Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with apple pie filling, all under a golden, crunchy cake topping. This quick and effortless recipe is perfect for both weekday treats and special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your dessert collection.
When I think of fall flavors, caramel and apples always come to mind. I try to use them often in homemade desserts like my apple crumble, apple cider cake, and apple turnovers dipped in caramel sauce.
That’s what makes this caramel apple dump cake a no-brainer. The canned apple filling is seasoned with apple pie spice then topped with a gooey caramel sauce.
Next, I add a layer of boxed yellow cake mix followed by pats of butter. Bake, add scoops of vanilla ice with another drizzle of caramel sauce, and enjoy! It’s so good!
Can you use a different flavor of cake mix for caramel apple dump cake?
Yes, for sure! Yellow cake mix is commonly used, but you can use spice cake mix, white cake mix, and even vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Try using a box of butter pecan cake mix for a unique fall flavor.
If you choose a spice cake mix, consider reducing the apple pie spice so the cake isn’t over spiced.
Is it necessary to make a caramel sauce or can you use caramel candies?
It is not necessary to make a caramel sauce. You can definitely place an entire bag of caramel squares or caramel bits directly over the apple pie filling. If using caramel squares, make sure to cut them into smaller pieces first.
The great thing about making a caramel sauce is that it stays soft and gooey when refrigerated. Caramel squares, caramel bits, and even some brands of jarred caramel sauce can harden or become chewy when chilled.
Deciding which type of caramel to use is a matter of preference.
Can you pour melted butter over the cake instead of using pats of butter?
Yes melted butter works well as long as you’re able to get the dry cake mix covered. Otherwise, you may end up with dry, sandy patches of cake mix that never get mixed with another ingredient.
Does caramel apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you’ll want to refrigerate any leftover dump cake in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Warm it slightly in the microwave before serving.
Can you freeze leftover apple caramel dump cake?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cake. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap it in aluminum foil and freezer paper. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after the cake thaws.
How to Make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake:
Scroll to the recipe card below for the ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the apple pie filling and apple pie spice. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel bits and heavy cream. Stir every 20 seconds to keep the caramel from burning.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the pie filling. Then, sprinkle the cake mix over the caramel sauce. Do not prepare the cake mix; sprinkle it straight out of the bag.
- Place pats of butter over the cake mix so there’s even coverage. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce drizzled over the top.
More Fall Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
Ingredients
- 40 ounces apple pie filling, 2 (20 ounce) cans
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, adjust to taste
- 11 ounces caramel bits
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 13.25 ounce box yellow cake mix, unprepared
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into ¼ inch thick slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the apple pie filling and apple pie spice. Transfer the filling to the pan, and spread into an even layer.40 ounces apple pie filling2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- In a separate small bowl, microwave the caramel bits and heavy cream for 15-20 seconds at a time until smooth. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pie filling.11 ounces caramel bits3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the caramel sauce. Then, arrange the pats of butter in an even layer over the top of the cake mix.13.25 ounce box yellow cake mix1 cup unsalted butter
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top of the cake is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce!
