Caramel Apple Dump Cake
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This caramel apple dump cake recipe is not only mouth-watering but it’s one of the easiest recipes for dump cakes around. It’s dripping with gooey caramel and combined with warm tender apples for the perfect fall treat.
I’ve always been a fan of caramel and nothing quite goes as well with caramel as apples. Fortunately, this caramel apple dump cake couldn’t be easier to make and is the perfect fall dessert. All you need is a butter cake mix, two cans of apple pie filling, caramel, butter, and cinnamon (of course). Simply “dump” the ingredients in a pan, bake it, and you have yourself a deliciously easy caramel apple dump cake.
I love that it’s so simple to make yet tastes so good. It’s basically the perfect cross between an apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp. The sweet caramel and tender cinnamon apple slices, combined with the flavorful butter-topped cake, are a match made in heaven. Serve your dump cake on its own or with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You know which option I’m choosing, right?
I’m a big fan of dump cake recipes because they’re quick, easy, and delicious. If you’re in the mood to try a different flavored dump cake, check out my cherry pineapple dump cake and my peach dump cake. You can’t go wrong with any of these dessert recipes.
What You’ll Need to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- yellow cake mix
- apple pie filling
- cinnamon
- allspice
- caramel baking bits
- butter
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Begin by mixing up your cake mix according to package directions.
Prepare a 3-quart baking dish (or 9X13 cake pan) by spraying with non-stick spray.
Dump both cans of apples into a bowl and add spices.
Stir to coat and pour in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle caramel bits on top.
Now pour that prepared cake mix on top of the caramel apple mixture.
Slice an entire stick of butter into pats and arrange over top of the mix.
Sprinkle with a wee bit more cinnamon, if you like. Or add a bit of nutmeg to spice things up.
Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Adding caramel sauce takes this over the top!
There you have it! The best caramel apple dump cake that will ever cross your lips. Enjoy!
Storage
- Store your cake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
- Alternatively, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat either in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven.
Recipe Notes
- Instead of caramel baking bits, you can use 1 1/2 cups of caramel squares, cut in half.
- If you want to take the time to use fresh apples instead of the , use a baking apple like Granny Smith Apples and chop them into very small cubes. You need about 6 cups of chopped apple pieces.
- Serve your dump cake warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
- Before you pour over the cake mix, add nuts to your dump cake. Opt for chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or peanuts.
- If you want a softer topping, you can drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, instead of using butter slices.
- Add some salt to the apple and caramel mixture to make a salted caramel apple dump cake.
- Instead of cinnamon and allspice, use apple pie spice.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for my caramel apple dump cake?
Absolutely! Yellow cake mix is what I use, but others have recommended spice cake mix, white cake mix, and vanilla cake mix. But choose whatever your heart desires. If you opt for the spice version, you may want to omit the cinnamon in this recipe so it isn’t too overpowering.
Can I make my dump cake in the crockpot?
Yes, you can make this dump cake recipe in the slow cooker! Simply layer the cake as you would in a baking pan and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Can I make this dump cake recipe in advance?
Yes, you can store your baked cake, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or the entire cake in a 350-degree oven.
Fellow caramel lovers, check out these recipes:
Caramel Apple Cheesecake (Unbelievably Blissful)
Caramel Banana Pie (AKA Easy Banoffee Pie)
Caramel Apple Cake from Mama Reed
Recipe for Caramel Corn (Great Snack or Gift)
Ingredients
- 2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon If you are using a spice cake mix might want to decrease the cinnamon a bit.
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer) prepared
- 1 stick of butter
- Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
- Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions, set aside.1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
- In a mixing bowl, mix together apple pie filling, allspice and cinnamon.2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice
- Spoon into a greased 3-quart baking dish or a 9x13 cake pan.
- Top with caramel bits and then yellow cake mix. Smooth until it covers the caramels evenly.1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits, 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer)
- Cut butter into slices and cover the entire yellow cake mix. Don't be afraid to use more! Sprinkle with more cinnamon and nutmeg to spice things up!1 stick of butter, Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)
- Bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce!Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Oh my goodness, a CARAMEL apple dump cake! Does it get any better than this? I most definitely will be making this! Thanks, Christy.
Christy don’t you just love those Kraft Caramel Baking Bits! They make life so much easier! This sounds yummy, but I do believe I agree with Nancy’s hubby, I’m gonna have to try it dry. Yes, the taste of dry cake mix with real butter is just heaven. It bakes up so crunchy and sweet!
They really do Daphne!! Let me know what you think when you try it!!
Oh my, does this Apple caramel dump cake look delicious??? Wish I had a big slice right now…..this will go good as it gets colder and a good cup of coffee…thanks for this recipe ….and the others look good also….l
It does pair well with coffee!!
Christy,
Would this recipe work if you DIDN’T prepare the cake mix according to package directions?
My favorite “dump” cake recipe calls for cherry pie filling & crushed pineapple, topped with the DRY cake mix, followed by a stick of melted butter being drizzled all over that. Usually sliced almonds are sprinkled on before baking.
I ask because my husbands LOVES the ‘crunchier’ (as opposed to cake like) topping of this standby recipe.
Vanilla ice cream is a must!
Thanks for any input you might have on this.
It absolutely works fine that way and I love that kind of dump cake, too!!! The flavor of the dry cake mix when mixed with that melted butter is just DIVINE!
Confusing to read. Also, never says what size can of apples to use. Please be more specific!
Hey Carolynn,
This is the first time I’ve ever heard from you so thanks! I always love it when people take time to stop and visit with me. I added the can size into the post, thanks for pointing that out. I’ve never seen any size variety in apple pie filling where I live so I didn’t think about that. If there is anything else that is confusing please let me know and I’d be happy to help.
Have a great day and hope to see you in the comments again!
Hey Carolynn, me again 🙂 I just went over the recipe again and realized I had posted it in my original shorthand version and not expounded upon the directions like I usually do before sharing with the public. I’ve fixed it now and appreciate your letting me know!
I was just thinking, the pie fillings I have seen in grocery stores in my town are all the same size, too. I just canned pints of fresh apple pie filling. I’m going to try it with that!! Wish me luck!
Can this be made in the crockpot?
I think it would do very well in the crock pot but I don’t know the exact time, I’m afraid 🙂
I’m confused. Directions with the pictures say to mix cake mix by pkg. directions and you bake in 8 x 8 pan. Will that not overflow. In the card you print out – it doesn’t say to mix the cake by pkg. directions
Cathy, I’m so sorry. I usually write up my recipes in my own little short hand and have had such a busy week that this one slipped by and I didn’t add some of the specifics when posting it. Give me just a second and I’ll have it modified.
Hi Christy! My name is Cherisse and i live in Milw, Wisconsin. I think you may have saved my position as ” Mom’s Personal Baker”.
This recipe has everything she loves…. Caramel, apples,yellow or lemon cake & vanilla ice cream. I’m going to try it for her & her caregiver today with hopes it’ll save me from getting the boot I’ll let you know how it turned out.
I can’t wait to hear how they like it Cherisse!!
Hello, I was wondering if I could use Kraft Carmel’s instead of the bits? I know I will have to cut them into smaller pieces if I can use them. Thanks.
This was yummy, and I made it twice before I decided to try it with a spice cake mix. Now I make your recipe, but substitute the spice cake for the yellow cake. Thanks so much for all your fantastic recipes and the smiles thst go with them!
I am so glad you like it Cheryl!! Great idea on using a spice mix!
Got some fresh apples, is it possible to do it with those instead of canned?
You sure can! And we have a post in line of how to prepare apples for baking but for now here is a link to an informative article https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/best-apples-to-bake-with. Enjoy!
Hi Alison yes, indeed! Am working on a post to show how to prepare fresh apples for baking (just not enough hours in the day) but generally I just toss them in a bit of lemon juice to keep from browning but other than that you should be good to go. Also found this link from Betty Crocker that may help as well. https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/best-apples-to-bake-with
Hi I have been checking your recipes for the banana pudding cheesecake recipe! But I can not find it, looked throughout to no avail. I would like to try it!
This is a keeper! I’m going to save this recipe to make for Thanksgiving. Cannot wait!
Oh am so glad! It is a great Thanksgiving addition 🙂
A dump cake is one that doesn’t require the cake mix to be prepared like baking a cake. While I might make this caramel apple NOT dump cake, it is a recipe for a cake but it is not a DUMP cake which is typically ingredients dumped from the can or container just as they are not mixed and assembled which is just a recipe.