Description

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert that combines sweet apple pie filling with a crumbly cake topping and decadent caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings, it requires minimal prep and bakes into a warm, comforting treat topped with rich butter, caramel, and optional nuts or oats for added texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Topping and Caramel

1 15.25-ounce box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
1 11-ounce bag caramel bits OR 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative)
3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced

Optional Add-ins

0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Apple Filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then stir lightly to evenly distribute the spices.
Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling without stirring, creating an even layer over the apples.
Melt Soft Caramels (if using): If you are using soft caramels instead of caramel bits, melt them in the microwave with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and pourable.
Top with Caramel and Add-ins: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and oats on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Add Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top of the cake mix and caramel. The butter will melt and soak into the topping while baking.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best experience, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the microwave gently.
Use yellow or spice cake mix based on your flavor preference; spice adds warmth sometimes preferred in fall desserts.
Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
If using soft caramels, melting with cream ensures a smooth drizzle over the cake.
Adding oats gives extra texture and a rustic feel but is optional.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, caramel apple dessert, simple dump cake recipe, fall dessert, apple cinnamon cake