Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple dump cakes are most definitely the perfect fall dessert, but I love baking this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe all year long. With a decadent apple filling, a crispy top, and silky smooth homemade caramel sauce, no one will believe this crave-worthy cake took such minimal effort to make!

Dump cakes make dessert effortless, and ready in minutes with just a few ingredients. Ideal for potlucks and casual gatherings, they’re ideal for feeding a crowd. If you’re looking for more dump cake recipes try our Pumpkin Dump Cake or Easy Strawberry Dump Cake.

Why We Love Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Classic flavors. This warm gooey apple cake + caramel drizzle + cold ice cream = dessert heaven!
• Super Convenient. With cake mix and canned pie filling, you can whip up a delicious dessert in no time—just a few ingredients and you’re all set!
• Minimal effort, maximum flavor. Just toss the ingredients into a dish and bake!
• Less mess to clean up – No mixing bowls required.
• Crowd-pleaser every time. Whether it’s a family dinner or a fall gathering this apple dump cake is always the first to go.

What’s In This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Apple Pie Filling
• Yellow Cake Mix
• Apple Pie Spice Mix
• Cold Unsalted Butter -cut into 24 (½ teaspoon) slices
• Roughly Chopped Walnuts (halves and pieces) for topping
• Caramel Sauce (homemade or store-bought) – I like to make my own caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (optional topping)

Easy Dump Cake Directions

When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

When it comes to making desserts, dump cakes are one of the easiest to bake. In just a couple of steps, it’s ready for the oven to do its work!

1. Pour the apple pie filling into a greased baking dish. Top with the dry cake mix and apple pie spice mix. DO NOT MIX.
2. Place pats of sliced butter evenly over the seasoned cake mix. Again, do NOT mix.
3. Bake in preheated oven. About 3/4 the way through and the chopped nuts and continue baking until the cake becomes light golden brown.
4. Allow the cake to cool for a bit, then serve warm with homemade caramel sauce and top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips + Notes

• Skip the Batter: Use only the dry cake mix—you do not mix it with anything else. Just sprinkle it over the pie filling for the perfect texture.
• Layer, Don’t Stir: Add ingredients in layers—apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter. Avoid stirring; this keeps everything beautifully layered.
• Butter Options: Use melted butter if you prefer, but remember not to mix it into the cake mix—just pour it over the top.
• Keep Caramel Separate: Wait to add the caramel sauce until it’s time to serve. This prevents the cake from getting soggy and keeps the caramel gooey.
• Bake Until Golden: Watch for a golden, crispy top as your cake bakes—this indicates that your cake mix and apple filling are perfectly melded.

Storage

If you’re planning to serve the cake and finish it within a couple of days, you can store it on the counter at room temperature in an airtight container, separate from the caramel sauce. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge or freezer. 

Refrigerate/Leftovers

This cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil. Store the caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert with simple ingredients and a rich caramel topping. Whether you’re entertaining or craving something sweet, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing treat!

Like This Recipe?

I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and let me know how you liked the recipe!

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Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Top with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
• 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice mix
• 1 ½ sticks cold unsalted butter, sliced into 24 pats
• ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts
• caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• vanilla ice cream (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Evenly spread both cans of the apple pie filling into the prepared dish.
3. Use your clean hands to crumble the dry cake mix over the pie filling. (do NOT mix)
4. Sprinkle the apple pie spice mix on top.
5. Place the sliced butter pats over the dry cake mix
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Then top with walnuts and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes or until the cake is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
9. When ready to serve drizzle with caramel sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Tips:

• Use only the dry cake mix - do not follow directions on box.Don’t Stir:
• Add ingredients in layers—apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter.
• Wait to add the caramel sauce until it's time to serve. (We love easy homemade caramel sauce)
• You know your cake is done when you have a golden, crispy top