Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect blend of tart apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping—all in one pan. This easy-to-make dessert delivers the warmth and comfort of a homemade apple pie with half the effort.

This recipe for apple caramel cake uses canned pie filling or homemade. It’s as easy to make as Apple Dump Cake and Pumpkin Dump Cake! 

Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients needed to make this recipe for caramel apple dump cake and substitution ideas. For the complete list, see the recipe card below:

• Apple Pie Filling – I use canned apple pie filling, but homemade apple pie filling works excellently. 
• White Cake Mix – yellow caked mix or spiced cake mix also work well.
• Apple Pie Spice – here’s a list of apple pie spice substitutions and a recipe for homemade apple pie spice if you don’t have any on hand.
• Light Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar is a great substitute.
• Kraft Caramel Bits or Squares
• Optional – caramel sauce

Tip – many of these ingredients can also be used to make Baked Apples.

How to Make Apple Caramel Dump Cake

Here’s a quick overview showing how to make caramel apple pie dump cake. For the complete list of instructions, see the recipe card below. 

Prepare The Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan.

Create the Apple Layer: Spread the cans of apple pie filling on the bottom of a 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with apple pie spice.

Create the Caramel Layer: Evenly spread the caramel bits over the top.

Create The Cake Layer: Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple layer in an even layer, followed by the brown sugar and rest of the apple pie spice.

Add The Butter: Add the pats of butter, ensuring the spacing is as even as possible.

Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown. The cake should be slightly firm to the touch and bubbly around the edges.

Cool, Garnish, and Serve: Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before garnishing and serving. 

Crockpot Dump Cake

To make Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake, follow the exact directions for baking. Instead of laying in a baking pan you’ll use the insert of the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 4 hours. Here are a few things to keep in mind, if making this dessert via the crockpot:

• Add a layer of paper towels between the lid and the insert so the excess condensation doesn’t pool on the cake.
• Your slow cooker may take less time than mine. You can tell when it’s ready to go when the butter is melted and the cake mix isn’t in powder form anymore. It will be golden brown and looks like cake.

Topping Ideas

Here are a few popular toppings to take the caramel apple pie dump cake over the top:

• A scoop of ice cream is classic for a reason.
• Add a huge scoop of whipped cream.
• Powdered sugar adds a unique and sweet twist.

Variations

Here are a few variations to consider to really make this your own:

Cake Mix: For an extra hit of flavor use butter pecan cake mix or spice cake mix. Yellow cake mix will give it a denser crumble.

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. About 1 cup works best.

Add-ins: Throw in white chocolate chips, or toffee bits before baking for added flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Fall Dessert Recipes

Here are a few more fall dessert recipes to check out:

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect blend of tart apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping—all in one pan. This easy-to-make dessert delivers the warmth and comfort of a homemade apple pie with half the effort.

Print
Pin
Share on Facebook

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Resting: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 pieces

Calories: 413kcal

Author: Darcey Olson

Cost: $10

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 2 20 oz cans apple pie filling
• 2 tsp apple pie spice, divided
• 1 bag Kraft caramel bits or candies, sliced in half
• 1 box white cake mix (*Note 1)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 sticks butter, cut into 16 pieces

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan, coating both the bottom and sides.

• Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking pan. Sprinkle 1 tsp of apple pie spice over the top and mix to combine.

• Evenly distribute the caramel bits over the apple filling.

• Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the pie filling

• Mix together the brown sugar and rest of the apple pie spice and evenly sprinkle over the top.

• Cut the butter into 16 pieces and space them evenly on top of the cake.

• Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. 

• Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes. Divide into individual serving bowls and top with caramel sauce, whipped cream or ice cream and serve.

Notes

Note 1 – Use spice cake mix, butter pecan or white, for an extra kick of fall spice flavor.
Nutritional information is just an estimate. It does not take into consideration various brands of ingredients or the optional ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1mg