Cozy Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Fall Favorite You’ll Make Year-Round
Every time I make this caramel apple dump cake, my kitchen smells like a crisp autumn afternoon, and everyone gathers around the oven waiting for that first warm bite. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together with just a few ingredients, and the payoff is pure comfort in dessert form. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, a cozy movie night, or just craving something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers every single time.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Takes just minutes to assemble — no fancy baking skills required
- Uses simple pantry staples
- The combination of sweet apples, buttery cake, and gooey caramel is completely irresistible
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a special occasion
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix (you can use spice cake mix for extra autumn flavor!)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, but I love the added crunch)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional but highly recommended)
How I Make My Caramel Apple Dump Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Apples
I spread the apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Then, I sprinkle cinnamon over the apples for that warm, cozy flavor and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
3. Add the Cake Mix
Next, I sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layer. There’s no need to mix — just let it sit on top like a crumble.
4. Drizzle with Butter
I slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of it as possible. This helps it bake into a golden, buttery crust.
5. Optional Crunch
If I’m feeling fancy (and I usually am), I sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
6. Bake
I pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve Warm
Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool just slightly, then drizzle on a little extra caramel sauce and scoop it up with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s pure magic in every bite!
My Favorite Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- If you prefer a more tart flavor, use Granny Smith apple pie filling if you can find it.
- You can swap the caramel for dulce de leche for an even richer dessert.
- Spice cake mix gives it an extra layer of autumn spice — perfect for holidays.
- Don’t skimp on the ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold topping is everything!
What I Serve This With
- Hot apple cider or a warm cup of coffee
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist
- Cozy evenings, board game nights, or chilly weekends spent in good company
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble everything and bake right before serving. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
A: Absolutely. Just peel and slice fresh apples, toss with sugar and cinnamon, and use them in place of the canned filling.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm it up before serving.
Why This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Will Always Have a Place in My Recipe Box
I’ve made this cake for last-minute gatherings, family dinners, and even just a “treat yourself” night. The simplicity is what makes it special — it’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make something truly memorable. The sweet apples, buttery cake mix, and drizzle of caramel make every bite feel like a hug from grandma’s kitchen.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you served it or if you added your own twist!
Sweet & Simple Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Gooey Dessert You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 can apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apple pie filling.
- Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the apple pie filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the entire mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
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