Effortless Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Sweet autumn evenings call for a decadent caramel apple dump cake that promises pure comfort.

This incredible caramel apple dump cake delivers pure dessert magic with minimal effort.

Layers of tender apples mingle with rich caramel and buttery cake crumbs.

Simple ingredients transform into a rustic, mouthwatering treat that sparks joy at first bite.

Warm spices dance through each golden-brown slice, creating a dessert that feels like a cozy hug.

Weeknight baking never looked so delicious and effortless.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible fall-inspired dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s In Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Apple Pie Filling: Brings sweet, tangy base with tender apple chunks, choose high-quality brand for rich flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds luxurious, buttery sweetness, select thick and rich sauce for deeper taste.
• Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that enhances apple's natural sweetness, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides quick, foolproof cake layer, select standard dry mix for consistent texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates crispy, golden crust and helps bind cake mix, melt completely for even coverage.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth, toast lightly before sprinkling for enhanced flavor.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Offers cool, creamy contrast to warm cake.
• Whipped Cream: Provides light, airy complement to rich dessert.

Tools To Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the dump cake.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps spread apple pie filling and drizzle caramel sauce evenly.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate measurement of cake mix and melted butter.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: Perfect for spreading melted butter across the cake mix.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping nuts if desired.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Easy Steps For Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic.

• Create a Fruity Foundation

Spread those luscious apple pie chunks across the dish, then shower them with a whisper of cinnamon and a river of golden caramel sauce.

• Blanket with Cake Mix

Gently rain down the dry cake mix over the apples, letting it sit untouched like fresh snow.

• Butter Waterfall

Drizzle melted butter generously across the surface, making sure to kiss as much of the dry mix as possible. Sprinkle some nutty friends like pecans if you’re feeling fancy.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it dance for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with excitement.

• Indulge and Enjoy

Give the cake a moment to cool down, then serve it up with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for maximum deliciousness.

Tips To Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Shine

• Caramel Apple Dump Cake Cooking Tips & Variations
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dump cake up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its warm, gooey texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the apple and caramel flavors for a more complex taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of this classic dump cake.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or replace them with toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy topping that works for nut-allergic individuals.

Serving Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ideas

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve this warm caramel apple dump cake during a fall family dinner, creating a nostalgic dessert moment that brings everyone together around the table.
• Sweet Sundae Companion: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey caramel apple cake.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers into a decadent morning treat by gently reheating slices and pairing with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon tea for a luxurious weekend brunch experience.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to add texture and create an Instagram-worthy dessert presentation that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Storage Suggestions For Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Quick Fridge Storage: Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in oven at 325F for best results.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cake up to one day before serving. Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Warm slightly before serving to revive delicious flavors and soft texture.
• Serving Temperature Hack: Best enjoyed warm within 2-3 hours of baking. If cake becomes cool, quickly reheat in microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm oven for 5-10 minutes to restore original deliciousness.

Incredible Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple dump cake delivers a classic dessert with maximum flavor and minimal effort. Simple ingredients combine to create a comforting sweet treat that brings warm memories of fall baking for home cooks everywhere.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (21 oz/595 g) apple pie filling
• 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent adherence.
2. Foundation Layer: Spread apple pie filling evenly across the dish bottom, creating a luscious fruity base for the dessert.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apple filling, infusing the layer with warm, aromatic notes.
4. Caramel Drizzle: Gracefully pour caramel sauce across the apple layer, creating intricate ribbons of sweet, buttery essence.
5. Cake Mix Distribution: Uniformly scatter dry cake mix over the caramel and apple layers, allowing it to rest undisturbed without mixing.
6. Butter Integration: Melt butter until completely liquid, then methodically drizzle over the dry cake mix to ensure comprehensive coverage and potential crispy edges.
7. Nutty Accent: Optionally garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, introducing a delightful textural crunch to the dessert.
8. Baking Process: Position the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing ingredients to transform and meld during the cooking process.
9. Final Touches: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and edges bubble, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Serving Recommendation: Remove from oven and let rest briefly, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the caramelized flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain apple pie filling thoroughly to remove excess liquid, ensuring a crisp cake texture and avoiding a mushy base.
• Choose Quality Cake Mix: Select a high-quality yellow or white cake mix for optimal flavor and consistent results, preventing a dry or crumbly top.
• Customize Caramel Depth: Experiment with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, adjusting sweetness and intensity to personal preference and balance fruit flavors.
• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Toast chopped nuts before sprinkling to intensify their flavor and create a more robust, aromatic topping that adds complexity to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg