You know those days when you want something homemade, warm, and sweet, but the idea of peeling apples or dirtying five bowls makes you want to abandon ship and grab store-bought cookies?
Yeah. This is not that day. Today’s the perfect moment to create a luscious Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
No mixer. No fancy skills. No stress. It’s just you, a trusty baking dish, and a handful of comforting ingredients that practically bake themselves. And somehow? You still end up with something that tastes like your grandma spent all afternoon baking it from scratch.
I’ve baked a lot of apple dump cakes, and trust me, this one right here! It hits different. That buttery caramel melts right into the spiced apples, the cake mix bakes into this golden cobbler-like topping, and the whole thing feels like a hug from fall itself.
If you’re into dump cake recipes that actually taste homemade, stay right here. I’m walking you through it step by step.
What Makes This Caramel Apple Dump Cake So Good
As they bake, the caramels turn into warm, melty surprises tucked inside.
Every bite surprises you, some are cakey, some are soft, and then boom, sweet, buttery caramel hits. It’s the kind of thing people ask you how you made it so good.
Perfect for when you need dessert… like, now.
Whether it’s a last-minute gathering, a cozy Sunday night, or just a craving at 9PM, this recipe always ready to deliver the goods.
It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved.
Whether you’re 5 or 75, there’s something nostalgic and loveable about a warm apple dessert with caramel swirls baked in.
Minimal cleanup.
One baking dish. That’s it. You won’t be left with a pile of dirty bowls.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yellow cake mix: I like to use this because it’s the easiest way to get a fluffy, golden topping without any extra work.
- Apple pie filling: You can grab canned for convenience, it’s packed with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples that bring all the cozy vibes.
- Melted butter: I recommend pouring this over the top so the cake bakes up buttery and crisp. It’s best if you melt it just right, warm and pourable.
- Soft caramels: Maybe think of these as little surprise pockets of gooey sweetness hiding inside the cake. They’re totally worth it.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, something I always like to include for that extra comforting flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: I find cinnamon is the classic spice that makes the apple filling shine, it’s best if you use just enough to keep things balanced.
- Ground nutmeg: You can think of nutmeg as the quiet supporting actor here, adding just a hint of warmth without stealing the show.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Get your oven and pan ready
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick butter or spray love. This is your cake’s home, treat it well!
Step 2: Lay down the apple goodness
Pour those cans of apple pie filling right into the dish and spread them out evenly. Don’t rush, it’s the cozy, juicy foundation for everything else. You can drizzle the vanilla right here if you want.
Step 3: Sprinkle on the cozy spices
Dust the apples with your cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s like a mini escape to fall, no matter the season.
Step 4: Hide your caramel treasures
Now comes the fun part: press those soft caramels into the apple layer. They’ll melt into little gooey surprises that make every bite feel like a jackpot.
Step 5: Blanket with cake mix
Cover the whole thing with a layer of yellow cake mix. It’s going to look a little dry and crumbly right now, but trust me, this is the magic dust that turns into that golden, buttery topping we all love.
Step 6: Butter it up
Melt your butter until it’s perfectly pourable (warm, but not boiling). Then drizzle it over the cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible. This step is where the crunchy meets the gooey.
Step 7: Bake and smell the magic
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 50 minutes. You’re aiming for golden edges, a bubbling filling, and that unmistakable caramel-apple aroma that’ll have you sneaking tastes straight from the pan.
Step 8: The hardest part, waiting
After baking, give it a moment to cool and settle. Not too long, you want it warm, cozy, and just soft enough to scoop without falling apart. All that anticipation melts away with one perfect bite. Savor it!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring oven temperature and timing
Dump cakes look simple, but ovens can be tricky. Baking too hot can burn the top before the inside is ready, while too low means a soggy mess. Keep an eye on your oven, and don’t be afraid to check for bubbling and golden edges around 45 minutes.
Ignoring the size of the baking dish
Using a smaller or bigger dish than recommended can mess with baking times and texture. If you only have a smaller pan, reduce ingredients slightly; if bigger, expect it to bake faster and maybe get a thinner cake.
Forgetting to give your caramel a little prep
Sometimes soft caramels can clump or stick together. I like to unwrap them and toss them quickly in a bowl with a pinch of flour to keep them from melting into one big caramel blob. It helps them spread out and stay in gooey pockets.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Vanilla bean ice cream: Classic, creamy, and melts perfectly into every warm bite.
- A dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon: Simple but adds that light, fluffy touch.
- Drizzle of salted caramel sauce: Perfect for those who adore caramel and crave an extra dose of gooey delight.
- Crunchy candied pecans or walnuts: Adds a satisfying nutty contrast and extra texture.
- A hot cup of spiced chai or cinnamon Tea: the warm spices in your drink echo the cake’s cozy flavors.
- Fresh apple slices tossed in lemon juice: For a crisp, tart balance to all that sweet richness.
How to Store Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Cool completely before storing: Let the cake cool to room temp so it sets up nicely and avoids becoming mushy.
Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap: Keeps moisture in and prevents the cake from drying out.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days: The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers get even better (seriously!).
FAQs
How do you reheat apple dump cake?
The best way is to pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to warm it through without drying it out. If you have a bit more time, reheating it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes does wonders, especially if you want to keep that crispy top intact.
Can I make a dump cake without butter?
I recommend using it because it’s what creates that perfect golden, crispy topping and rich flavor. Without butter, the cake mix might bake up a little drier and less tender. If you’re avoiding butter, you can try substituting with melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil, just keep in mind the texture and taste might shift slightly.
What’s the best type of caramel to use?
Soft caramels work best because they melt easily and create those delightful gooey pockets. If you only have firmer caramels, chop them smaller or consider caramel bits made for baking. Avoid hard caramel candies as they won’t melt properly.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 2 cans 20 oz each apple pie filling
- 1 cup melted butter
- 16 soft caramels
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While it’s heating up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light brush of butter or a quick spray to prevent sticking, it’s like giving your cake a comfy home.
- Then, layer the apple pie filling smoothly in the dish, building a deliciously juicy base. If you want to add a little extra warmth, drizzle the vanilla over the apples before moving on.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg across the apple layer to add that cozy, inviting spice that makes this dessert so comforting.
- Now, tuck the soft caramels into the apples here and there. These little caramel nuggets will melt down during baking and turn into delightful gooey bites that make the cake extra special.
- Gently cover the apples and caramel with a smooth, consistent layer of cake mix. It’ll look dry and a bit crumbly at first, but this is what turns into the irresistible golden crust we all crave.
- Melt your butter just enough so it’s easy to pour, and drizzle it carefully over the cake mix, spreading it out as much as you can. This step is what creates the perfect crunchy-yet-moist topping.
- Set the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, the filling bubbles up, and your kitchen fills with that mouthwatering caramel-apple scent.
- Once out of the oven, let the cake sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This helps it set so you can scoop out warm, tender portions without it falling apart. Then, dig in and enjoy all those delicious layers!
Notes
- If you like things extra gooey, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half over the apples before topping with cake mix.
- Before baking, press the cake mix lightly with a spatula so it bakes evenly and crisps up nicely on top.
- For a tangy lift that balances the sweetness, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the apples.
