Caramel Apple Dump Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the one to try. Picture a warm, tender, spiced cake layered with sweet apples, drizzled with gooey caramel, and topped with buttery pecans for a little crunch. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, especially when you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Sure, “dump cake” might not sound fancy, but you’ll forget the name entirely with one bite. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a few steps and pantry staples, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Dump cakes have been a go-to in my kitchen for years, and this caramel apple version is hands down a family favorite. The spices add a homemade touch that takes it to the next level, and the way the ice cream melts into the warm cake? Pure magic. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple for cozy nights and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this is the ultimate fuss-free dessert.
- Warm and Cozy Flavors: The combination of spiced apples, caramel, and buttery pecans is pure comfort in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering, this dessert fits right in.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel for a personalized touch.
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: It’s a dessert that everyone—from kids to adults—will love and ask for again and again.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes just as delicious reheated the next day (if you even have leftovers!).
- One Pan, Less Cleanup: Everything comes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The foundation of this dessert, creating a tender, buttery, and slightly nutty cake topping.
- Apple pie filling: Provides a sweet, fruity base with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon.
- Caramel sauce: Adds a luscious layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced apples.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: These warm spices elevate the flavor, giving it a homemade touch.
- Salted butter: Melts into the cake mix, creating a rich, golden crust with no dry spots.
- Pecan halves: Add crunch and texture to balance the soft, gooey layers.
- Whipped cream or ice cream: Perfect for serving, these creamy additions complement the warm cake beautifully.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Follow along to learn how to make caramel apple dump cake!
- Step One: Spread the pie filling on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over top.
- Step Two: In a small bowl, mix the spices. Sprinkle over top of the caramel apple mixture.
- Step Three: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over top of the caramel apple mixture.
- Step Four: Cut butter into thin squares and place evenly over the top of the cake mix. Make sure not to leave any large gaps.
- Step Five: Top with pecan halves.
- Step Six: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 minutes or until the cake topping is golden brown.
- Step Seven: Served with whipped cream or ice cream. Tastes delicious hot or cold.
What to Serve with It
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream melting into the warm cake is pure heaven.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
- Extra Caramel Sauce: Because there’s no such thing as too much caramel!
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle a few on top for even more crunch and flavor.
- Fresh Apple Slices: A simple, crisp addition to balance the sweetness.
- Coffee or Hot Apple Cider: A cozy drink to enjoy alongside this warm dessert.
Variations and Substitutions
- Switch Up the Cake Mix: Try spice or yellow cake mix for a different flavor twist.
- Use Homemade Apple Filling: Swap the canned filling for homemade if you have extra time and want a fresher taste.
- Try Different Nuts: Walnuts or sliced almonds work just as well if you’re out of pecans.
- Add Some Cranberries: Toss a handful of dried cranberries into the filling for a tart burst of flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to adapt this dessert for dietary needs.
- Dial Down the Sweetness: Omit the caramel sauce or reduce the amount if you prefer it less sweet.
- Go Nut-Free: Skip the nuts or replace them with oats for a crunchy topping.
- Experiment with Spice: Add ginger or cloves for a slightly different spiced flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature – Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat the entire pan in a 350°F oven until heated.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: Make sure to use enough butter to cover the top evenly. It melts into the cake mix, creating that golden, crispy topping. If you don’t use enough, you’ll have dry, powdery spots.
- Choose Your Nuts (or Skip Them!): Pecan halves or pieces add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but they’re completely optional. If you’re not a fan of nuts or need a nut-free option, simply leave them out.
- Even Layers Are Key: Spread each ingredient layer as evenly as possible. This ensures the butter melts and bakes everything uniformly, so you get the perfect bite every time.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The caramel sauce adds richness, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Serve It Fresh: While it’s great reheated, this dessert is best served warm out of the oven with your favorite topping.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is as simple as it sounds—you just “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake. There’s no mixing or fuss, making it the ultimate easy dessert. Layers of fruit filling, dry cake mix, and butter bake into a dessert that’s like a mix between a cobbler and a cake. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for any occasion!
Dump Cake Recipes
- Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Apple Dump Cake
- Black Forest Dump Cake
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Try Apple Raisin Cake, Nobby Apple Cake, Apple Pie Egg Rolls, Apple Compote, Air Fryer Apples, and Copycat Taco Bell Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas.
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 2 cans apple pie filling about 4 – 5 cups
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅙ tsp allspice
- ¾ to 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Spread the pie filling on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over top.
- In a small bowl, mix together the spices. Sprinkle over top of the caramel apple mixture.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over top of the caramel apple mixture.
- Cut butter into thin squares and place evenly over top the cake mix. Make sure to not leave any large gaps.
- Top with pecan halves.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 minutes or until cake topping is golden brown.
- Served with whipped cream or ice cream. Tastes delicious hot or cold.
Video
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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It looks so yummy
Very easy to make, made with my toddler grandson! It was a big hit! Everyone loved it. I will definitely make this again!
Easy recipe! Little sweet for my taste, will modify and use 1 can unsweetened pie feeling and no caramel sauce.
I used a box of butter yellow cake mix. Next time I’ll cut the recipe in half. Turns out my kids don’t like fruit but my husband and I loved it!!!!
I like using brown sugar in my peach pie filling dump cake and I was wondering if I could still do so with this recipe? Or do you think using both the brown sugar AND caramel would be too much?
It would be very sweet, but if you like extra sweet, give it a try.
Very good
It was very good, not too sweet. Just right!!
This dump cake was delicious. Everyone loved it. Will definitely be served again.
Could you use fresh apples? With spices cooked down alittle?
I haven’t made it with fresh apples. You need to cook them first though or they’ll be crunchy in the cake.
Simply delicious. Made half recipe to take for Sunday School and everyone asked me to make another half for this Sunday. Great fall dump cake with apples and spices too
Amazingly delicious and easy! Thanks for such a yummy recipe. I made this for an impromptu after church social gathering tonight and everybody loved it! We topped it with Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell ice cream and it was a huge hit!
I love the way the pecans toasted on top and added another tasty crunchy element. This will be my new go to recipe for pot luck and last minute company dessert. I plan to stock my pantry with the cake mix and pie filling for future events. I’ve had other “dump cakes” before that were ok but this is one is out of this world good!
Have you thought about using a Spice Cake mix?
Yes, that’s really good, too!
Do you use “dry” cake mix (meaning straight out of the box) or do you make the cake mix up then pour it on top?
Use the dry cake mix straight from the box.