Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert featuring layers of sweet apple pie filling, spiced yellow cake mix, and a luscious caramel drizzle baked to golden perfection. Perfectly crisp on top with warm, gooey apple filling beneath, it’s ideal served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it a delicious treat for fall or any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- or 5–6 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (if using fresh apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat & prep your pan: 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. Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for the best topping texture and bubbling filling.
- Prepare the apples (pie filling or fresh): If using canned apple pie filling, stir gently to evenly distribute syrup and apples. If using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust spices or sweetness as desired.
- Layer the apple base: Spoon the apple pie filling or prepared fresh apples evenly into the baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or spoon to spread into a flat, even layer and press down gently so apples settle smoothly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix and spices: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the apples, creating a dry, even layer. Sprinkle cinnamon and optional nutmeg evenly across the cake mix. Gently tap the sides of the dish to help the dry mix settle into any gaps for an even crust.
- Add the caramel and melted butter: Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle it in a grid pattern over the cake mix for even coverage without pooling. Pour melted butter slowly and evenly over the surface in thin streams or dots, moistening the whole top. Do not stir; the butter will soak into the cake mix as it bakes to create a crisp, golden topping.
- Bake and monitor: Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp and the apples are bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly before bubbling occurs, tent loosely with foil and continue baking. Fresh apples may require an extra 8–10 minutes to become tender.
- Rest, finish, and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest 10–15 minutes to allow juices to thicken slightly while keeping it warm and saucy. Optionally drizzle extra warm caramel on top. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Using canned apple pie filling simplifies preparation, while fresh apples provide a brighter, fresher flavor and texture.
- Slice fresh apples about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they become tender without turning mushy.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to achieve a crisp topping and a properly cooked filling.
- Use a liquid measuring cup with a spout to pour melted butter evenly and avoid pooling, which can cause burning spots.
- Letting the cake rest after baking helps thicken the filling, making serving easier and cleaner.
- For a richer flavor, add extra cinnamon or nutmeg according to taste.
- If the topping browns too fast, tent the dish with foil to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, apple dump cake recipe, caramel dessert, fall dessert, apple cake, no-fuss dessert
