to 50 minutes.
5. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store your cake covered with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap at room temperature for 3-4 days. It should keep longer if you store it in the refrigerator, around 5-6 days.

Yes, absolutely. Walnuts or pecans would pair really well with this dump cake. Simply chop and sprinkle the nuts over the cake mix before baking or sprinkle them on top as garnish.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, top your caramel apple dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also delicious with whipped cream and chopped nuts.

We love this cake warm from the oven (after letting it sit for 15 minutes), but if you’ve prepared it in advance you can easily rewarm it in the oven or microwave – or enjoy it at room temperature!

More Cake Mix Recipes

• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Apple Cranberry Cobbler
• Crockpot Apple Cobbler
• Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
• Apple Dump Cake

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