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Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that is so incredibly easy to make, it feels like a magic trick. This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate “dump, spread, and bake” recipe, delivering all the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp or pie with practically zero effort. This is the perfect dessert for a crisp autumn evening, combining tender, spiced apples, a rich and gooey caramel layer, and a buttery, golden-brown cake topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any fall gathering or holiday.

Why This is the Ultimate “Dump Cake” Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious desserts but is short on time.

Incredibly Easy: As the name suggests, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish. There’s no mixing bowl required for the main batter!
5-Ingredient Wonder: Using a box of cake mix as a shortcut, this impressive dessert comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
The Perfect Fall Flavors: The combination of warm apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping is the epitome of fall comfort.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This is a warm, gooey, and satisfying dessert that is loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for any party or potluck.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients for a spectacular result.

The Ingredient Lineup:

1 (20-ounce) can of apple pie filling
1 (11-ounce) jar of caramel sauce
1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready for the easiest, most delicious fall dessert you’ve ever made.

Part 1: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
The Apple Layer: Pour the canned apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
The Caramel Layer: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the apples.
The Cake Mix Layer: Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apples. Do not stir.

Part 2: The Final Touches and Baking

Add the Butter and Nuts: Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the top of the dry cake mix. If you are using them, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The dump cake is done when the top is a deep golden brown and the apple filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It is absolutely fantastic served warm, on its own or with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy fall dessert! With just 5 ingredients and no mixing required, you’ll have a warm, gooey, caramel apple treat topped with golden buttery cake. Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any crisp autumn night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 50

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 squares

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula
Measuring Cups
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Ingredients

1 20-oz can apple pie filling
1 11-oz jar caramel sauce
1 15.25-oz box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the canned apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel. Do not stir.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Sprinkle nuts on top, if using.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Keyword caramel apple dessert, dump cake, easy fall dessert

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling? Yes, you can definitely use fresh apples! You will need about 5-6 medium baking apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced. Toss the sliced apples with ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, then spread them in the bottom of the pan and proceed with the recipe as written.

2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice, this dump cake would also be delicious with a spice cake mix, a butter pecan cake mix, or even a white cake mix.

3. Why do you use melted butter instead of sliced cold butter? Both methods work, but drizzling melted butter over the top is the easiest way to ensure the most even coverage, which helps to moisten all of the dry cake mix and creates a perfectly golden and crisp topping.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover dump cake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is delicious served cold, straight from the fridge! You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm.