Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines tender apple pie filling with a sweet cake mix base, topped with rich caramel and buttery goodness. Easy to assemble and perfect for cozy fall evenings, it’s enhanced with warm spices and optional nuts or oats for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Cake & Toppings
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 11-ounce bag caramel bits
- OR 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the apples, then gently stir to blend the spices throughout the filling.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple filling. Do not stir at this point; simply spread it into a smooth, even layer.
- Melt Caramel (If Using Soft Caramels): If you are using soft caramels instead of caramel bits, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Add Caramel and Optional Toppings: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add the chopped nuts and/or old-fashioned oats on top if desired to add crunch and flavor.
- Top with Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the top of the cake mix and caramel layer. The butter will melt during baking and help create a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Choose yellow or spice cake mix depending on your flavor preference; spice will add additional warm notes.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, the chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Old-fashioned oats add a nice chew and rustic texture but are optional.
- Letting the cake cool slightly prevents burns and allows the caramel to set properly.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Dump Cake, easy apple dessert, caramel apple dessert, fall dessert, dump cake recipe
