Grab a plate and silverware and dive right into this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake. A tender and moist spiced cake with tender apples throughout topped with nuts and a caramel drizzle that is the perfect amount of sweetness. Add a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream and you have a straightforward dessert is crowd worthy.
It’s not the most glamorous name for a dessert, but it sure tastes good! While it might not be glamorous by name, the steps to making it couldn’t get any easier.
I have been making dump cakes for years, and this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is one of my family favorites. We love eating it with a scoop of ice cream, so the hot cake melts down the ice cream a bit, it is divine. Adding in the spices to the cake mix really gives it a more homemade flavor I think that sets it apart from other dump cake recipes.
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Where to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake
My caramel apple dump cake recipe is great for whipping up for unexpected guests, family gatherings, potlucks, summer BBQs and more. There is never a wrong time to make a dump cake in my opinion.
What Is A Dump Cake
Dump Cakes are one of the simplest desserts you can make. It’s literally just “dumping” the ingredients into a baking pan – no mixing, sifting, beating or anything fancy. The ingredients all bake together in the oven, and the result is pure decadence!
I have an ample amount of cake mixes in my pantry from a sale I took advantage of earlier this year. I’ve been using them up in the form of cake mix cookies and dump cakes. One of my favorite recipes is Caramel Apple Dump Cake. It’s made with butter pecan cake mix, apple pie filling, and some caramel sundae sauce. Add a few spices and some pecans, and you have a fantastic dessert to delight your family’s sweet tooth.
Other Favorite Dump Cake Recipes to Try
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
I’m waiting for a sale on the pie fillings, and I’ll be stocking up with a bunch. I had some apple pie filling leftover in my pantry to use for this recipe. I used two cans to cover the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan. You get that perfect ratio of cake to tender apple bits in every single bite.
Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Butter | It’s important to make sure you use enough butter on top. It will cook and brown the cake mix. If you don’t have enough, you’ll be left with a few powdery parts that don’t appear prepared.
- Nuts| This option is something you can skip or choose to do. I used pecan halves because it is what I had in my pantry. You could use pecan pieces or leave them off if you prefer. The nuts add the perfect amount of crunch and nutty flavor. But, if you want, feel free to skip over nuts entirely.
- Spread Evenly | Make sure with a dump cake you work at spreading each layer of ingredients evenly. You want to make sure as the butter melts over the cake mix, it can bake evenly. So with each layer of filling, cake mix, caramel, and butter it is all evenly spread over the cake.
Caramel + apples is a perfect match! I plan to make a few more dump cake variations to use up the rest of my cake mixes.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Spread apple pie filling on the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
In a bowl, stir together cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Sprinkle over the apple mixture.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the mixture in the pan. If you can’t find Butter Pecan cake mix, use yellow cake mix instead.
Cut the butter into thin squares and place evenly on top. Do not leave large gaps.
Top with pecan halves.
Put in the oven at 350F to bake for 50 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
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Does A Dump Cake Need to Be Refrigerated
Yes! You can serve your dump cake hot, but once it has cooled down, it does need to be refrigerated. The reason being is you have pie filling in your cake; it will spoil if left out on the counter. Now toss in the fridge and eat the rest cold, or just warm it up in the microwave for that fresh out of the oven taste.
What is the Difference Between a Dump Cake and a Cobbler?
The difference between a dump cake and cobbler are slightly different. A cobbler has a streusel topping whereas a dump cake is mainly cake with pie filling. They get mixed up, because they both are a cake-like dessert that generally has fruit.
Can You Freeze Dump Cake
You will find that there will be a slight texture change to a frozen dump cake, but the flavors will taste the same. Just allow the dump cake to cool, and then store in the freezer properly for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Once you try a dump cake, I don’t think you will ever look back! It is the perfect way to dress up a box cake mix, to give it that homemade feel and taste. You can play around with flavors, and they are so easy to whip up and toss in the oven.
You’ll also love this Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake and Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
Have you ever tried a Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
A simple recipe for Caramel Apple Dump cake made with butter pecan cake mix and apple pie filling!
Ingredients
- 1 box of Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- 2 cans Apple Pie Filling (about 4 – 5 cups)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 3/4 to 1 cup butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Spread the pie filling on the bottom of a greased 9×13 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 350F oven for 50 minutes or until cake topping is golden brown.
- Served with whipped cream or ice cream. Tastes delicious hot or cold.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 pieceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 1089Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 21.5gUnsaturated Fat: 23.7gCholesterol: 82.6mgSodium: 829.2mgCarbohydrates: 166.5gFiber: 4.9gSugar: 63.7gProtein: 7g
margaret Watson says
can’t wait to make this..will add spices into the carmel
Suzy Ellis says
looks good and simple
Holly Mullins says
Can you put the ingredients together the day before and bake it the next day?
Stacie says
Yes, you can. Just store it in the fridge till you are ready to bake.
Molly McRae says
Hi, I am wondering if caramel topping is the same as caramel sauce?? What type do you use?? I know the syrup isn’t the same. Thanks!!!
Stacie says
I’ve used regular caramel sundae sauce and also made my own caramel too! Whatever you have and your preference is.
Sundae sauce: https://www.smuckers.com/products/ice-cream-topping/sundae-syrup-flavored-syrups/caramel
Homemade: https://www.simplystacie.net/2018/08/caramel-sauce/
Lori Ingram says
Does this need to be refrigerated after cooking
Stacie says
Yes, store any uneaten cake in the fridge. You can microwave it when you are ready to eat it so it’s nice and warm.
Helen Jones says
My box mix says it has pudding in the cake mix, will this change or hurt this recipe?
Stacie says
It should be ok!
Jenny says
I just bought all the ingredients to make this tonight! Can I drizzle caramel over the top too (in addition to the caramel inside), before baking ? I wonder if it will help the top stay moist, or will it burn, you think? Thanks!! Looking forward to trying it 🙂
Stacie says
Good question! My concern would be that it might burn on the top in the oven. I hope you love it!
Cheryl says
Do we need to use salted or unsalted butter?
Stacie says
I used salted butter, but if you only have unsalted butter, that should be fine!
Billie says
Someone ask if putting Caramel on top before baking. I was responding to that question & my comment. If you put caramel on top before baking it would burn or get too hard of a crunch baking it on top also. Although I think as soon as you get out of oven or a few minute just to melt would be really good addition. I am going to make this for sure. I could see using other fruit pie mixes also!
Jenny says
Just made this but in two brownie pans so I can have a whole one later for the family. I am going to add carmel on the top after it comes out of the oven and add salt. I love salted caramel. I added salt to the middle section of carmel also. So can’t wait to eat this tonight.
Angie says
JENNY.. I was shopping for these ingredients last night and found SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE!! As you suggested adding salt to the caramel sauce, I think this particular sauce would be a wonderful way to get the taste you are looking for
Terry Hauck says
Man that was great!! Couldn’t find Butter Pecan cake mix so I used Yellow. Tasty, crunchy, sweet and just delicious. Thanks.
CCB says
I am cutting recipe in half, how long should I bake it for.?
Stacie says
I would check it at 30 minutes and see what it looks like.