Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake: 5 Unforgivable Sins

Is there anything better than the smell of apples and caramel baking in the oven on a crisp fall day? I don’t think so! But let’s be real, sometimes you just want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Caramel Apple Dump Cake comes in – it’s seriously the easiest thing *ever*, and tastes like you slaved away all day.

This recipe is my go-to when I need something quick and crowd-pleasing. I remember once, my sister called me like an hour before a potluck, totally panicking because she’d forgotten to make a dessert. I rattled off this Caramel Apple Dump Cake from memory, and she actually *won* the dessert contest! Seriously, it’s that good. It’s the perfect mix of gooey apples, sweet caramel, and that buttery cake topping – I mean, what’s not to love? Trust me, you NEED this recipe in your life. Okay, maybe “need” is strong, but you’ll definitely want it!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Simple Ingredients

Seriously, the ingredient list is short and sweet! We’re talking pantry staples here. If you don’t already have everything, a quick trip to the store is all you need. No fancy stuff, promise!

Quick Preparation

Um, hello, it’s a *dump* cake! That means minimal effort. Just layer everything in the pan and bake. Prep time is practically zero. You can’t beat that, right?

Delicious Fall Flavors

The combo of warm apples and gooey caramel? It’s like autumn in every bite. My favorite part is how the caramel melts down into the apples – yum!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Need a dessert for a potluck? Got you covered. Just want a little something sweet on a weeknight? This works too! It’s super versatile. Seriously, it’s always a hit!

Ingredients for Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The best part about this Caramel Apple Dump Cake? You probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Cake Mix

Grab one box of your fave yellow cake mix! The standard size is perfect – usually around 15-16 ounces. Any brand works, so go with what you like!

Apple Pie Filling

You’ll need one (21 ounce) can of apple pie filling. Trust me, don’t skimp on the apple pie filling – it’s the star! I usually just grab whatever’s on sale.

Caramel Bits

A full cup of caramel bits! I’m obsessed with the Werther’s baking bits; they get all melty and delicious. But any caramel bits will totally work. Don’t worry if you sneak a few while you’re measuring… I won’t tell!

Melted Butter

You’re gonna need 3/4 cup of butter, melted. Unsalted is best, that way you can control the sweetness, but salted works in a pinch. Just maybe skip any extra salt later. Careful when melting it – splatters can happen!

Chopped Nuts (Optional)

Okay, these are totally optional, but I *love* adding about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts are my go-to, but use whatever you like! They add a nice little crunch, you know?

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Step-by-Step

Alright, ready to get baking? This is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake in no time!

Preparing to Bake Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Gotta get it nice and ready! While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a little grease. I usually just use cooking spray, but you can butter it if you’re feeling fancy. This will save you from a sticky mess later!

Layering the Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Now for the fun part! Pour that can of apple pie filling right into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out evenly, like you’re tucking it in for a nap. Next, sprinkle those caramel bits all over the apples. Try to get them spread out nicely so you get caramel in every bite! Then, CAREFULLY pour the dry cake mix over the caramel and apples. I try to spread it out as evenly as I can, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect.

Adding Butter and Nuts to Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, this is important! Drizzle that melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This helps it get all golden brown and delicious. Try not to miss any spots! If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle them on top. I like to kinda press them in a little so they stick.

Baking Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake to Perfection

Pop that baby in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! Let it cool *slightly* before serving – I know, it’s hard to resist! But trust me, it’s worth it. It’s amazing warm, right out of the oven!

Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Want to make sure your Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a total winner? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to make it *extra* amazing.

Don’t Overbake Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Seriously, this is key! Start checking it around 30 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the center – you want it to come out *mostly* clean, with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s totally clean, you’ve probably overbaked it. Nobody wants a dry dump cake!

Evenly Distribute Ingredients in Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This sounds obvious, but it makes a difference! Try to spread those caramel bits and that cake mix out as evenly as possible. That way, every bite is packed with flavor. I hate when I get a bite with just cake mix – bummer!

Use Quality Ingredients for Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, I know it’s a dump cake, but good ingredients really do matter! A yummy apple pie filling and those good caramel bits will make a *huge* difference in the final taste. Trust me on this one!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Caramel Apple Dump Cake, right? Awesome! Now it’s time to get a little crazy and try some fun variations. This recipe is seriously easy to customize – it’s like a blank canvas for deliciousness!

Spice It Up

Want to add a little extra zing? Mix in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice to that cake mix! I usually just eyeball it, but start with about a teaspoon and go from there. It’ll make your kitchen smell amazing! Plus, it just screams “fall,” doesn’t it?

Use Different Fruit

Apples are great, but why stop there? Try using peach, cherry, or even blueberry pie filling! Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Peach with a little almond extract is my personal fave. Just swap out the apple pie filling and you’re good to go!

Add a Streusel Topping

Oh man, this takes it to a whole new level! Mix together some flour, butter, and sugar for a crumbly streusel topping. Sprinkle it over the cake mix before baking. It adds the BEST texture! I usually do equal parts of each – maybe 1/2 cup? – and just mash it together with a fork until it’s crumbly. You won’t regret this one!

Serving Suggestions for Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, your Caramel Apple Dump Cake is baked and smelling amazing! Now, how do you make it even *better*? Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it up!

Top with Ice Cream

Seriously, can you go wrong with vanilla ice cream? It’s a classic for a reason! The cold ice cream melting over the warm cake is just… *chef’s kiss*! Use the good stuff if you have it!

Add Whipped Cream

Don’t have ice cream? No problem! A big dollop of whipped cream is just as delicious. It adds a nice little lightness to balance out the richness of the cake. I love the canned stuff, but homemade is always a winner if you have the time!

Drizzle with Extra Caramel

Okay, this is for the serious caramel lovers! A drizzle of extra caramel sauce takes it over the top. Warm it up a little first for extra gooeyness. I usually just use the store-bought kind, but you can totally make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!

Storing Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, so by some miracle, you have leftovers? Here’s how to keep that Caramel Apple Dump Cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible (which, let’s be honest, probably won’t be long!).

Refrigerate Leftovers

Pop that cake in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long! Just make sure it’s sealed up tight, or it might get a little dry.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for another slice (or two!), you can reheat it in the microwave – just zap it for a few seconds until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temp. Both ways work great!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Got questions about this Caramel Apple Dump Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this recipe.

Can I use a different size baking dish for this Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe?

Sure thing! A 9×13 is ideal, but if you only have an 8×8 or something similar, it’ll still work. Just keep an eye on the baking time, since a smaller dish might need a little longer. And be careful it doesn’t overflow!

Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yep! You can totally assemble the cake ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. I wouldn’t do it *too* far in advance, maybe just a day or so. But it’s a great way to save time if you’re prepping for a party!

My Caramel Apple Dump Cake is too dry. What did I do wrong?

Hmm, that usually means the butter wasn’t distributed evenly enough. Make sure you’re drizzling it carefully over the entire cake mix! Also, double-check that you didn’t overbake it. A little moisture is a good thing!

Can I add oats to this Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Ooh, good idea! If you want to add oats, I’d mix about 1/2 cup of rolled oats with the dry cake mix before layering it. It’ll add a nice little chewiness and texture. Just make sure you still drizzle that butter evenly!

Nutritional Information for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Okay, let’s talk numbers… but with a BIG disclaimer! I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, the nutrition info for this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is just an estimate. It really depends on the brands you use, you know?

That being said, if you’re curious, a slice is *roughly* around 350 calories. It’s got a good bit of sugar (around 30g, oops!), some fat (about 15g), and a little protein (maybe 3g). So, you know, it’s dessert! Not exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Just remember, these are just ballpark figures! If you’re really concerned about the specifics, plug the exact ingredients you used into a nutrition calculator. But honestly, just enjoy a slice and don’t stress too much about it. Life’s too short to worry about every single calorie, am I right?

Enjoy Your Delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake!

Okay, that’s it! You’re all set to make the yummiest, easiest Caramel Apple Dump Cake ever! Seriously, I hope you give this recipe a try – I just know you’re gonna love it!

And hey, if you do make it, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you guys! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends – sharing is caring, right?

Print