Dessert

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

ByLuna Ryder January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert that combines the warm flavors of apple pie with sweet caramel and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a comforting treat everyone will love.

A close-up of a dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden cake with a soft texture, topped by a thick yellowish fruit filling. Above that is a crumbly brown streusel layer with a slightly crunchy texture. On top, a white scoop of ice cream is placed, drizzled with shiny caramel sauce that also flows over the streusel and cake, pooling on the plate. A silver fork lies next to the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly on top of the apples.
Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layers. Do not stir or mix.
Step 4: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If using, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for added warmth and flavor.
Step 5: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Step 6: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier topping, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before pouring the butter.
Substitute pear or peach pie filling for a tasty variation.
If you prefer a spiced flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.

Storage

Store any leftover caramel apple dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. Enjoy it slightly warm for best flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dessert featuring three main layers: the bottom layer is a moist, yellow cake with a soft texture, the middle layer is a gooey, translucent apple filling showing bits of cooked apple pieces, and the top layer is a crumbly golden-brown streusel with a rough texture. This is topped with a smooth, round scoop of creamy white ice cream with visible soft texture and drizzled with glossy caramel sauce that runs down over the ice cream and streusel, pooling slightly on the white plate below. A silver fork rests at the plate’s edge, and the background shows a soft, blurred white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dump cake a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the pie filling and caramel sauce are gluten-free as well.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

Author: Luna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake combines sweet apple pie filling and rich caramel sauce with a simple yellow cake mix topping. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a quick, delicious treat. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s decadently satisfying and fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Layer

2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Cake Topping

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Serving (Optional)

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Assemble Fruit Layer: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apple layer to add rich sweetness.
Add Cake Topping: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel mixture. Do not stir; this topping will bake into a crisp golden crust.
Incorporate Butter and Spices: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix to moisten it and help create a luscious texture. If using, sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top for added warmth and flavor.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling enthusiastically.
Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Notes

For a crunchier topping, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.
To make it dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and use a dairy-free caramel sauce.
This dessert can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated gently before serving.
If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top when serving.
Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a nice complementary spice to the apples and caramel.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple dessert, dump cake recipe, easy apple cake, fall dessert, quick apple dessert

Luna Ryder

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