Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This caramel apple dump cake recipe is not only mouth-watering but it’s one of the easiest recipes for dump cakes around. It’s dripping with gooey caramel and combined with warm tender apples for the perfect fall treat.
I’ve always been a fan of caramel and nothing quite goes as well with caramel as apples. Fortunately, this caramel apple dump cake couldn’t be easier to make and is the perfect fall dessert. All you need is a butter cake mix, two cans of apple pie filling, caramel, butter, and cinnamon (of course). Simply “dump” the ingredients in a pan, bake it, and you have yourself a deliciously easy caramel apple dump cake.
I love that it’s so simple to make yet tastes so good. It’s basically the perfect cross between an apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp. The sweet caramel and tender cinnamon apple slices, combined with the flavorful butter-topped cake, are a match made in heaven. Serve your dump cake on its own or with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You know which option I’m choosing, right?
I’m a big fan of dump cake recipes because they’re quick, easy, and delicious. If you’re in the mood to try a different flavored dump cake, check out my cherry pineapple dump cake and my peach dump cake. You can’t go wrong with any of these dessert recipes.
Recipe Ingredients
- Butter cake mix (We’re using golden butter but you can use whatever you like)
- Two cans of apple pie filling
- Cinnamon (and some allspice if you like)
- Kraft caramel baking bits is what I used
- One stick of butter
Begin by mixing up your cake mix according to package directions.
1. Dump both cans of apples into a bowl and add spices.
2. Stir to coat and place in the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish (or 9×13 cake pan). Sprinkle caramel bits on top.
3. Now pour that prepared cake mix on top of the caramel apple mixture.
4. Slice an entire stick of butter into pats and arrange over top of the mix. Sprinkle with a wee bit more cinnamon, if you like. Or add a bit of nutmeg to spice things up.
5. Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
6. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce to take it over the top!
There you have it! The best caramel apple dump cake that will ever cross your lips. Enjoy!
Storage
- Store your cake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
- Alternatively, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat either in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven.
Recipe Notes
- Instead of caramel baking bits, you can use 1 1/2 cups of caramel squares, cut in half.
- If you want to take the time to use fresh apples instead of the , use a baking apple like Granny Smith Apples and chop them into very small cubes. You need about 6 cups of chopped apple pieces.
- Serve your dump cake warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
- Before you pour over the cake mix, add nuts to your dump cake. Opt for chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or peanuts.
- If you want a softer topping, you can simply pour melted butter over the cake mix, instead of butter slices.
- Add some salt to the apple and caramel mixture to make a salted caramel apple dump cake.
- Instead of cinnamon and allspice, use apple pie spice.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for my caramel apple dump cake?
Absolutely! Yellow cake mix is what I use, but others have recommended spice cake mix, white cake mix, and vanilla cake mix. But choose whatever your heart desires. If you opt for the spice version, you may want to omit the cinnamon in this recipe so it isn’t too overpowering.
Can I make my dump cake in the crockpot?
Yes, you can make this dump cake recipe in the slow cooker! Simply layer the cake as you would in a baking pan and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Can I make this dump cake recipe in advance?
Yes, you can store your baked cake, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or the entire cake in a 350-degree oven.
Fellow caramel lovers, check out these recipes:
Caramel Apple Cheesecake (Unbelievably Blissful)
Caramel Banana Pie (AKA Easy Banoffee Pie)
Caramel Apple Cake from Mama Reed
Recipe for Caramel Corn (Great Snack or Gift)
Ingredients
- 2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon If you are using a spice cake mix might want to decrease the cinnamon a bit.
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer) prepared
- 1 stick of butter
- Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
- Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions, set aside.1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
- In a mixing bowl, mix together apple pie filling, allspice and cinnamon.2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice
- Spoon into a greased 3-quart baking dish or a 9x13 cake pan.
- Top with caramel bits and then yellow cake mix. Smooth until it covers the caramels evenly.1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits, 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
- Cut butter into slices and cover the entire yellow cake mix. Don't be afraid to use more! Sprinkle with more cinnamon and nutmeg to spice things up!1 stick of butter, Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)
- Bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce!Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Love all tour thoughts and wisdom. thanks, LOVE, LOVE caramel any form.
After a hour of baking my cake is not done. Gonna try another 15 minutes and check it
After 90 minutes cake is done. I used 2 8X10 aluminum pans. Put a layer of thawed frozen apples and a 1/2 of cup sugar sprinkled on the apples and cinnamon. a whole 12 oz bag of caramel bits and a Kroger yellow cake per box directions. With the butter pats on top. Baked the two cakes side by side. Anyone have an idea way it took twice as long to bake?
I just emailed the link to this page to myself because I’m too lazy to put the ingredients in my shopping list (please tell me I’m not the only one who does that :-), but on a less lazy note my kids are going to love this! Thanks for sharing!
I think that is a brilliant idea Tracy!!
Hi, I’ve been buying the caramel apple pie filling lately … so I think I’m going to make this with that & see how yummy it turns out !! I could just eat that stuff right outta the can…LOL
thanks for sharing this with us
This was so easy to make and when done asked my Husband what he thought of it and he said it was GOOD that is amazing because when I make things if he likes it, it’s just it’s alright so this is a big winner and I know I will be making it again and again. Thanks for sharing.
This is great, I am not sure who I got the dump cake idea from, but that is my go to! My mom requests apple and peach often. I like pineapple with cherry. However, I am so lazy, I’ve never tried it with the cake mixed before pouring on top. And it has never failed me! But now, you got me wondering….. (I love the grace you have with handling your comments, btw.)
Looks delish Christy and very easy. I’ve been wanting to get a jump on fall baking too. I made your sweet potato dumplings last week and they were glorious as always. I’ve been reading the comments about doing the cake mix dry. I also make the cherry crunch cake they are talking about and it is delicious. I guess it would be about different textures. Which do you think tastes better for this cake?
If you have a real sweet tooth like I do, I think dry is better but I know you know how good that is on other dump cakes and it’s just such a unique flavor. The thing is you’ll end up with a few patches hither and yon that are crunchier and that’s awesome but some people are put out by it. For making a cake for an event or a crowd, mixing up the batter ahead of time is better because you’ll have a beautiful cake that will go further. I’d say six of one and half dozen of another on this one so go with your tastebuds! 🙂 Always a treat to see you!