Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an irresistible dessert that boasts the cozy flavors of fall with every bite. Combining sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling with rich layers of creamy caramel and a buttery yellow cake topping, this dessert manages to be both decadently indulgent and impossibly easy to make. Just a few simple ingredients come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for those of us who love baked treats without the fuss of complex steps.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Caramel Apple Dump Cake

I remember the first time I served Caramel Apple Dump Cake at a family gathering. It was a chilly autumn day, and everyone was craving something warm and comforting. As the cake baked, the luscious aroma filled the house, luring family members into the kitchen. When it emerged golden brown and bubbling from the oven, it was clear I’d hit the jackpot. Slices were devoured in minutes, and requests for the recipe flooded in. Trust me, when you bake this, you’ll understand why it has become a beloved recipe in my collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dessert can be whipped up in under an hour, so you won’t spend your whole day baking.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apple filling, gooey caramel, and cake creates a heavenly taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dessert looks impressive, making it perfect for gatherings without the hassle of intricate baking.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm for dessert or as a delightful afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt ingredients to suit dietary needs, such as using gluten-free cake mix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling: The star of the show. Using canned apple pie filling saves time and ensures gooey sweetness.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor, bringing comfort to each bite.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half: These chewy treats melt beautifully, forming a luscious caramel layer.
15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: For a quick and easy structure. Feel free to use any brand, or opt for a gluten-free version if desired.
1 cup butter, cut into ¼ inch thick pats: This ensures a rich and buttery topping that crisps up beautifully during baking.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later.
Mix apple mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well mixed.
Pour apple filling: Pour the apple filling mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly.
Layer the caramels: Scatter the halved caramels evenly over the apple filling, ensuring a caramel treat in every bite.
Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramels without mixing.
Top with butter: Place pats of butter across the entire surface, making sure to cover where the cake mix is.
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F, until the top is nicely browned and the edges are bubbly.
Cool slightly before serving: Allow the dessert to cool slightly, so the flavors meld together before serving warm.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to a day if it’s cool. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. Alternatively, freeze portions in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Just a heads-up: reheating may soften the topping a bit, so consider adding a scoop of ice cream to refresh the dessert’s appeal.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the apple filling—gently fold the cinnamon and nutmeg in to keep the flavors distinct.
Ensure your butter is cold and cut into evenly sized pats; this will help create that desired crispy top layer.
If you want more caramel flavor, consider drizzling additional melted caramel on top before serving.
For a touch of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts along with the cake mix for an added texture contrast.
If you’re planning to serve the dump cake later, bake it a little less to keep it slightly underdone; it will continue to cook in the oven while cooling.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delicious, warm dessert that’s effortless to make and sure to please. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy family night or bringing it to a potluck, this cake is bound to be the star of any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations like adding dried fruits or a mix of spices—make it your own! Enjoy every gooey, sweet morsel.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling will add a fresh, customized flavor to your dump cake. Just make sure to prepare it with similar sweetness to maintain the balance of flavors.

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Yes, you can! To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then slice it into pieces and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy a warm slice any time you crave it!

How do I make this dessert gluten-free?

Swapping out the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix is the easiest way to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free, including the caramel candies.

What can I serve with Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche to balance the sweetness and add a creamy texture. It’s delicious either way, warm or chilled!

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Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful mix of apple pie filling, rich caramels, and a buttery cake that bakes to perfection. Perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners, it is an irresistible dessert that is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
1 cup butter, cut into ¼ inch thick pats

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly.
Arrange the halved caramels on top of the apple filling. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the caramels.
Place the butter pats evenly across the top of the dessert.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling.
Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts on top before baking.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.