Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines tender spiced apples with a buttery cake topping and rich caramel flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
• 1 (11-ounce) bag caramel bits
• 1 (14-ounce) bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then stir lightly to blend.
3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling. Do not stir—just spread it into an even layer.
4. Step 4: If using soft caramels, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
5. Step 5: Drizzle caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add nuts or oats if desired.
6. Step 6: Slice butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top. The butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes.
7. Step 7: Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts and oats before baking.
• Use spice cake mix for a warmer, more autumnal flavor.
• Substitute caramel bits with melted soft caramels mixed with cream for a smoother drizzle.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.

Storage

Store leftover caramel apple dump cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dessert a few hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven and adjust baking time if needed.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Fresh apples can be used, but you’ll need to peel, core, and slice them first. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice to mimic the flavor and moisture of canned filling.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert combining tender apple pie filling with rich caramel and a buttery cake topping. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, it bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection, perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting sweet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Filling

• 2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Cake Topping

• 1 15.25-ounce box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
• 1 11-ounce bag caramel bits OR 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
• 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Apple Filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then gently stir to combine the spices with the filling.
3. Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple filling layer. Do not stir; simply spread it into an even layer to cover the apples.
4. Melt Soft Caramels (if using): If you choose soft caramels instead of caramel bits, melt them in the microwave with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Caramel and Optional Toppings: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and old-fashioned oats evenly on top to add extra texture and flavor.
6. Add Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly on top of the entire cake surface. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, creating a moist, rich crust.
7. Bake: Bake the dish for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges of the filling are bubbly and caramelized.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Using caramel bits is simpler, but melted soft caramels offer a richer caramel flavor and smoother texture.
• Adding nuts and oats is optional but adds nice crunch and contrast to the soft cake.
• This dump cake is best served slightly warm for the gooey texture and enhanced flavor.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel Apple Dump Cake, easy apple dessert, caramel apple dessert, fall dessert, quick dump cake, apple cake