Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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Gooey and scrumptious! This Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe has all the fall flavors and is so easy to prepare. Such an easy recipe, only 5 main ingredients! The fruit mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with dry cake mix is the perfect fall desserts.

Easy apple dump cake is the easiest dessert and when you’re in the mood for a classic American dessert, this apple pie dump cake combines familiar flavors with a twist that makes it brand new! My family loves to eat it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Try these other easy dump cake recipes; pumpkin dump cake, chocolate cherry dump cake and this luscious lemon dump cake.

What is a Dump Cake?

Dump cake usually consists of one or two fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned) placed in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Dry cake mix is sprinkled over the fruit layer, and melted butter is drizzled on top or in my case, pats of butter laid on top that slowly melt into the dry cake mix.

Simple Ingredients

For the full list of ingredients and instructions see the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

• Apples | I use Duncan Hines Simply Filling for a more natural pie filling. You can also simmer chopped, fresh apples with water, sugar, and cinnamon. Or try using my friend Julie’s homemade apple pie filling, make sure to cool to room temperature.
• Vanilla Cake | Trader Joe’s Vanilla Cake Mix is my go-to for this dessert because of its natural flavors. Try other cake mixes too; yellow cake mix, white cake mix, or a different cake mix.
• Caramels | My favorites are Werthers because they melt beautifully and are easy to find. You could certainly use another brand if you’d like. Warm a knife under hot water, wipe and cut in half.
• Butter |  Always use real butter in your baking for superior flavor and texture!
• Spices |  A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhance the fruit flavor and pair nicely with the caramel! You can also use apple pie spice mix or Pumpkin pie spice mix.
• Pecans | The nuts are optional, but I love their flavor and added crunch in this recipe!

How to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 casserole baking dish.

Mix apple pie filling and spices in a medium bowl. Pour apple filling it into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.

Unwrap and cut the caramels in half, then place in a single layer on top of the filling.

Then, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over everything! If you would like to add nuts, add them here.

Add pats of butter over the top of the cake mix, keeping them evenly dispersed.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes, until golden brown, then cool for a few minutes before serving.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream with each slice. (I won’t tell if you add a little whipped cream too!)

Variations

• This caramel apple dump cake is also delicious with a spice cake mix or butter pecan mix.
• Walnuts or almonds are a great substitute for the pecans. Or better yet, use a mixture!
• Instead of individual caramels, drizzle about ½ cup of salted caramel sauce over the top. My Salted Caramel Bourbon Vanilla Sauce would be equally as scrumptious.
• Top with different ice creams; caramel ice cream and cinnamon ice cream would be fabulous.

Lighter Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

• Reduce butter by half, most of my recipes only use one stick, but this one I wanted to be extra buttery, caramel-y and rich!
• Omit the caramels, or use only half.
• Instead of pie filling, slice 3-4 fresh apples thinly or chop small and toss with 2 tablespoons cake mix, the spices, then lay in pan and proceed. Bake until apples are tender.

Crock Pot Dump Cake

• Place first 4 ingredients in order listed in the regular recipe into a sprayed 4-6 quart crockpot. Stir gently to mix, add caramels to top.
• If desired, melt the butter (easily reduce by half) and stir together with cake mix, spoon buttered cake mix evenly over the top of the caramel apple mixture.
• Place a clean tea towel over the top of the crock to absorb any steam, then cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.

How do you store apple dump cake?

After cooling completely, this delicious dessert can be stored on the counter, covered up to 3 days. Refrigerated up to 7 days and frozen up to 3 months.

REHEAT | If frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator, then place desired amount or entire casserole dish in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You may also heat individual slices in the microwave in short 20-30 second bursts until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Gluten-Free Dump Cake

Choose your favorite gluten-free cake mix and dump away! Make sure your apple pie filling is gluten-free and you are all set!

Dairy-Free Dump Cake

Ensure sure your cake mix and apple pie filling and caramels are all vegan, replace the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil and bake away.

I love this delicious cake, you will too! A cozy dessert, that assembles in less than 15 minutes! If you tried it be sure to give it a 5 star rating and comment below the recipe.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

• Best Oreo Dessert Pudding (No Cool Whip)
• The Best Easy No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe (Magnolia Banana Pudding)
• Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
• Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe | Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundtlets and Bundt Cake
• The Best Key Lime Pie | A Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe

More Apple Recipe Favorites

• Gluten-Free Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
• Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp {Gluten-Free Option}
• Amazing Apple Crumb Cake
• Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing {& Marinade}
• Fruit Fly Trap with Vinegar | Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar

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