Ready in about an hour, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple 5-ingredient dessert with warm apples, rich caramel, cinnamon, buttery cake topping, and plenty of cozy flavor. It is easy enough for a weeknight treat and special enough to serve at a gathering.
Why We Love Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- This caramel apple dump cake is one of the easiest cake recipes you can make. There is no mixing bowl required, no complicated technique, and no need to prepare the cake mix according to the box.
- The combination of apple pie filling, caramel sauce, cinnamon, yellow cake mix, and melted butter creates a dessert that tastes like a cross between apple cobbler and caramel apple cake.
- It is a great dessert for fall, holidays, potlucks, casual family dinners, or any time you want a warm apple dessert with very little prep work.
- The hardest part is letting the cake cool before serving, because the bubbling apple and caramel filling comes out of the oven very hot.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Apple Dump Cake
APPLES: Use two 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling. Any brand you enjoy will work, as long as the total amount is 42 ounces.
CARAMEL: Caramel sauce gives this apple dump cake its rich, sweet flavor. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or your favorite homemade version. Keep a little extra on hand if you want to drizzle more over each serving.
CAKE MIX: A 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the golden topping. Do not prepare the cake mix as directed on the box; you only need the dry mix.
CINNAMON: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and balances the sweetness of the apples and caramel.
BUTTER: Melted salted butter helps the dry cake mix bake into a buttery, crisp-tender topping. If using unsalted butter, add a small amount of salt to the cake mix as noted in the recipe card.
How to Make Apple Dump Cake
Jump to Recipe
STEP 1 Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the caramel sauce over the apples so every bite has a little caramel flavor.
STEP 2 Open the cake mix bag and stir in the cinnamon until it is evenly combined. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple and caramel layer, covering the surface as evenly as possible.
STEP 3 Pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as you can so the topping bakes up golden and buttery.
STEP 4 Bake until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. Let the cake rest for 15 minutes before serving so the filling can cool slightly and set.
Tips & Tricks
- You can replace the yellow cake mix with white cake mix, French vanilla cake mix, or spice cake mix. If you use spice cake mix, skip the added cinnamon so the flavor does not become too strong.
- For the best texture, pour the butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix. A few dry spots are normal, but covering more of the surface will give you a better topping.
- Serve this caramel apple dump cake warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce, or enjoy it plain right from the baking dish.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the baking dish in the oven until heated through.
- This dessert can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating for the best result.
Apple Dump Cake Recipe FAQ
What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?
A cobbler is usually topped with a biscuit-like dough that is less sweet and has a denser texture. A dump cake is made with dry cake mix, which creates a softer, cake-like topping as it bakes with butter and fruit filling. The finished desserts can look similar on top, but the texture is different.
Do you refrigerate apple dump cake?
Yes. Any leftover apple dump cake should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. Since this dessert contains fruit filling, refrigeration helps keep it fresh for several days.
How do you reheat caramel apple dump cake?
Warm a single portion in the microwave until heated through, or place the baking dish in the oven and reheat gently. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.
How long does dump cake last?
Caramel apple dump cake will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when covered. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
- Old-Fashioned Applesauce Oatmeal Cake
- Apple Pecan Bread Pudding
- Apple Pie Oreo Truffles
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Julie Kotzbach
Equipment
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9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans)
- ¾ cup caramel sauce plus more for serving
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (1 box)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup salted butter melted
- Vanilla ice cream for serving, optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Spread the apple pie filling in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
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Open the cake mix bag and stir in the cinnamon. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layer.
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Pour the melted butter over the top, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
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Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
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Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the cake rest for 15 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot.
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Cut into 12 slices and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce, if desired.
Notes
- If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the cake mix when you add the cinnamon.
- White cake mix, French vanilla cake mix, or spice cake mix can be used instead of yellow cake mix. If using spice cake mix, omit the cinnamon.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 364 kcal
Carbohydrates: 64 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 31 mg
Sodium: 448 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 37 g
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Values may vary depending on the brands used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.