Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: The Easiest Fall Dessert Ever!
Fancy a slice of autumn sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't love apple pie? But sometimes, you just need something quicker, easier, and just as comforting.
That's where this caramel apple dump cake comes in. Trust me, it's a total game changer.
A Slice of History (and Simplicity!)
This dump cake recipe isn't some fancy, new-fangled creation. It's a classic piece of comfort food dessert , born from the idea that delicious doesn't have to be difficult.
Think good old American home cooking, simplified. It's perfect for beginner bakers. Plus, this recipe is a breeze. It's ready in about 45 minutes and serves 8-10 people.
Why You'll Love This Quick Apple Cake
This isn't just another apple dessert . It's got that amazing caramel apple flavor that screams autumn. The best part? It requires minimal effort.
You get tender, spiced apples. Then there is a buttery, yellow cake mix topping. What a dreamy treat. Not only that, it also delivers a good dose of apple cinnamon dessert flavor and it is a delightful treat! And it is also a delightful treat with the apple pie filling !
Ready to give this easy dessert recipes a go?
Alright, gather 'round, folks! I've got a hankering for something sweet and easy. I reckon we can all agree that a caramel apple dump cake hits the spot! We're talking pure comfort food dessert .
It's like you're wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly autumn evening. Think Granny Smith meets Golden Delicious, all snuggled under a buttery, caramel infused blanket.
It’s like apple pie’s easy going cousin. Let's get cracking!
Ingredients & Equipment
This dump cake recipe is so straightforward. It's perfect for those nights when you need a sweet fix. No fancy equipment is needed! Plus, it's all about that amazing caramel apple flavor .
Main Ingredients for the Quick Apple Cake
- Apple Pie Filling : You'll need 2 (20 ounce/567g) cans. Honestly, any brand works. But, look for filling that's got good chunks of apple. The more apple, the better!
- Cinnamon : Just 1 teaspoon (5ml) of ground cinnamon. It's essential for that apple cinnamon dessert vibe.
- Nutmeg : A pinch, about 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . It adds a little warmth.
- Caramel Sauce : 1/4 cup (60ml) of your fave. store-bought is fine.
- Yellow Cake Mix : Grab 1 (15.25 ounce/432g) box. Don't overthink it!
- Butter : 1/2 cup (1 stick) , melted. Make sure it's unsalted butter!
- Nuts (optional) : 1/4 cup (30g) of chopped pecans or walnuts. Adds a nice crunch.
Seasoning Notes for the Fall Dessert
Cinnamon and nutmeg are your best friends here. They bring out that apple pie filling flavor. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of ground ginger. It's a game changer.
No nutmeg? Allspice works too! You can use a pinch of apple pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Equipment Needed for these Easy Dessert Recipes
You really only need:
- A 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A mixing spoon.
- An oven. Preheat to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Don't have a 9x13 inch pan? Two smaller pans will do. Just keep an eye on the baking time. You know?
Honestly, this caramel apple dump cake is a lifesaver. It smells amazing while baking. It tastes even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Trust me. It's a total winner, and that's why it's one of my easy dessert recipes !
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: The Easiest Fall Dessert Ever!
Honestly, folks, sometimes you just crave something sweet. You know? This caramel apple dump cake is exactly what you need! It's the ultimate easy dessert recipe , and it tastes like apple pie in cake form.
Seriously, if you can open a can of apple pie filling , you can make this.
Think warm, gooey apples with a caramel apple flavor , topped with a buttery cake. Mmm! It's proper comfort food dessert , and the perfect apple cinnamon dessert for a chilly evening.
Plus, it's ready in under an hour.
Prep Steps: Getting Ready for Easy !
First things first. Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. You don't want this beauty sticking! Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Honestly, that's about it for prep. This is why it's such a great dump cake recipe !
step-by-step to Delicious
Ready to rock this quick apple cake ? It's easier than making toast.
- Spread those two cans of apple pie filling in your greased dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Drizzle with ¼ cup of caramel sauce.
- Dump the yellow cake mix evenly over the apples.
- Pour ½ cup of melted butter all over the cake mix. Make sure you get every bit covered.
- If you fancy it, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
- Bake for 35- 40 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. You don't want to burn your tongue!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Dump Cake Game
Want to take this apple dessert to the next level? Here are a few tricks.
- Make sure that butter is evenly distributed! Dry spots are a no-no.
- Don't overbake it! Check it around 35 minutes to avoid a dry cake.
- For extra flavor, sautee that apple pie filling with butter and brown sugar before baking! It adds such a nice depth.
There you have it! A caramel apple dump cake so easy, it's almost criminal. Get baking, and enjoy a slice of autumnal heaven!
Recipe Notes for Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Adventure
Right then, let's talk nitty gritty about this cracking caramel apple dump cake . Honestly, it's so easy it feels like cheating! But here are a few extra pointers to make it even more foolproof.
This dump cake recipe will become one of your go-to easy dessert recipes . I promise!
Serving Ideas That'll Make You Look Like a Pro
Okay, so it comes out of the oven looking gorgeous. But let's make it extra special! I love serving mine warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cold ice cream with the warm apple cinnamon dessert is a match made in heaven. Or, if you're feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce does the trick.
For drinks, a warm cup of apple cider or spiced tea is just the ticket for peak fall dessert vibes.
Storage Sorted: Keepin' It Fresh
Right, let's say you've managed to not eat the entire cake in one sitting (good on ya!). Simply cover it with cling film or foil.
Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3 days, easy peasy. Freezing isn’t really recommended. Honestly, it's best enjoyed fresh.
To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it up in the oven.
This quick apple cake is hard to resist!
Swapsies: Making It Your Own
Fancy a change? Use a spice cake mix instead of a yellow cake mix for a warmer flavor. Or, if you're avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free cake mix.
Sorted! Want to switch things up? Instead of canned apple pie filling , try using sliced fresh apples with a bit of cinnamon and sugar.
Voila! You've got a seasonal masterpiece with that gorgeous caramel apple flavor .
The Lowdown on What's Inside
Each slice of this comfort food dessert is roughly 350-400 calories. This is dependent on ingredients you’re using. It also has about 3-4g of protein, 15-20g of fat, and 45-55g of carbs.
Keep in mind, this is just an estimate. You know? But hey, it's a treat, so enjoy it! Plus, apples are good for you…right?
So there you have it, my friend. Everything you need to know to bake the perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
Now go forth and bake! You've got this! And remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfect, it'll still taste blooming delicious.
Now that’s what I call an apple dessert !
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly IS a "dump cake," and why is this caramel apple dump cake so easy?
A dump cake is basically the easiest cake you'll ever make! Instead of mixing a batter, you "dump" the ingredients into a pan and bake. This caramel apple dump cake keeps it simple by layering canned apple pie filling, cake mix, and melted butter no fancy techniques needed, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or when you need a dessert in a jiffy.
Can I use different kinds of apples or cake mix for my caramel apple dump cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. While this recipe calls for yellow cake mix you could substitute spice cake mix for a warmer flavor. For the apples, you can mix in some fresh Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples alongside the canned filling for extra texture and tartness, similar to what you might find in a traditional apple crumble.
Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
How can I prevent the top of my caramel apple dump cake from getting too brown?
If the top is browning too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the cake during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to shield the top from direct heat while allowing the inside to continue cooking. This is a classic baking trick your nan might have used!
What's the best way to store leftover caramel apple dump cake? Does it freeze well?
Store leftover caramel apple dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
My caramel apple dump cake came out a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
Dryness can be caused by a few factors. Make sure you're distributing the melted butter evenly over the cake mix; dry spots are a no-no! Also, avoid overbaking, as this will dry out the cake. Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark. You may want to even slightly under bake it to keep it moist.
This could also be caused by the type of cake mix you are using; different brands may absorb moisture differently.
Can I add anything else to this caramel apple dump cake recipe to jazz it up a bit?
Definitely! For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider or bourbon to the apple filling. A streusel topping made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter will also add a delicious crunch.
And don't forget the classic pairing of caramel and salt: a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking elevates the sweetness beautifully - like a salted caramel millionaire's shortbread!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |