If you’re looking for a dessert that brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall into one simple dish, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s a hands-off, easy-to-assemble treat bursting with tender apples, warm pumpkin pie spice, and buttery cake topped with rich caramel syrup—a perfect balance of sweet and spiced that’s absolutely irresistible. One bite and you’ll understand why this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a unique element that creates the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the juicy apple pie filling to the buttery cake topping, every component plays a starring role.
- 24 ounce cans of apple pie filling: Provides the tender, spiced apple base full of sweetness and fruitiness.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Adds a cozy, warm spice blend that complements the apples beautifully.
- â…” cup caramel syrup: Brings a luscious, sticky sweetness that swirls throughout for extra decadence.
- 15.25 ounce white cake mix: Creates a soft, cakey topping that bakes up golden and tender.
- 1 cup salted butter: Melts into the cake mix for a rich, buttery crust with perfect crispness.
- Cold vanilla ice cream (optional garnish): Offers a cool and creamy contrast that elevates each warm bite.
- Caramel sauce (optional garnish): An extra drizzle to amp up sweetness and make each serving extra special.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking pan and apple filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan, laying the juicy foundation for this delightful dump cake.
Step 2: Spice it up
Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice evenly over the apple filling. This step is where the warm, inviting aroma really starts to build and gives the cake that signature autumn flavor you know and love.
Step 3: Add luscious caramel syrup
Drizzle the caramel syrup over the spiced apples, then gently swirl it into the filling with a spatula. The goal is a marbled effect, so don’t mix too much—this keeps pockets of rich caramel throughout the cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cake mix
Open the box of white cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel-apple layer. This dry topping will soak up butter as it bakes, creating the perfect soft yet crunchy topping contrast.
Step 5: Distribute the butter
Cut the salted butter sticks into small squares—about 12 pieces per stick—and place them evenly across the cake mix. As the butter melts, it will moisten the dry mix, forming a golden, tender crust over the filling.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, checking for a golden-brown top. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle and makes it easier to cut beautiful slices. Serve warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Vanilla ice cream is a classic favorite because its creamy smoothness balances the cake’s warmth and caramel sweetness beautifully. For an extra indulgent treat, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to make it part of a fall-themed dinner, pair it with a cup of rich hot cider or a dollop of whipped cream. For savory pairings, try it alongside cinnamon-spiced roasted pork or grilled chicken to carry the autumn theme through the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in rustic oven-safe ramekins for individual portions, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Layering it in clear glass trifle bowls creates a stunning visual display with the distinct layers visible, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to four days. Before serving again, bring it back to room temperature or warm slightly to revive that soft texture.
Freezing
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe freezes well! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole pan in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Top with fresh ice cream or caramel sauce after warming for best results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh apples, peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice before layering. Keep in mind that fresh apples may release more juice, so you might want to adjust baking time slightly.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice handy, you can easily make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. This blend will maintain that warm, autumnal flavor that’s key to this cake.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can make this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and finding a vegan white cake mix. Some caramel syrups may contain dairy, so look for dairy-free versions to keep it fully vegan.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! A yellow or spice cake mix can be great alternatives and bring slightly different flavor profiles. Just be sure to use about the same quantity and adjust the butter distribution to get that perfect crust.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and crisp, and you can test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean, though the moist apple filling might stick a little. If the edges brown too fast, tent with foil as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels fancy but comes together in almost no time. It’s perfect for entertaining, family dinners, or lazy weekends when you want something sweet and soothing with minimal fuss. I hope you try it soon and find it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert featuring layers of apple pie filling, warm caramel, and spiced pumpkin pie flavors topped with a buttery white cake mix crust. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection and best served warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 24 ounce cans of apple pie filling
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- â…” cup caramel syrup
Topping
- 15.25 ounce white cake mix
- 1 cup salted butter (cut into 12 squares)
Optional Garnish
- Cold vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan using cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan to form the base layer.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice evenly over the apple pie filling, enhancing the dessert with warm autumnal flavors.
- Drizzle Caramel: Evenly drizzle the caramel syrup across the spiced apple filling. Lightly swirl the caramel into the filling with a spatula, taking care not to fully mix it in, to maintain distinct layers of flavor.
- Apply Cake Mix: Open the white cake mix package and sprinkle it uniformly over the caramel and apple layer, creating the top layer of the dessert.
- Add Butter: Cut the cold salted butter into approximately 12 small squares. Distribute these butter pieces evenly over the sprinkled cake mix, which helps create a rich, golden crust during baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top cake layer turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through.
- Prevent Burning: If you notice the edges browning too quickly before the center is done, tent the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- For best results, do not fully mix the caramel syrup into the apple filling; light swirling creates a better texture and flavor contrast.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the caramel syrup slightly or use a low-sugar apple pie filling.
- Ensure butter is evenly distributed on top for a consistent golden crust.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a quality store-bought to maximize flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
