Imagine layering juicy apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping into a dish that practically makes itself in the oven.
With just a few simple ingredients and almost no prep work, you can create a warm, gooey dessert that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors.
As the cake bakes and the caramel bubbles up around the edges, you’ll see how easy it is to whip up a treat that feels both comforting and irresistible.
Let’s get started on this delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 baking dish
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking the Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Begin by thoroughly reading the recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Measure out all the ingredients.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple pie filling.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the caramel and apple mixture.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt over the top.
- Cooking Time (45 minutes)
- Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple pie filling.
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the caramel and apple mixture.
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey cake.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the rich flavors of the caramel and apple.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon on top enhances the spiced notes in the dessert.
- Caramel Drizzle: Additional caramel sauce drizzled on top intensifies the sweet, buttery flavor.
Storage
Store the Caramel Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a warm, delicious treat.
Freezing
To freeze Caramel Apple Dump Cake, let it cool completely.
Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Caramel Apple Dump Cake, place a serving in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Ensuring it stays warm and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that’s both simple to make and delicious to eat.
With minimal preparation time, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks looking for a quick and satisfying treat.
The combination of apple pie filling and caramel sauce creates a rich and flavorful base, while the yellow cake mix and melted butter form a crispy, golden topping.
Make sure to let the cake rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Homemade Apple Pie Filling Instead of Store-Bought?
You can definitely use homemade apple pie filling. Make certain it’s thickened properly to maintain consistency. Use 6 cups in your dish. Adjust sugar or spices as needed to match your taste preferences, making certain a perfect balance.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. Confirm all other ingredients, including caramel sauce and apple pie filling, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What Can I Substitute for Caramel Sauce if I Don’t Have Any?
Substitute caramel sauce with 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Heat gently until combined. This mixture will thicken and provide a similar richness. Make certain it’s evenly distributed over the filling.
Can I Prepare the Dump Cake in Advance and Bake It Later?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, preheat the oven, remove the wrap, and follow baking instructions.
How Do I Prevent the Cake Mix From Clumping During Baking?
Guarantee even distribution by sifting the cake mix over the filling. Pour melted butter evenly, covering all dry areas. Use a spatula to gently level the surface. Uneven coverage causes clumping, so spread thoroughly for best results.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple pie filling.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the caramel and apple mixture.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.





