Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Easy Dessert Recipes Everyone Can Make
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling; 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped and chopped; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

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You know those days when you want dessert but don’t feel like pulling out every mixing bowl you own? This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is your sweet shortcut. It’s a no-fuss, wildly delicious way to bring the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen—without even touching your mixer. We’re talking tender apple pie filling, buttery cake mix, and those glorious caramel bits that melt into pockets of sticky gold. It’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell like you tried way harder than you did. And the best part? You just dump, bake, and try not to eat it straight from the pan (but hey, no judgment). Whether you’ve got a last-minute gathering or just need a treat that feels like a hug in a bowl, this is the recipe to keep on repeat. I’ve made this more times than I can count—especially when apples are in season and I want something fast, warm, and a little indulgent. Let’s bake, shall we?

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
4) How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake
6) Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake
8) Try these desserts next!
9) Caramel Apple Dump Cake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is one of the easiest ways to make a warm dessert that feels homemade.
No mixing bowls or mixers needed—just dump the layers and bake.
Combines apple pie filling, caramel, cake mix, and butter into a bubbling golden treat.
Perfect for fall parties, weeknight cravings, or last-minute guests.

2) Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

I’ve baked a lot of desserts, but this one? It wins on all counts. Minimal mess. Maximum flavor. You toss in a few pantry staples, and in under an hour, you’ve got something sweet and warm that tastes like autumn wrapped in a cozy blanket.

The beauty of this easy dessert recipe is its flexibility. Maybe you’re out of yellow cake mix. No problem—white works too. Want to get fancy? Add chopped pecans on top. But even when you keep it plain, it still brings that rich caramel apple goodness.

And let’s be honest. We’ve all had those days when baking feels like too much. This cake rescues you from that mindset. You just dump, layer, bake, and bask in the smells that will lure everyone into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” Yes. Yes, it is.

3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple Pie Filling: I use two cans. It gives you that jammy apple base with all the cinnamon and softness already built in. Skip peeling, slicing, and cooking. Just open and pour.

Caramel Bits: These little nuggets of joy melt into the cake and sneak into each bite. I’ve tried using chopped soft caramels too. Either works. Don’t skip them—they’re what make this a caramel apple dessert instead of just apple.

Yellow Cake Mix: One box. Dry. Don’t mix it. It forms a golden crust on top while soaking up those buttery, caramely juices underneath. The top gets crisp. The middle stays soft. Magic.

Unsalted Butter: Slice it thin and lay it all over the top. The butter melts down into the dry mix and gives you that irresistible crust. If you’re feeling wild, brown the butter first. No regrets.

4) How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it heats, grab a 9×13 baking dish. Spray it with nonstick spray so nothing sticks where it shouldn’t.

Step 2. Open those cans of apple pie filling and spread them across the bottom of the dish. No need to be fancy—just cover the whole base.

Step 3. Sprinkle the caramel bits right over the apples. Try to space them out so every scoop gets a hit of caramel. Think of them as hidden treasure.

Step 4. Pour the dry cake mix on top. Gently shake the pan to level it. Don’t stir. Seriously, don’t touch it.

Step 5. Lay the butter slices evenly across the top of the dry mix. That’s what turns powder into crust. Cover as much surface area as you can.

Step 6. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You want a golden top and bubbling edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—if you can wait.

5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake

If your cake mix looks dry halfway through baking, don’t panic. Give it a light misting with cooking spray or a drizzle of melted butter. It’ll even out as it finishes baking.

Feel free to swap in different pie fillings if apples aren’t your thing. Peaches work. So do cherries. But honestly, nothing beats that warm caramel apple combo when the weather turns cold.

Want a crunch? Add chopped nuts—pecans or walnuts work well—before baking. Want to take it over the top? Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’ll melt into all the nooks and crannies.

6) Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ahead of Time

This is one of those desserts that actually improves with a little rest. If you need a quick party trick, bake it in the morning and warm it up before serving. The caramel flavor deepens, and the texture becomes even better.

To prep ahead, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, uncover and bake. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time since it’s starting out cold.

Another idea? Bake it fully and freeze it. Reheat covered with foil in a 300°F oven until warm. This dessert doesn’t get soggy—it just gets gooey in the best way.

7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Let the cake cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to a container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days—though good luck getting it to last that long.

To reheat, scoop out a portion and microwave it for about 30 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger batch, pop the whole dish in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through.

And yes, it tastes just as good cold. Late-night fridge raids have confirmed this many times over in our house. You’ve been warned.

8) Try these desserts next!

9) Caramel Apple Dump Cake