Dessert

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that combines sweet apples with a buttery, crisp topping and rich caramel flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a cozy treat, it’s quick to assemble and bakes into a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of a square piece of apple pie with a golden-brown crumbly crust on top, filled with soft, juicy apple slices coated in a glossy caramel sauce. The pie is placed on a white plate with a brown rim, sitting on a white marbled texture surface. On top of the pie, there is a smooth, round scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream starting to melt, with some melting ice cream dripping over the crust and filling, creating a warm and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, you can line the dish with foil, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later. Make sure the oven is fully heated before baking to ensure a crisp topping and bubbly filling.
Step 2: If using canned apple pie filling, open the cans and stir gently to evenly distribute the syrup and apples. If using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples about 1/4-inch thick. Toss the slices with 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Adjust seasoning if desired.
Step 3: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using the back of a spatula or spoon. Press gently to settle the apples.
Step 4: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir; it should remain a dry layer. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and optional nutmeg on top. Tap the sides gently to help the mix settle into any gaps.
Step 5: Warm the caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle it in a grid pattern over the cake mix. Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the top in thin streams or dots, ensuring all areas are moistened. Do not stir.
Step 6: Bake on the middle oven rack for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp and the apples are bubbly around the edges. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil and continue baking. Fresh apples might need an extra 8–10 minutes to become tender.
Step 7: Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes to thicken the juices. Drizzle additional warm caramel over the top if desired. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh apples for a fresher taste, but canned pie filling is a great shortcut and still delicious.
Adjust the spice level by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg according to your preference.
Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup and to help remove the cake in one piece.
For a crunchier topping, make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The topping will remain crispy if reheated in the oven rather than microwave.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a square slice of apple pie with a golden brown, crispy top crust showing a rough texture, filled with thick, gooey apple pieces coated in a shiny caramel sauce, topped with a smooth, round scoop of white vanilla ice cream that is starting to melt and drip over the warm pie, all placed on a white plate with small speckled pink dots, set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute pears or peaches for a different but delicious twist. Make sure to adjust baking time as needed depending on the fruit’s softness.

Is it necessary to use caramel sauce?

Caramel sauce adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the apples perfectly, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler apple dump cake. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can be a nice alternative.