Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert that captures the warm flavors of fall without any fuss. With layers of spiced apples, chewy caramel, and buttery cake topping, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 20-ounce cans apple pie filling
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ 10.8 ounce bag Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels, cut in half (or similar sized caramels)
• 1 box super moist butter yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup salted butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into 15 squares
• Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Dump both cans of apple pie filling into the baking dish. Sprinkle allspice and cinnamon evenly over the apples, then stir to combine. Smooth the mixture with a spatula.
3. Step 3: Cut half of the bag of caramels in half and sprinkle them evenly over the apple mixture.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the apples and caramels. Smooth with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Distribute the cold butter pieces evenly over the cake mix layer.
6. Step 6: Bake the cake uncovered for 45 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: The cake is ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples in pie filling for a tarter flavor that balances the caramel sweetness.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the cake mix.
• Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix to enhance the warm autumn flavors.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of caramel by a quarter.

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. The cake also freezes well—wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully and offers more control over sweetness and spices. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape so the cake doesn’t become too soggy.

What if I don’t have Werther’s caramels?

Any chewy caramel candy will work as a substitute. You can also use caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix for a similar effect.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 133 reviews

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert combining sweet apple pie filling, warm spices, chewy caramel pieces, and a buttery yellow cake mix baked to golden perfection. Served best warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a comforting treat for any occasion.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Apple Filling

• 2 20-ounce cans apple pie filling
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Caramel Topping

• ½ 10.8 ounce bag Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels (cut in half)

Cake Topping

• 1 box super moist butter yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup salted butter (1 ½ sticks, cut into 15 squares)

Optional

• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Apple Mixture: Dump both cans of apple pie filling into the baking dish. Sprinkle allspice and cinnamon evenly over the apples, then stir gently to combine the spices throughout. Use a spatula to smooth the mixture evenly in the dish.
3. Add Caramel Pieces: Cut half of the caramel candies in half and sprinkle them evenly on top of the apple mixture. This will add a rich, chewy sweetness throughout the cake.
4. Apply Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel and apple layer. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the cake mix into an even layer to ensure consistent baking.
5. Add Butter: Distribute the cold, cubed butter pieces evenly over the surface of the cake mix. This adds moisture and richness as the cake bakes.
6. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Halfway through baking, rotate the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
7. Check for Doneness: The cake is done when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.

Notes

• Using cold butter helps create a crumbly topping texture as it melts during baking.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent over-browning on one side.
• Caramel candies should be cut in half for more even distribution and better melting throughout the cake.
• This dessert is best served warm but can also be reheated gently in the microwave.
• Substitute spices or add nutmeg for a more complex autumn flavor if desired.

Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, quick apple cake, caramel apple dessert, dump cake recipe, fall dessert, apple cinnamon cake