Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert featuring sweet apple pie filling topped with a golden, crisp yellow cake crust infused with warm spices and drizzled with luscious caramel. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- OR 5–6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (if using fresh)
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (if using fresh apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, optionally line the dish with foil, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later. Ensure the oven is fully preheated to guarantee a crisp topping and bubbling filling.
- Prepare the apples: If using canned apple pie filling, gently stir to evenly distribute syrup and apples. If using fresh apples, peel, core, and slice them into 1/4-inch slices. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until evenly coated. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.
- Layer the apple base: Spoon the apple pie filling or prepared fresh apples into the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread into an even layer and press down gently to create a mostly flat surface.
- Sprinkle the cake mix and spices: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the apples, creating a dry, even layer. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and optional nutmeg evenly on top. Gently tap the sides of the dish to help the dry mix settle into any gaps for a uniform crust.
- Add the caramel and melted butter: Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle it in a grid pattern over the cake mix. Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the surface, coating all areas without stirring. The butter will soak into the cake mix during baking, creating a crisp, golden topping.
- Bake and monitor: Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp, and the apples bubble around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil until the filling bubbles. Fresh apples may require an additional 8–10 minutes for tenderness.
- Rest, finish, and serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes so juices thicken. Drizzle extra warm caramel over the top if desired. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a deliciously gooey dessert experience.
Notes
- Using foil to line the dish makes cleanup easier and allows lifting the cake out intact.
- Ensure the oven reaches the full 350°F before baking to achieve the best texture.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar levels in the apple mixture to your preferred taste.
- If the topping browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to bubble.
- Resting the cake before serving helps thicken the filling for easier scooping.
- Fresh apple slices should be about 1/4 inch thick to get tender but retain shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel apple dump cake, easy dessert, apple dessert, dump cake recipe, fall dessert, caramel apple dessert
