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.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick spray or oil. May also be made in a 2 qt casserole dish or in the crock pot, see instructions and notes. 375 for high altitude.
In a medium bowl, mix together the apple pie filling and spices, then pour filling into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth out the top.
Evenly place the caramels over the top of the apple pie filling, sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples as evenly as possible, giving the pan a couple of shakes to distribute the cake mix.If using nuts, and I highly recommend using nuts, sprinkle on top of the cake mix.
Next, arrange the pats of butter over the top of the cake, as equally as possible. Bake the dump cake at 350 degrees (375 for high altitude) for about 40-45 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the apples are bubbling.
Remove from oven, cooling for 10-15 minutes before serving. Delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
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 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 and top is golden.
Crock Pot Dump Cake
Place first 4 ingredients in order listed in the regular recipe into a sprayed 4-6 quart crockpot. Give it a quick stir, add caramels.
If desired, melt the butter (easily reduce by half) and stir together with cake mix, spoon buttered cake mix 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.
This method will not yield a golden crispy topping, but it is still delicious!
Storage | 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.High Altitude Dump Cake | The only change is to increase the oven temp to 375 degrees and bake until bubbly and golden. 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 either vegan butter or melted coconut oil and bake away.