If you’re searching for a dessert that effortlessly blends sweet, tart apples with luscious caramel and a buttery cake topping, the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is your new best friend. This easy-to-make treat captures the essence of cozy gatherings and late-night cravings without any complicated baking techniques, making it ideal for both novice cooks and dessert lovers. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, the Caramel Apple Dump Cake delivers rich flavors and a comforting texture that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its best: Just dump ingredients together—no mixing bowls or beating required.
Perfect for busy days: Prep takes under 10 minutes, freeing up time without sacrificing flavor.
Warm and inviting flavor: The combination of caramel and apple creates a nostalgic, cozy taste.
Versatile dessert: Great as a dinner party finale, casual family treat, or holiday centerpiece.
Comfort food vibes: The soft, gooey interior and crunchy top make every bite indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Caramel Apple Dump Cake lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each element contributing to the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. These pantry staples come together to create a dessert that feels homemade and heartwarming.

Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for a lively contrast to the sweet caramel.
Caramel sauce: Adds rich sweetness and a smooth texture that melds beautifully with the fruit.
Yellow cake mix: This dry mix forms the crisp, golden topping that bakes to perfection.
Butter: Melted butter soaks into the cake mix, creating a luscious, tender crumb.
Cinnamon and spices: A pinch boosts apple flavor and adds warmth to the dish.
Lemon juice (optional): A splash keeps apples bright and prevents browning before baking.

Variations for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

One of the best parts about the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is how easy it is to tailor it to your preferences or dietary requirements. Whether you want to add new flavors or swap out ingredients, these variations keep the dessert exciting and adaptable.

Adding nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Using different fruits: Substitute pears or mix berries with apples for a fresh twist.
Gluten-free option: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add nutmeg and allspice for a deeper fall-inspired taste.
Dairy-free swap: Use vegan butter and check the caramel sauce ingredients to make it dairy-free.

Why Caramel Apple Dump Cake Is a Must-Try Dessert

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Toss them lightly with lemon juice and cinnamon to enhance flavor and prevent browning.

Step 2: Layer the Apples and Caramel

Spread the prepared apples evenly in a greased baking dish. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apples, ensuring rich coverage across the surface.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of the caramel-coated apples. This layer will bake into a crisp, golden crust that contrasts the soft fruit beneath.

Step 4: Pour Melted Butter

Carefully drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix—this step is crucial as it soaks into the dry mix, creating buttery pockets and a tender crumb after baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Use room temperature butter: It melts more evenly, helping the cake top bake uniformly crisp.
Pick tart apples: Their acidity balances the rich caramel to avoid overly sweet results.
Don’t skip lemon juice: It maintains apples’ fresh color and adds a subtle tang.
Let it rest before serving: This helps the caramel thicken slightly and the cake set perfectly.
Serve warm with ice cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the dessert beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Garnishes

Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts to elevate both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

Light sides like a crisp green salad or a warm cup of spiced cider balance the richness of the dessert, making your whole meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Caramel Apple Dump Cake in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve touch, or simply scoop onto plates with a fresh mint leaf for color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors meld nicely over time, and reheating brings back that fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

This dessert freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and thaw overnight before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

Warm up servings in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 45 seconds to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feel any time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh caramel instead of store-bought sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch, but store-bought caramel works perfectly for a quick and convenient option.

What type of apples work best for Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and contrast nicely with the sweet cake topping.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel substitute, you can easily create a vegan version of this dump cake.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the dump cake the night before and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

What should I serve with Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon make perfect accompaniments that enhance the dessert’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple to make yet impressively delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with family or surprising friends at your next gathering, this recipe promises smiles and seconds. Give it a try and add a sweet, comforting classic to your baking repertoire.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Author: Mary
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Dairy Free

Print Recipe

Description

The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, no-mix dessert that combines tart apples with sweet caramel sauce and a buttery yellow cake topping. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and baked to a golden crisp, this comforting dessert is quick to prepare, ideal for busy days, and suitable for various occasions from family treats to holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base

6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Caramel Layer

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cake Topping

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (room temperature recommended)

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
Additional cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for enhanced spice flavor
Vegan butter and dairy-free caramel for dairy-free version
Gluten-free yellow cake mix for gluten-free adaptation

Instructions

Prepare the Apples. Peel, core, and evenly slice your apples. Toss them lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning and sprinkle with cinnamon (and nutmeg if using) to enhance the warm flavors.
Layer the Apples and Caramel. Spread the prepared apples evenly in a greased baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, making sure to cover them thoroughly for rich sweetness.
Add the Cake Mix. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel-coated apples — this layer will bake into a crisp, golden crust providing a delightful contrast to the soft fruit beneath.
Pour Melted Butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is essential as it seeps into the dry mix, creating buttery pockets and a tender crumb after baking.
Bake Until Golden. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for even melting and a uniform crisp topping.
Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness.
Don’t skip the lemon juice to maintain the apples’ fresh color and add slight tang.
Allow the dessert to rest after baking to thicken the caramel and perfect the texture.
Serve warm with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for enhanced flavor.
Assemble the dessert the night before and refrigerate, baking just before serving for freshness.
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions briefly for best results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, no mix cake, fall dessert, caramel apple cake, quick dessert, dump cake recipe