If you’re looking for a simple, show-stopping fall dessert, the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is perfect. This quick dessert combines tender, spiced apples, rich caramel sauce, and a buttery cake topping to create a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat. Best of all, it’s a dump-and-bake recipe, meaning minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re celebrating autumn, Thanksgiving, or just craving a sweet apple dessert, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its juicy, caramelized apple filling paired with a crisp, buttery topping is comfort food at its finest.

Here’s your complete guide to making a Caramel Apple Dump Cake, including tips, variations, storage, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Super Easy – No mixing bowls or elaborate steps required; just “dump” ingredients in a pan.
Perfect Fall Flavors – Cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel capture the essence of autumn.
Crowd-Pleaser – Serves a crowd easily with minimal effort.

Versatile Serving Options – Delicious on its own or paired with ice cream.
Moist, Gooey Texture – Apple juices soak into the cake topping for a soft, flavorful dessert.

What Makes a Dump Cake Special?

A dump cake is named for its simplicity: you literally dump ingredients into a baking pan and bake. Unlike traditional cakes, it doesn’t require mixing bowls, beating, or complicated techniques.

For a Caramel Apple Dump Cake, the layers typically include:

Canned or fresh apples – sweet, spiced, or lightly tart.
Caramel sauce – adds richness and gooey sweetness.

Yellow or spice cake mix – sprinkled on top for a crisp, golden crust.
Butter – melted and poured over the cake mix to create a tender, golden topping.

The result is a cake that’s soft, moist, and bursting with apple-caramel flavor.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple Layer

2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling or 6 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

1/2 cup caramel sauce

Cake Layer

1 box yellow or spice cake mix (dry)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Extra caramel drizzle

Chopped pecans

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking pan
Measuring cups and spoons

Spoon or spatula

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly.

Step 2: Layer Apples

Place apple pie filling (or fresh chopped apples) in the prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the apple layer. Do not stir.

Pour melted butter evenly over the top. This will help the cake mix bake into a crisp, golden topping.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm for gooey apple and caramel filling.
Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over each serving if desired.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

Use fresh apples for more texture – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
Don’t stir layers – keeping the layers intact gives the cake a “crisp on top, soft underneath” texture.
Use high-quality caramel sauce – enhances flavor and creates that signature gooey texture.

Add nuts – chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty flavor.
Serve warm – Dump cake tastes best straight from the oven with melted caramel.

Delicious Variations

Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the cake mix for a nutty twist.

Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel sauce for a sweet-salty flavor.

Cream Cheese Apple Dump Cake

Add dollops of cream cheese between apple and cake layers for a creamy layer.

Mini Dump Cakes

Make in muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for parties or gifting.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Garnish with cinnamon or powdered sugar for presentation.

Perfect dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or potlucks.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store covered for 1–2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat slightly before serving.

Freezer: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Yes! Slice or chop fresh apples and toss with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cake and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.

Q: Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the pie filling is gluten-free.

Why This Dessert Is So Popular

The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is beloved for its:

Ease and simplicity – minimal prep and ingredients.
Classic fall flavors – warm apples, cinnamon, and caramel.
Texture contrast – gooey apples under a crisp, buttery topping.

Versatility – can be made with fresh or canned apples, adjusted for nuts or cream cheese.

It’s a dessert that everyone loves and can make in less than an hour, perfect for busy home cooks.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, 12 slices)

Calories: 320

Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 35g

Protein: 2g

Final Thoughts

The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. Its combination of tender, spiced apples, gooey caramel, and buttery cake topping makes it irresistible for any occasion. Quick, simple, and crowd-pleasing, it’s a dessert you can make in minutes with pantry staples and impress your family and friends with classic fall flavor.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake (Easy, Sweet & Gooey Dessert)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling (or 6 cups fresh apples, peeled & sliced + ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
1 (14 oz) jar caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix

½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, sliced thin
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

Layer apples: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the dish. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Add cake mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir.
Top with butter: Lay butter slices evenly over the cake mix.

Optional crunch: Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Bake 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly at edges.
Cool 10–15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.

💡 Pro Tips:
– For extra apple flavor, add 1 tsp cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to the filling.
– Use real caramel sauce (like Smucker’s or homemade)—avoid thin “caramel topping.”
– Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 12):