Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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This caramel apple dump cake recipe is not only mouth-watering but it’s one of the easiest recipes for dump cakes around. It’s dripping with gooey caramel and combined with warm tender apples for the perfect fall treat. 

 

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

I’ve always been a fan of caramel and nothing quite goes as well with caramel as apples. Fortunately, this caramel apple dump cake couldn’t be easier to make and is the perfect fall dessert. All you need is a butter cake mix, two cans of apple pie filling, caramel, butter, and cinnamon (of course). Simply “dump” the ingredients in a pan, bake it, and you have yourself a deliciously easy caramel apple dump cake.

I love that it’s so simple to make yet tastes so good. It’s basically the perfect cross between an apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp. The sweet caramel and tender cinnamon apple slices, combined with the flavorful butter-topped cake, are a match made in heaven. Serve your dump cake on its own or with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You know which option I’m choosing, right?

I’m a big fan of dump cake recipes because they’re quick, easy, and delicious. If you’re in the mood to try a different flavored dump cake, check out my cherry pineapple dump cake and my peach dump cake. You can’t go wrong with any of these dessert recipes.

What You’ll Need to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake ingredients

Ingredients:
  • yellow cake mix
  • apple pie filling
  • cinnamon
  • allspice
  • caramel baking bits
  • butter

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Prepare cake batterBegin by mixing up your cake mix according to package directions.

Prepare baking pan

 

Prepare a 3-quart baking dish (or 9X13 cake pan) by spraying with non-stick spray.

Add apples and spices to a bowlDump both cans of apples into a bowl and add spices.

Spread apple mixture in panStir to coat and pour in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

sprinkle apples with caramelSprinkle caramel bits on top.

pour cake mix on top of apples and caramel bitsNow pour that prepared cake mix on top of the caramel apple mixture. 

dot cake mix with butterSlice an entire stick of butter into pats and arrange over top of the mix.

sprinkle top with cinnamonSprinkle with a wee bit more cinnamon, if you like. Or add a bit of nutmeg to spice things up.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake bakedBake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown.

serve Caramel Apple Dump cake with vanilla ice creamServe warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake with added caramel sauce

Adding caramel sauce takes this over the top!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake ready to serveThere you have it! The best caramel apple dump cake that will ever cross your lips. Enjoy!

 

 

Storage

  • Store your cake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
  • Alternatively, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat either in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven.

Recipe Notes

  • Instead of caramel baking bits, you can use 1 1/2 cups of caramel squares, cut in half.
  • If you want to take the time to use fresh apples instead of the canned apple pie filling, use a baking apple like Granny Smith Apples and chop them into very small cubes. You need about 6 cups of chopped apple pieces.
  • Serve your dump cake warm, at room temperature, or even cold. 
  • Before you pour over the cake mix, add nuts to your dump cake. Opt for chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or peanuts.
  • If you want a softer topping, you can drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, instead of using butter slices.
  • Add some salt to the apple and caramel mixture to make a salted caramel apple dump cake.
  • Instead of cinnamon and allspice, use apple pie spice.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for my caramel apple dump cake?

Absolutely! Yellow cake mix is what I use, but others have recommended spice cake mix, white cake mix, and vanilla cake mix. But choose whatever your heart desires. If you opt for the spice version, you may want to omit the cinnamon in this recipe so it isn’t too overpowering.

Can I make my dump cake in the crockpot?

Yes, you can make this dump cake recipe in the slow cooker! Simply layer the cake as you would in a baking pan and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Can I make this dump cake recipe in advance?

Yes, you can store your baked cake, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or the entire cake in a 350-degree oven.

Fellow caramel lovers, check out these recipes:

Chocolate Caramel Apples

Caramel Apple Cheesecake (Unbelievably Blissful)

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Caramel Banana Pie (AKA Easy Banoffee Pie)

Caramel Apple Cake from Mama Reed

Recipe for Caramel Corn (Great Snack or Gift)

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake includes sweet caramel, tender warm apples, and a flavorful butter-topped cake for a perfect dessert trio.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake
Servings: 4
Calories: 323kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling 21 oz each
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon If you are using a spice cake mix might want to decrease the cinnamon a bit.
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits
  • 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer) prepared
  • 1 stick of butter
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
  • Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Prepare cake mix according to package directions, set aside.
    1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
  • In a mixing bowl, mix together apple pie filling, allspice and cinnamon.
    2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice
  • Spoon into a greased 3-quart baking dish or a 9x13 cake pan.
  • Top with caramel bits and then yellow cake mix. Smooth until it covers the caramels evenly.
    1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits, 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
  • Cut butter into slices and cover the entire yellow cake mix. Don't be afraid to use more! Sprinkle with more cinnamon and nutmeg to spice things up!
    1 stick of butter, Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)
  • Bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce!
    Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

 

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56 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! I didn’t change a thing except for the caramel. I couldn’t find the caramel bits except on Amazon (bigger packages) so I went with the caramels. Unwrapping and cutting them in half was a real pain and some didn’t melt. I wondered if caramel sauce would work but I just reread the reviews and saw that another reviewer did this. Next time, that’s what I will do. Ice cream on top would be great, too.

  2. can you use carmel candies instead i have not seen carmel chips also can you use fresh apples instead of pie filling and how would you do this

  3. I definitely want to try the caramel apple dump cake. I’ve never made this one before. It sounds so yummy!! I’ve never seen the caramel bits before at our store, what would be a good substitute?

  4. I have wanted to try this caramel apple dump cake for awhile.
    I recently found a can of caramel apple pie filling at my local grocery store (1 less ingredient to purchase). I actually bought it to make fried pies but I may have to change that plan to make this dump cake!!

  5. 5 stars
    I love dump cake recipes, especially since hubby seems to inhale them so quick & then I have nothing left to serve my friends when they show up. But that’s O.K. because I always get cake mixes on sale & stock up on them along w/canned fruit, frozen fruit & fresh fruit so I can always make a quick dessert.
    I made this caramel-apple dump cake but the store had run out of caramel bits. They DID have Smuckers salted caramel sauce on sale & so used 1/2 cup poured over the apple mix & it was so very good!!! I also served it w/ whipped cream and a drizzle of about a tsp of the salted caramel sauce.

    GREAT dump cake recipe!

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