Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the baking dish and spread evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. If using cinnamon and nutmeg, sprinkle evenly over the filling for extra warmth and spice.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple mixture—do not stir. Gently pat it down with a spatula.
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Top with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate dessert experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 390
Carbs: 55g
Sugar: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
This dessert is indulgent and rich, perfect for occasional sweet cravings. While not low-calorie, it satisfies with bold flavors and filling portions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stirring the ingredients after layering defeats the “dump cake” method. It’s important to keep the layers distinct so the butter melts down through the cake mix and forms that signature crust.
Using cold butter or slicing butter instead of melting it can cause dry spots in the topping. Always use fully melted butter and pour it evenly across the cake mix.
Using plain apple slices instead of pie filling will make the texture too dry and the flavor underwhelming. The syrup in the pie filling is key to the gooey consistency.
Overbaking can dry out the topping. Remove the cake once the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling along the edges.
Helpful Tips
To make this in a slow cooker, layer the ingredients the same way in your Crockpot, cover, and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. It’s perfect for keeping warm during parties.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking for a nutty crunch.
You can swap out apple pie filling for cherry or peach for a different dump cake variation that works with the same method.
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix—no other changes needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven and serve warm again for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is proof that simple desserts can still be impressive and absolutely crave-worthy. With its rich caramel flavor, tender apple filling, and golden buttery topping, it’s everything you love about fall wrapped up in one easy-to-make dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a no-fail dessert for the holidays, this dump cake is your go-to solution. Serve it warm, scoop on the ice cream, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
