With just four ingredients, this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake gives a cozy fall twist to a retro dessert. Named for its simple assembly—everything is “dumped” into a baking dish—this is one of the fastest, most forgiving desserts you can make.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Optional additions
- Storage and reheating
- Recipe notes
- Nutrition facts
I grew up enjoying my Grandma Meme’s simple “dump cake”—a nostalgic dessert that became popular as boxed cake mixes made baking quick and accessible. Traditional dump cakes layer fruit or pie filling in a baking dish and cover it with dry cake mix and melted butter. The dry mix bakes into a crisp, cake-like topping while the fruit becomes a warm, gooey filling—somewhere between a cobbler and a crisp.
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a fall-ready variation that keeps the process effortless. Canned apple pie filling and caramel sauce form the sweet, spiced base, while a spice cake mix and melted butter transform into a golden, buttery topping. The entire prep takes about five minutes; the oven does the rest.
Ingredients
- Apple pie filling – For speed, use two cans of store-bought apple pie filling (about 40 ounces total). If you prefer fresh, double a homemade apple pie filling recipe to reach roughly 5 cups.
- Caramel sauce – About 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling when serving.
- Spice cake mix – One box (about 15.25 ounces). The cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in spice cake mix complement the apples and caramel. If you only have yellow cake mix, stir in 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice per box to approximate the flavor.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup melted (to moisten and brown the cake topping).
Instructions
Simple layering is key—do not stir. The dry cake mix should remain on top so it bakes into a crisp, cake-like crust.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
- Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the caramel and apples. Do not stir or mix; keep the dry mix layered on top.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, trying to coat as much surface as possible. It’s okay if some dry spots remain.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles up at the edges.
Optional additions
- Scoop of ice cream – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel for a classic pairing.
- Whipped cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness; caramel-flavored whipped cream is especially festive.
- Nuts – For crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans over the cake mix before baking. Chopped candied pecans add extra sweetness and texture.
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not keep at room temperature. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave about 60 seconds or reheat the whole pan covered with foil at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, until hot throughout.
Recipe notes
- Do not stir: The distinct layers are what create the crunchy, golden top and the saucy filling beneath.
- Doneness clues: The cake is done when the top is browned and you see the filling bubbling up at the edges.
- Texture: The topping should be buttery, crumbly, and slightly crisp while the filling remains thick and gooey—not watery.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have spice cake mix, use yellow cake mix plus 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice for similar seasonal flavor.
Nutrition facts (per serving)
Approximate values per serving: 612 kcal, 85 g carbohydrates, 31 g fat, 3 g protein. These values will vary depending on the exact brands and portions used.
Recipe summary
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Full ingredient amounts
- 40 ounces apple pie filling (about 2 cans or 5 cups homemade)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for serving
- 15.25 ounces spice cake mix (1 box)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Quick tips for success
- Use a light hand when pouring the melted butter—aim to coat the top but avoid pooling it in one spot.
- If using homemade apple filling, be sure it’s thickened so the finished dessert isn’t overly runny.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the best contrast of textures and temperatures.
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert that captures cozy fall flavors with minimal effort. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings when you want a comforting dessert without a lot of prep.