Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 20-ounce cans apple pie filling; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ 10.8 ounce bag Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels, cut in half (or similar sized caramels); 1 box super moist butter yellow cake mix; ¾ cup salted butter (1½ sticks), cut into 15 squares; Vanilla ice cream for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

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I absolutely adore this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe because it perfectly captures the comforting flavors of a warm apple dessert combined with rich, buttery cake and luscious caramel in the easiest way possible. Whenever I need a quick yet crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe is my go-to because it transforms simple pantry staples into a magical fall-inspired dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

What really makes this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe stand out for me is its spectacular flavor profile. The tender and lightly spiced apple pie filling pairs beautifully with the buttery yellow cake mix, creating a soft, cakey texture that’s perfectly complemented by pockets of gooey caramel throughout. The sprinkle of cinnamon and allspice adds just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the dessert. Every bite feels like a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and buttery goodness.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. You literally “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish, which means no complicated mixing or fancy baking skills needed. Because it comes together so fast and bakes in just 45 minutes, it’s ideal for last-minute guests or weeknight treats. I’m always excited to serve this at holiday gatherings or casual family dinners because it feels special but never intimidating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a warm apple cobbler inside a white baking dish with a red rim. The cobbler has two clear layers: the bottom layer is made up of soft, juicy, golden-brown cooked apples with a smooth texture, while the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust with uneven, cracked pieces that look slightly crispy. A white spoon with black marbled patterns is scooping a chunk of the cobbler out, revealing the gooey filling underneath the crust. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the focus is on the spoonful in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple, easily accessible ingredients that work together beautifully to ensure great taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a specific role to make this dessert both comforting and indulgent.

Apple Pie Filling: Provides the tender, cinnamon-spiced fruit base that makes the dessert so hearty and flavorful.
Allspice and Cinnamon: These warm spices add depth and an irresistible aroma that perfectly complements the apples.
Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels: Melts into golden pockets of caramel throughout the cake for extra indulgence.
Butter Yellow Cake Mix: Acts as the cake layer that crisps up nicely on top while remaining moist inside.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and a beautifully buttery crust when dotted over the cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional): For serving, it brings a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, sweet cake.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Open both cans of apple pie filling and pour them into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the allspice and cinnamon evenly over the apples, then gently stir with a spatula to blend the spices without breaking up the fruit chunks. Once combined, smooth the mixture down evenly.

Step 3: Take half of the bag of chewy caramels and cut each caramel into halves. Sprinkle these caramel pieces evenly over the apple mixture, distributing them so you get pockets of caramel throughout the cake as it bakes.

Step 4: Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel. Avoid stirring; just smooth out the surface gently with your spatula for an even layer.

Step 5: Cut the salted butter into about 15 small squares and distribute them evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. These butter chunks will melt and create a golden, crispy, buttery crust as the cake bakes.

Step 6: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. About halfway through baking (around 22 minutes), rotate the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 7: Your cake is ready when it is bubbling around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown. You can test by gently pressing the top to check that the butter has melted and the crust feels firm but tender.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or saving some delicious leftovers. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep everything before baking. The bake time is approximately 45 minutes, bringing the total time to about 55 minutes from start to finish. No resting time is required, though I find the flavors settle wonderfully if it cools for 10–15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

A white bowl filled with a two-layer apple crumble dessert, the bottom layer is soft, golden apple pieces covered in syrup with hints of cinnamon, and the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with a rough texture. A spoon with a scoop of both layers, showing the soft apple pieces and crumbly topping, is held above the bowl by a woman's hand. The background includes a whole red apple and a blurred white dish with more crumble, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love to serve this dump cake warm, right out of the oven, because that’s when the caramel is perfectly melty, and the cake is irresistibly soft. It tastes wonderful topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully over the warm dessert, adding a creamy richness that balances the sweet and slightly tart apples.

If I’m serving it at a party, I like to garnish each portion with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a pop of texture. Freshly whipped cream sprinkled with a dusting of cinnamon also adds a lovely finishing touch, making the treat feel just a bit more festive.

For beverages, I often pair this dessert with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or even a glass of chilled dessert wine like Moscato. It’s also fantastic with a warm chai latte to echo the cinnamon and spice. This cake is perfect for family dinners, cozy fall gatherings, holidays, or even casual weeknight dessert indulgences.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch things up, try using gluten-free yellow cake mix to make the recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive guests. For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and choose a vegan cake mix if available.

I’ve also experimented by swapping apple pie filling for peach or cherry pie fillings to change up the fruit profile while keeping the same delicious caramel and cake topping. For extra flavor, try adding chopped toasted pecans on top before baking, or swirl a little cream cheese into the apple layer for a richer experience.

If you want to change the cooking method, this recipe adapts well to baking in smaller ramekins for personal portions or even a slow cooker over several hours for super tender fruit and a melt-in-your-mouth cake. Just adjust cook times accordingly and watch closely to avoid browning too much.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this cake, I store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for about 4 to 5 days. I find refrigeration preserves the caramel and cake textures without them becoming too mushy. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

This dump cake freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or dessert on demand. I like to portion it into individual airtight containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil before freezing. It will keep frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its best texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this cake is in a 350-degree oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the top crisps back up nicely. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cake soggy or overly soft. If you do use a microwave, heat it gently in short increments and consider adding a scoop of ice cream to revive moisture balance and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes, you can! Just peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of fresh apples, and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and a bit of lemon juice. You might need to add a little apple juice or water to ensure moistness since canned filling already contains syrup. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake.

What type of caramel works best for this recipe?

I recommend chewy caramels like Werther’s Originals because they melt evenly and create soft, gooey pockets in the cake. You can use other caramel candies, but avoid very hard or brittle types, as they may not melt as well and could affect texture.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge. This makes it super convenient for entertaining or weeknight meals.

Is it necessary to rotate the pan during baking?

Rotating the pan halfway through ensures even browning and cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots. It’s a simple step that helps achieve that perfect golden crust and fully cooked center every time.

What can I serve with this dump cake besides ice cream?

Besides vanilla ice cream, I love pairing it with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add texture and a pop of color for an extra special presentation.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those effortless desserts that bring warmth and joy to any table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday gathering. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this sweet, gooey, and cakey treat has become one of my absolute favorites to bake and devour!

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