Just Dump It: The Lazy Cook’s Guide to Caramel Apple Cake Bliss!

This caramel apple dump cake recipe is not only mouth-watering but it’s one of the easiest recipes for dump cakes around. It’s dripping with gooey caramel and combined with warm tender apples for the perfect fall treat.

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I’ve always been a fan of caramel and nothing quite goes as well with caramel as apples. Fortunately, this caramel apple dump cake couldn’t be easier to make and is the perfect fall dessert. All you need is a butter cake mix, two cans of apple pie filling, caramel, butter, and cinnamon (of course). Simply “dump” the ingredients in a pan, bake it, and you have yourself a deliciously easy caramel apple dump cake.

I love that it’s so simple to make yet tastes so good. It’s basically the perfect cross between an apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp. The sweet caramel and tender cinnamon apple slices, combined with the flavorful butter-topped cake, are a match made in heaven. Serve your dump cake on its own or with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You know which option I’m choosing, right?

I’m a big fan of dump cake recipes because they’re quick, easy, and delicious. If you’re in the mood to try a different flavored dump cake, check out my cherry pineapple dump cake and my peach dump cake. You can’t go wrong with any of these dessert recipes.

What You’ll Need to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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Ingredients

• 2 20 oz cans of apple pie filling 21 oz each
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon If you are using a spice cake mix might want to decrease the cinnamon a bit.
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 cup Kraft caramel baking bits
• 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any cake mix you prefer) prepared
• 1 stick of butter
• Optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
• Optional: nutmeg (adds a little more spice)

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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Begin by mixing up your cake mix according to package directions.

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Prepare a 3-quart baking dish (or 9X13 cake pan) by spraying with non-stick spray.

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Dump both cans of apples into a bowl and add spices.

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Stir to coat and pour in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

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Sprinkle caramel bits on top.

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Now pour that prepared cake mix on top of the caramel apple mixture.

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Slice an entire stick of butter into pats and arrange over top of the mix.

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Sprinkle with a wee bit more cinnamon, if you like. Or add a bit of nutmeg to spice things up.

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Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown.

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Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Adding caramel sauce takes this over the top!

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There you have it! The best caramel apple dump cake that will ever cross your lips. Enjoy!

Storage

• Store your cake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
• Alternatively, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat either in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven.

Recipe Notes

• Instead of caramel baking bits, you can use 1 1/2 cups of caramel squares, cut in half.
• If you want to take the time to use fresh apples instead of the canned apple pie filling, use a baking apple like Granny Smith Apples and chop them into very small cubes. You need about 6 cups of chopped apple pieces.
• Serve your dump cake warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
• Before you pour over the cake mix, add nuts to your dump cake. Opt for chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or peanuts.
• If you want a softer topping, you can drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, instead of using butter slices.
• Add some salt to the apple and caramel mixture to make a salted caramel apple dump cake.
• Instead of cinnamon and allspice, use apple pie spice.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for my caramel apple dump cake?

Absolutely! Yellow cake mix is what I use, but others have recommended spice cake mix, white cake mix, and vanilla cake mix. But choose whatever your heart desires. If you opt for the spice version, you may want to omit the cinnamon in this recipe so it isn’t too overpowering.

Can I make my dump cake in the crockpot?

Yes, you can make this dump cake recipe in the slow cooker! Simply layer the cake as you would in a baking pan and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Can I make this dump cake recipe in advance?

Yes, you can store your baked cake, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or the entire cake in a 350-degree oven.

Fellow caramel lovers, check out these recipes:

Chocolate Caramel Apples

Caramel Apple Cheesecake (Unbelievably Blissful)

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Caramel Banana Pie (AKA Easy Banoffee Pie)

Caramel Apple Cake from Mama Reed

Recipe for Caramel Corn (Great Snack or Gift)