When the craving for something warm, sweet, and comforting hits, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the recipe I reach for. It’s one of those no-fuss, foolproof desserts that comes together with minimal effort but tastes like you spent hours baking. Imagine tender, juicy apples swimming in gooey caramel, all tucked under a buttery, golden cake topping that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the center.

I love making this for casual family dinners, fall gatherings, or anytime I need a last-minute dessert that still feels indulgent and homemade. And the best part? It’s all about “dump, drizzle, and bake.” No mixing bowls, no complicated steps, just pure dessert magic.

Let me walk you through how I make this incredibly simple but decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Minimal prep time — just layer and bake!
• Perfect balance of sweet apples, rich caramel, and buttery cake
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream
• Customizable with nuts or extra spice

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 8-10 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Bake Time: 45 minutes)

• 2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling
• ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional but highly recommended!)

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Dump the Apples

Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apples and drizzle with caramel saucefor that irresistible gooey layer.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the apple filling — no stirring required! I love using spice cake mix when I want even more cozy, warm flavors.

4. Drizzle with Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. The butter will help transform the dry mix into that perfect crumbly, golden topping.

5. Add Crunch (Optional)

If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a bit of texture and nutty flavor.

6. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.

7. Serve Warm

Let it cool just slightly before serving — this dessert is best enjoyed warm. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

• Use a spice cake mix if you love bold fall flavors.
• Don’t stir! The magic happens when the cake mix and butter bake into a crusty topping over the apples.
• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, especially if your caramel is super rich.
• Serve immediately for that warm, gooey goodness. Leftovers reheat beautifully!

Fun Variations to Try

• Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a s’mores-inspired twist.
• Use cherry or peach pie filling for different fruity flavors.
• Swap caramel sauce for dulce de leche for a richer twist.
• Add a splash of bourbon to the apples for an adult-only version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time (without baking) and store it in the fridge. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
A: You can, but it requires cooking the apples down first with sugar and spices to get that soft pie-filling consistency.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Layer everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the top is set and golden.

A Sweet, Gooey Comfort Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is pure dessert comfort — warm, buttery, and so simple you’ll find yourself making it for every occasion (or no occasion at all!). Whether you serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or just enjoy it straight from the pan, every bite feels like a hug.

If you give it a try, let me know how you served it and if you added your own twist! Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy, caramel apple goodness.