Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Cozy Fall Dessert Made Easy

When you’re craving something warm, sweet, and effortlessly delicious, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is just the dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just 5 main ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and no mixing bowls required, it’s the ultimate no-fuss treat.

Dump cakes are loved for their simplicity: layer, bake, and enjoy. This version takes it to the next level with rich caramel sauce, tender apple pie filling, a buttery cake mix topping, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is guaranteed to be your go-to fall favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This dessert is:

• ✅ Quick and easy – only 10 minutes of prep time
• ✅ Made with minimal ingredients—most likely already in your pantry
• ✅ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual weeknights
• ✅ Filled with cozy fall flavors: apples, caramel, cinnamon, and butter
• ✅ Customizable with your favorite toppings like ice cream, whipped cream, or nuts

Whether you’re making dessert for a party or just want something sweet without all the effort, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake delivers every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this warm, gooey masterpiece:

• 🍏 2 cans of apple pie filling – Tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced apples.
• 🌰 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the apple filling.
• 🍰 1 box of yellow cake mix – Adds a soft, golden crust on top.
• 🧈 1 cup of salted butter, melted – Creates a rich, moist topping with the cake mix.
• 🍮 ½ cup of caramel sauce – Adds that luscious, sweet finish.
• 🍨 Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

📝 Note: You can use homemade apple filling if you prefer or swap in other pie fillings for variety (think cherry or peach!).

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the cake mix to bake evenly and the filling to bubble just right.

🍏 Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Open your cans of apple pie filling and spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Try to distribute the apples in an even layer across the bottom.

🌰 Step 3: Add Cinnamon

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apple filling. This step is optional, but it adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

🍰 Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and cinnamon. Don’t stir—just dump it on top and smooth it out gently if needed.

🧈 Step 5: Add Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix as evenly as possible. This is what helps form that irresistible golden-brown topping.

🍮 Step 6: Add Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for that signature sticky-sweet finish.

🕒 Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

❄️ Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

This dessert is rich and indulgent. Here’s a general estimate per serving (1/12 of the cake):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 34g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Great for an occasional treat, especially when you’re entertaining guests or celebrating the fall season.

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Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

1. Use real butter – Salted butter helps balance the sweetness and gives the top a richer flavor and texture.
2. Don’t stir the layers – Resist the urge to mix! The cake mix should sit on top of the filling and absorb the butter as it bakes.
3. Let it cool slightly before serving – This gives the filling a chance to set and thicken.
4. Add nuts or oats – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even oats on top before baking for extra crunch.
5. Try different cake mixes – Spice cake or white cake mix also work wonderfully.

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Easy Variations

You can customize your dump cake with these fun twists:

• 🥧 Apple-Pear Dump Cake – Mix one can of apple filling with one can of pear.
• 🧁 Spiced Dump Cake – Use spice cake mix instead of yellow and add a pinch of nutmeg.
• 🍫 Salted Caramel Chocolate Apple Dump Cake – Add chocolate chips and a drizzle of salted caramel.
• 🍑 Peach Caramel Dump Cake – Swap the apple pie filling for peach pie filling for a summer variation.

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When to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be served at:

• 🍂 Fall parties & harvest festivals
• 🦃 Thanksgiving dinner
• 🎉 Potlucks & family get-togethers
• 🍰 Sunday night desserts
• ☕ Coffee breaks with friends
• 🎄 Holiday celebrations

It’s the kind of dessert that feels cozy and homemade, even though it’s unbelievably easy.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

🧊 Can I Make Dump Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake earlier in the day and serve it later. Just warm it up in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes before serving.

📦 How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or rewarm in the oven.

❄️ Can You Freeze Dump Cake?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

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Final Thoughts: The Easiest Fall Dessert You’ll Ever Make

With just a few pantry staples and under an hour in the oven, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall—without the effort. Whether you’re serving a crowd or indulging in a quiet night at home, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table.

Warm apples, golden cake topping, and drizzled caramel? Yes, please. 🍏🍮🍰

So next time you’re craving a no-fail dessert that’s big on flavor but short on prep, make this Caramel Apple Dump Cake your go-to.

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📌 Save or Share This Recipe!

Don’t forget to pin this dessert to your fall recipes, holiday desserts, or easy baking ideas boards. It’s too good not to share! 🍂🥄

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