Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Who says caramel apple flavors can only be found on a stick? This easy recipe for Caramel Apple Dump Cake comes together in just 5 minutes and is an irresistible blend of flavors that channel apple cobbler, caramel apples, caramel apple bark — and it’s even a bit gooey like caramel apple dip.

close up of dump cake with scoop of vanilla ice cream


 

Why You’ll Love It

Yes, it has attributes other than just being easy to make!

  • Semi-Homemade- I have a sweet tooth, but I’m also a lazy baker. I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, so making something that is semi-homemade, but elevated is right up my alley.
  • Fall Flavors- Many recipes simply use ground cinnamon. I take it up a notch with nutmeg, which is basically cinnamon’s best friend. This can be omitted or even increased based on personal preference.
  • Gooey Caramel Layer– Instead of just drizzling the final product with caramel sauce, we bake a layer right on and drizzle.
  • Versatile- This recipe for caramel apple dump cake can be made ahead of time and even frozen whole. It can be served at room temperature, chilled or warm, making it the ultimate in unfussy cakes.
  • Ease– Have I told you this is the easiest dessert? And when it comes to dump cake recipes, this one tops my list of the best tasting, too.
two dishes of caramel apple cake on white serving plates

Ingredients

The ingredient list is short and sweet for this easy cake. You might already have everything you need on hand!

  • Apple Pie Filling– The name of the game is ease so I used canned apple pie filling which means it is already sweetened and spiced. Feel free to make homemade apple pie filling too if you happen to have a ton left for an apple-picking adventure.
  • Caramel Sauce- Again, grab a jar at the grocery store (it is generally near the frozen food/ice cream aisle) or whip up a quick batch of homemade caramel sauce. Dulce de leche is another good option, which is a deeper caramelized version of caramel made from sweetened condensed milk.
  • Cake Mix – Yellow cake mix makes for the deepest flavor, but you can honestly use any type you wish. You can also use a different cake mix, see some of my suggestions below.
  • Spices– Cinnamon and nutmeg are all you need.
  • Salted Butter– I use salted in this recipe because the salt helps to balance all the sugar and also takes one less ingredient making it even faster to assemble. If you only have unsalted, just add a pinch of fine sea salt or coarse kosher salt to the melted butter.
  • Vanilla Extract– Also helps to create a rich and warm cake blend. Vanilla paste can be used if you are feeling extra.
close up of dump cake with scoop of vanilla ice cream

Variations

Even though this is a super easy cake recipe, there are plenty of ways to customize it and make it your own.

  • Add Bourbon– A match made in flavor heaven, caramel, and apple flavors pair perfectly with bourbon. Use my bourbon caramel pecan sauce instead of standard caramel.
  • Go nuts! Adding nuts is an easy way to make the texture more interesting. Add 1/2 cup of chopped and toasted walnuts or pecans to the apple layer or top with homemade candied walnuts before baking or while garnishing.
  • Spices- We used a simple mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, but take it up a notch by using apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead.
  • Cake Sponge– Rich and buttery, yellow cake mix is golden and delicious, but white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, and even spice cake mix can all be used. I’ve even wanted to experiment with chocolate cake mix.
  • Fruit Fillings– The apple pie filling can also be pumpkin (pumpkin dump cake) or other types of fruit filling. We have a recipe for cherry dump cake and peach dump cake too!
simple ingredients for caramel apple dump cake

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Do you have 5 minutes? Then you have enough time to make this cake! Get started!

  1. Fill the dish with apples and sauce. Pour both cans of apple filling into the bottom of the baking dish and then drizzle with caramel sauce.
  2. Combine. Blend together the dry cake mix and spices in the cake mix bag so you don’t dirty any more dishes. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just give it a few quick stirs. Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the apples and caramel.
  3. Add butter and vanilla. In a microwave-safe bowl melt the butter and then whisk in the vanilla and pour over the top of the cake mix, getting as much moistened as possible.
step-by-step images of how to make caramel apple dump cake
  1. Bake. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake until bubbly and golden brown. Remove and let is cool for at least 20 minutes, this helps the whole cake thicken and marry. Do not rush this step.
  2. Garnish. Add your favorite toppings like vanilla or caramel ice cream and serve for your new family favorite.
overhead of caramel apple dump cake in a 9x13 baking dish

What to Serve With Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This cake tastes great right out of the dish, but I also like toppings! Here are my favorites.

overhead serving apple cake

Common Questions About Caramel Apple Dump Cake

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The biggest mistake to avoid when you’re crafting your dump cake is to mix everything together. You want the butter to be on top so that it creates the luscious crust that makes it so delicious.

Should a fruit dump be refrigerated?

You can refrigerate a fruity dump cake but it’s not necessary. It can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature.

How do you tell when a dump cake is done?

Since it’s filled with fruit, it can be a little more challenging to tell if a dump cake is finished as opposed to a traditional cake. But what you need to look for is a golden brown crust and bubbly edges.

two dishes of caramel apple cake with fresh apples

Storage

You can simply cover this easy apple dump cake at room temperature for up to 5 days once it’s been covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container.

Refrigerator

Refrigerate this cake for up to a week in an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil

Freezer

This perfect fall dessert can also be frozen. Follow my steps for freezing whole cakes and casseroles or freeze in single servings.

More Easy Cake Recipes

We do love cake as long as they are easy cake recipes. And here are a few more.

close up of apple dump cake with caramel sauce and ice cream
close up of dump cake with scoop of vanilla ice cream

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

4.68 from 61 votes
This caramel apple dump cake is made from apple pie filling, gooey caramel sauce, buttery yellow cake mix and a melted butter and vanilla blend.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Spread the apple pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Drizzle with the caramel sauce.
  • Cut the top of the yellow cake mix bag open and add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir it around inside the bag. Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the apples and caramel.
  • Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Whisk with vanilla extract. Pour the butter mixture on top of the dry cake mix, trying to moisten as much as possible.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream and more caramel sauce.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Any flavor of cake mix can be swapped for yellow. I really like spice cake, white or vanilla (which is basically yellow). 

Nutrition

Calories: 267 kcal, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 31 mg, Sodium: 402 mg, Potassium: 31 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 24 g, Vitamin A: 368 IU, Vitamin C: 0.1 mg, Calcium: 88 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 267
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: caramel apple cake, dump cake recipe
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
caramel apple dump cake recipe for pinterest

Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.68 from 61 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    This is one of the best dump cakes I’ve ever made. I love the classic fall flavors, and I DEFINITELY love how easy it is to make.

  2. 5 stars
    Such a rich and creamy dessert. Surely a treat for all sweet tooth lovers. Bursting with spice flavors and a perfect dessert any day.

  3. 4 stars
    Made this using the yellow cake mix and it was good! It’s a great last minute dessert to make and very easy to prepare.

  4. Oh my dear God, that cake looks AMAZING. Seriously, I need that in my mouth like yesterday!