Irresistible Caramel Apple Dump Cake in 5 Easy Steps

Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! Picture this: crisp autumn air, leaves crunching underfoot, and the smell of caramel and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what happens when you make this caramel apple dump cake – my absolute favorite lazy-day dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking (when really it takes just minutes to throw together).

I first made this gem during a hectic Thanksgiving prep when I needed something quick but impressive. The way the caramel bubbles up through the spiced apples? Magic. The cake mix forms this golden, crumbly topping that’s pure perfection against the gooey filling. And the best part? You literally dump everything in the pan – no fancy techniques required. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people think you’re a baking wizard while you’re secretly kicking back with a cup of coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Trust me, this isn’t just another dump cake – it’s the dessert dreams are made of! Here’s why it’s become my go-to fall treat:

• Effortless magic: Five minutes of prep is all you need before it bakes into cozy perfection
• That gooey factor: The caramel swirls through spiced apples creating pockets of molten deliciousness
• Autumn in every bite: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg paired with sweet-tart apples just screams fall
• Crowd pleaser: Kids devour it, adults think it’s fancy, and you’ll love how easy cleanup is

Seriously – the way the buttery topping crisps up while the center stays soft? *Chef’s kiss*

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Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when these humble items come together:

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling – the shortcut hero (I like the kind with extra cinnamon!)
• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix – dry right from the box, no prep needed
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce – the gooey star of the show (plus extra for drizzling!)
• 1/2 cup melted butter – creates that irresistible crispy topping
• 1 tsp cinnamon – because more spice is always nice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg – just enough to make it taste like grandma’s kitchen

Pro tip: Keep an extra jar of caramel sauce handy – you’ll want to drizzle more on top when serving!

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s the beautiful part – you barely need any tools for this dump cake! Just grab:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – my trusty Pyrex works perfectly
• Measuring cups – for the caramel and butter
• Small microwave-safe bowl – to melt that butter
• Spoon or spatula – for spreading (though fingers work in a pinch!)

See? I told you this was easy. No mixer, no fancy gadgets – just simple tools you already own!

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How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, get ready for the easiest baking experience of your life! This caramel apple dump cake comes together so fast you’ll be pinching yourself. Here’s exactly how I make mine:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when that golden crust pops right out!

Step 2: Layer the Apples and Spices

Now the fun begins! Dump that whole can of apple pie filling into your prepared dish. Use a spoon to spread it evenly – no need to be perfect here. Then comes my favorite part: shower it with cinnamon and nutmeg. I like to pretend I’m a fancy pastry chef dusting powdered sugar, except way more casual!

Step 3: Add Caramel and Cake Mix

Here’s where the magic happens! Drizzle that glorious caramel sauce all over the apples – I like to make zigzags for maximum coverage. Then, here’s my pro tip: gently shake the dry cake mix from the box over the whole thing. No mixing required – just let it rain down evenly like edible snow!

Step 4: Drizzle Butter and Bake

Last step! Take your melted butter and slowly drizzle it over the entire surface. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible – this creates those irresistible crispy bits. Pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes until it’s golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like autumn heaven!

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Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but that caramel needs time to thicken up slightly. Then dig in while it’s still warm!

Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Dump Cake

After making this caramel apple dump cake more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-gosh-I-need-the-recipe” amazing:

• Double the caramel: Drizzle extra sauce on top right before serving – the warm cake makes it ooze beautifully
• Serve it warm: That melty caramel and soft apples are absolute perfection with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Butter coverage matters: Try to hit every bit of dry mix with butter – those crispy golden bits are the best part!
• Let it rest: As hard as it is, waiting 10 minutes lets the caramel thicken just enough

Bonus tip: For adults, swap the caramel for bourbon caramel sauce – just trust me on this one!

Variations for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Oh, the possibilities! This caramel apple dump cake is like your favorite sweater – comfy as is, but fun to dress up too. Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Salted caramel twist: Swap regular caramel for salted caramel sauce – that sweet-salty combo is addictive!
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the cinnamon for extra warmth
• Vanilla version: Use yellow cake mix instead of spice for a mellower flavor

See? Even dump cakes can be fancy when you want them to be!

Serving Suggestions

Oh honey, this caramel apple dump cake deserves the royal treatment! Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – the cold cream against the warm caramel is pure bliss. For extra pizzazz, drizzle more caramel sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon. Need more dessert inspo? Check out my Pinterest board for all my favorite fall treats!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beautiful part – this caramel apple dump cake keeps like a dream! Store any leftovers (if you have any!) covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that caramel craving hits again, just pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and gooey. The butter in the topping means it reheats beautifully without drying out. Pro tip: Add a fresh drizzle of caramel when reheating for that just-baked magic!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know – nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. But for a general idea, each serving of this heavenly caramel apple dump cake comes in around 320 calories with 12g fat. Not bad for a dessert that tastes like pure autumn joy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Did you make this gooey masterpiece? I’d love to see your creation! Snap a pic, leave a rating, or share it on Pinterest – tag me so I can drool over your caramel swirls!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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A delicious and easy fall dessert with caramel sauce and spiced apples.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spread apple pie filling in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples.
4. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
5. Pour dry cake mix evenly over the top.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For extra caramel flavor, drizzle more sauce on top before serving.
• Follow us on Pinterest for more dessert ideas!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg