When the air gets crisp, and you crave something warm and cozy, this caramel apple dump cake hits the spot! This recipe combines the festive flavors of apple, caramel, and cinnamon into an easy dessert that’s so simple to make, yet irresistibly delicious. Even better, you don’t need any complicated techniques—just “dump” your ingredients in, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for any time of year, but there’s something about this cake that makes it extra special during the colder months.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is one of the easiest desserts out there. Unlike traditional cakes, you simply layer the ingredients in a baking pan without any mixing involved. As the cake bakes, the flavors meld together, creating a gooey, flavorful treat with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy it is to throw this together for a quick dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it!
Why You’ll Love This Dump Cake Recipe
This caramel apple dump cake is a dream for any busy baker. It’s quick and easy, with no complicated steps or mixer required—just layer, bake, and enjoy! It’s the perfect choice for those days when you want something homemade without the fuss.
Plus, it’s packed with warm, cozy fall flavors that make it an ultimate fall dessert, blending caramel, cinnamon, and apple for that comforting flavor in every bite. The recipe is flexible, so you can use store-bought or homemade caramel and apple pie filling depending on your time and preference, and even swap the cake mix for vanilla, yellow, or spice to customize the flavor.
This dessert is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, especially with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. And using a gluten-free cake mix keeps it accessible for everyone, making it the perfect treat to serve a variety of guests!
Why Make Your Own Caramel Sauce and Apple Pie Filling?
While you can absolutely make this recipe with store-bought ingredients, I love making my own caramel sauce and apple pie filling. Not only is it surprisingly easy, but homemade versions give you full control over the ingredients and sweetness level. Plus, it adds an extra homemade touch that really shines through in the final dish. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to use store-bought caramel and apple filling—this cake will still taste amazing!
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Caramel Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples. If you’re out of caramel sauce, try butterscotch sauce for a similar flavor.
- Cake Mix: I use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for this recipe, which makes it a fantastic gluten-free option. You can also use any standard or homemade vanilla cake or yellow cake mix, or even a spice cake mix for a warmer, fall-inspired flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the cake its signature golden crust, adding richness and helping the cake mix bake evenly over the filling. Dairy-free or vegan butter substitutes work well if you need a non-dairy option.
Apple Pie Filling
- Green Apples: Fresh, tart green apples bring a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel and are ideal for baking as they hold their shape well. Substitute with any firm, tart apple variety like Honeycrisp if you prefer a bit more sweetness.
- Butter: Used to sauté the apples, butter adds depth to the filling and helps develop that buttery, caramelized flavor. Coconut oil or ghee can work as substitutes if needed.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice to the apple pie filling, a must-have for classic fall flavors. Nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice mix can also be added for more spice.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sugar balances out the tartness of the apples. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar or a low-glycemic sweetener if preferred.
- Water and Cornstarch: The water softens the apples, while the cornstarch thickens the filling, giving it that perfect gooey consistency. Arrowroot powder is a great substitute for cornstarch if you’re looking for a grain-free option.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce. If you’re making a homemade caramel sauce, prepare it first so it can cool while you work on the rest of the recipe. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Peel, core, and chop the apples.
Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add cinnamon. Stir in the apples, sugar, and water. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes, uncovering to stir every minute. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water, then add it to the apple mixture while stirring continuously. Remove from heat once the filling is thickened and bubbling.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water, then add it to the apple mixture while stirring continuously. Remove from heat once the filling is thickened and bubbling.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients. Transfer the apple pie filling to your prepared 9×13 pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the filling mixture.
Step 7: Add Cake Mix and Butter. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the caramel and apple filling—no mixing needed. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 8: Bake. Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success and Variations
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off version, cook this dessert in a slow cooker on low for about 2-3 hours until bubbly and set.
- Add Extra Spice: For even cozier flavors, try adding apple pie spice, a pinch of nutmeg, or allspice to the filling.
- Crunchy Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, gooey filling.
- Salted Caramel Option: Try using salted caramel sauce for a salted caramel apple version, or sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the cake before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel apple dump cake is fantastic on its own, but it becomes truly indulgent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, my salted caramel ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. For the ultimate caramel experience, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top. It’s a show-stopping dessert for a cozy fall evening or holiday gathering.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (although it’s hard to stop at just one serving!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This cake will keep for up to 5 days and can be reheated in the microwave for a quick and comforting treat. It can also be frozen! Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce and apple pie filling work perfectly in this recipe. While homemade versions offer a more personalized taste, the cake will still be delicious with pre-made ingredients.
I used a gluten-free yellow cake mix to keep this recipe gluten-free, but any vanilla or yellow cake mix works well. A spice cake mix also pairs wonderfully with the apple and caramel flavors.
Yes! This cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Enjoy the Perfect Cozy Dessert
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for something easy to throw together, this dump cake is a foolproof way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The gooey apple and caramel filling with that crisp, buttery topping makes each bite incredibly satisfying. So grab your ingredients, dump them in, and savor this sweet, cozy treat!
More Fall Desserts
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Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup homemade caramel sauce or store bought version, plus more for garnish
- 12 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix I used half of this gluten free yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup butter melted
Apple Pie Filling
- 4 green apples
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- If making my homemade caramel sauce, make it first so it's set aside to cool while you work on the rest of the recipe.1/2 cup homemade caramel sauce
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the apple pie filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples. Melt butter and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in apples, sugar, and water. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes, uncovering to stir every minute. In a small separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water. Add to the apples while stirring continuously. Remove from heat once the filling is thickened and bubbling.4 green apples, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 5 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Transfer the apple pie filling mixture to a 9×13 pan, and spread evenly.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce over the filling mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the filling. Do not mix.12 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix evenly, trying to cover as much of the cake mix as you can.3/4 cup butter
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly on the sides.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and/or more caramel sauce.
Video
Notes
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off version, cook this dessert in a slow cooker on low for about 2-3 hours until bubbly and set.
- Add Extra Spice: For even cozier flavors, try adding apple pie spice, a pinch of nutmeg, or allspice to the filling.
- Crunchy Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, gooey filling.
- Salted Caramel Option: Try using salted caramel sauce for a salted caramel apple version, or sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the cake before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Storage: This cake will keep for up to 5 days and can be reheated in the microwave for a quick and comforting treat. It can also be frozen! Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
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So delicious and so easy! Made it for Thanksgiving and just prepped it before dinner popped it in the oven while we ate, and it was ready to go!
Such a great idea to bake it while serving dinner! Thanks so much for trying it and leaving a review. So glad you enjoyed it!