Name: Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup homemade caramel sauce (or store-bought), plus more for garnish; 12 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix (gluten-free if desired); 3/4 cup butter, melted; Apple Pie Filling:; 4 green apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 5 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (mixed)

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When the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced sweetness of a caramel apple dessert. This Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake combines tender apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery cake topping into one incredibly simple yet cozy dish. With only a few steps and minimal prep, it’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you want a fuss-free sweet treat.

Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No mixing bowls required: Just layer and bake—no complicated steps.
Warm, cozy flavors: Apple, caramel, and cinnamon create the perfect fall combination.
Customizable: Use homemade or store-bought caramel, and regular or gluten-free cake mix.
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey, golden layers.
Perfect for gatherings: Makes a big batch and tastes amazing with ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Pie Filling
4 green apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Cake
½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), plus more for garnish
12 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix (regular or gluten-free)
¾ cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F.
Make the apple pie filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in cinnamon. Add chopped apples, sugar, and water. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Add to the apples while stirring. Cook until thickened and bubbling, then remove from heat.
Assemble the dump cake:
Spread the apple filling evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apple mixture.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top—do not mix it in.
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
Bake:
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Serve:
Let the cake cool slightly. Serve warm topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and extra caramel sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking.
Spiced cake mix: Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for extra fall flavor.
Apple shortcut: Use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade to save time.
Salted caramel: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty contrast.
Add oats: Mix ¼ cup oats with the cake mix for a slightly crispier topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled dump cake in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are layered in a baking dish—usually fruit, cake mix, and butter—and baked without mixing.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes. Replace the homemade apple filling with two 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling for a shortcut version.

Does the cake mix need to be prepared before adding?

No, you use the dry cake mix straight from the package—just sprinkle it on top.

Why is my topping dry in some spots?

Make sure to pour the melted butter as evenly as possible. You can also gently spread it with a spoon if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your caramel sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

What kind of apples should I use?

Tart green apples like Granny Smith work best—they hold up well and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes, you can prep the filling and assemble the dump cake, then refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze baked and cooled dump cake in portions or whole. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I use a different fruit?

Absolutely! Try pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a delicious twist.

What goes well with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce are all perfect pairings.

Conclusion

This Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert for fall. With minimal prep, warm spices, and gooey layers of apple and caramel, it’s a must-make for gatherings, potlucks, or just a quiet night in. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a sweet treat that’s both comforting and unforgettable.

Jessica