Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the cozy, no-fuss dessert you’ll crave all season long. Imagine tender spiced apples baked under a golden, buttery cake topping with ribbons of gooey caramel running through every bite. It’s sweet, warm, and just the right amount of indulgent—like a caramel apple fair treat transformed into an easy homemade dessert. Bonus? You only need one pan and almost no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy as it gets: No mixing bowls full of batter—just layer, bake, and dig in.
• Seasonal comfort: Apples, cinnamon, and caramel make this dessert taste like fall in a dish.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or when you just want a simple sweet that everyone will rave about.
• Customizable: Swap the nuts, try different apples, or even drizzle more caramel on top before serving.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this deliciously simple Caramel Apple Dump Cake:

• Apples: The star of the dish; Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the apples caramelize.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a warm, molasses note.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give the apples cozy fall vibes.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds gooey richness and makes the dessert indulgent.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The shortcut to that golden, fluffy topping.
• Butter: Soaks into the cake mix for richness and a crisp top layer.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For crunch and contrast.
• Pinch of Salt (optional): Balances the sweetness beautifully.

Note: Full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Season the Apples

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until everything is nicely coated. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

Step 3: Add Caramel

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. If your caramel is thick, warm it slightly for easier pouring.

Step 4: Top with Cake Mix and Butter

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple-caramel layer—no stirring! Then, slowly pour melted butter evenly across the top so it soaks into the cake mix.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Sprinkle nuts (if using) and a light pinch of salt over the top. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown, bubbly around the edges, and the apples are tender.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the cake rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps the caramel set just enough so it scoops beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose the right apples: Tart Granny Smith balances the sweetness best, but Honeycrisp makes it extra juicy.
• Don’t stir the cake mix: The magic of a dump cake is in the layering—just sprinkle and bake.
• Even butter = even crust: Pour the butter slowly and try to cover as much dry cake mix as possible.
• Add a finishing touch: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel takes it over the top.

How to Serve

• Classic style: Warm from the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Fall twist: Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• For a crowd: Serve in small ramekins for a more elegant dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze baked dump cake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for a quick fix, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to revive the crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned apple pie filling works in a pinch, but fresh apples give the dessert more texture and a fresher flavor.

What other cake mixes can I use?
White cake mix, spice cake mix, or even butter pecan mix are all delicious variations.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it earlier in the day, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Reheating in the oven (instead of the microwave) also helps keep the topping crisp.