Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe, the best fall dessert with fresh apples, caramel, and a yellow cake mix. This simple dessert is kind of a cross between an apple pie, cobbler, and crisp all in one! Top it with ice cream or whipped cream and serve this easy dump cake at Thanksgiving, potlucks, or fall parties. It feeds a crowd!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is one of the BEST easy apple desserts, with sweet caramel, tender fresh apples, warm cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and a buttery golden cake topping. And you only need SIX ingredients! If you love apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp, you’re going to love this easy caramel apple dump cake recipe. It’s kind of like all three desserts rolled into one! Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a little extra caramel sauce, and you’ve got one seriously delicious fall dessert.

This recipe is an oldie but goodie! I first made it years ago and have made it every now and then ever since. It’s one of those simple desserts that’s always worth bringing back, especially when fresh apples are in season.

What makes this particular caramel apple dump cake different from many other recipes is that it uses FRESH apples instead of canned apple pie filling. Yes, fresh apples take a little more work than opening a can, but trust me, they’re worth it!

There are plenty of caramel apple dump cake recipes made with canned apple pie filling and caramel sauce. But combining those two ingredients can make a dessert REALLY sweet.

Using fresh apples gives this cake a delicious homemade apple flavor without all that extra sweetness from canned pie filling. And don’t worry, this is still a super easy dessert!

You’ll layer chopped apples, caramel, cinnamon, and walnuts in a baking dish, sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over everything, drizzle with melted butter, and bake. No complicated cake batter, no fancy techniques, and very little cleanup.

The result is a warm, gooey caramel apple filling with a golden, crumbly cake topping that’s somewhere between a classic apple cobbler and an old-fashioned apple crisp. It’s perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving dessert, potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you have some fresh apples to use up. And since this recipe makes a big 13×9-inch pan, it’s great for feeding a crowd!

What I Love About This Recipe

• Only SIX ingredients! This easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake uses fresh apples, caramel topping, cinnamon, walnuts, yellow cake mix, and butter. You don’t need to make a homemade cake batter or spend hours in the kitchen. Just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. It’s one of those simple desserts that tastes like you worked a lot harder than you did!
• Made with FRESH apples! I love using fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling in this recipe. They give the dessert a delicious homemade apple flavor and help balance the sweetness of the caramel. You can use your favorite baking apples, including Granny Smith. It’s a little extra chopping, but SO worth it!
• The BEST combination of desserts! This caramel apple dump cake is like a cross between apple pie, apple cobbler, and apple crisp. You get tender cinnamon apples, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and a buttery golden topping. Every spoonful has a little bit of everything. Add vanilla ice cream, and it’s even better!
• Perfect for fall and holidays! This easy apple dessert is great for Thanksgiving, fall parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. It makes a large pan, so there’s plenty to share. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or cold, although I personally love it warm. It’s especially delicious when fresh apples are in season!
• Easy to customize! You can use walnuts, pecans, or another favorite nut, or leave the nuts out entirely. Yellow cake mix is my favorite, but white or spice cake mix can work too. You can also experiment with apple pie spice, butterscotch topping, or a few cranberries for a fun variation. There are lots of ways to make this dessert your own!

What Is a Dump Cake?

If you’ve never made a dump cake before, you’re in for a treat! A dump cake is an easy dessert where you layer ingredients in a baking dish instead of mixing a traditional cake batter.

Most dump cake recipes start with fruit or pie filling, followed by dry cake mix and butter. As the dessert bakes, the fruit softens and releases juices while the butter helps create a golden topping.

The name comes from the fact that you basically “dump” the ingredients into the pan. Pretty simple, right?

Unlike a traditional cake, a dump cake usually has a soft fruit filling on the bottom and a crumbly or cobbler-like topping. You generally serve it by spooning portions into bowls rather than cutting neat slices.

Equipment You May Need

• 13×9-Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this caramel apple dump cake. A large baking dish gives the apples and cake topping room to bake evenly.
• Nonstick Baking Spray: Helps prevent the dessert from sticking to the baking dish.
• Cutting Board: For preparing the fresh apples.
• Sharp Knife: You’ll need to chop the apples into small pieces so they soften properly while baking.
• Apple Peeler or Vegetable Peeler: Makes peeling the apples easier.
• Apple Corer: Optional, but helpful for removing the cores quickly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the apples, caramel, cinnamon, walnuts, and butter.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and gently warming thick caramel sauce if needed.
• Large Spoon: For spreading the apples and other ingredients evenly in the pan. And for serving.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ingredients

You only need six simple ingredients to make this easy caramel apple dump cake recipe.

The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Fresh Apples: The star of the recipe! I like using a good baking apple such as Granny Smith. Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small cubes, about 1/2-inch, so they cook through. Fresh apples give the dessert a delicious homemade flavor without the extra sweetness of canned apple pie filling.
• Caramel Ice Cream Topping: Adds sweet, gooey caramel flavor throughout the apple filling. Use your favorite caramel sauce or ice cream topping. If it’s too thick to pour or spoon easily, warm it slightly before adding it to the apples.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy fall flavor that pairs perfectly with apples and caramel. You can substitute apple pie spice if you’d like a slightly different spice blend.
• Walnuts: Add a delicious crunch that contrasts with the soft apples and buttery topping. I use walnuts, but pecans, peanuts, or another favorite nut can work too. You can also omit the nuts entirely.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Creates the easy golden topping without having to make cake batter from scratch. I think yellow cake mix works best, but white cake mix or spice cake mix can also work. Be sure to use a box that’s about the same size as the one called for in the recipe.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps turn the dry cake mix into a golden, buttery topping. Make sure you cover the dry cake mix as evenly as possible. You can use a little more butter if needed, or try one of the topping alternatives mentioned in the recipe notes.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This recipe only has four steps, and you don’t need to mix a traditional cake batter.

Step One: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This helps prevent the caramel and apples from sticking to the bottom and sides of the dish. Make sure your apples are already peeled, cored, and finely chopped before you start layering everything.

Step Two: Add the Apples, Caramel, Cinnamon, and Walnuts.
Spread the finely chopped fresh apples in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the apples, then sprinkle the cinnamon evenly on top. Spoon the walnuts over everything in an even layer. You should have a delicious mixture of fresh apples, caramel, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts.

Step Three: Add the Cake Mix and Butter.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple mixture until it’s completely covered. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions or stir it into the apples. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, trying to cover the dry cake mix as evenly as possible. If you notice dry spots, you can add a little more melted butter as mentioned in the recipe notes.

Step Four: Bake Until Golden Brown.
Bake the caramel apple dump cake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. The apples should soften, and the caramel mixture should be hot and bubbly. Serve the dump cake warm or cold, depending on your preference. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Variations

One of the best things about this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe is how many ways you can change it up! Try different cake mixes, nuts, spices, and fruits for a fun twist on this delicious fall dessert.

• Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans: Swap the walnuts for pecans for a rich, buttery flavor that goes perfectly with apples and caramel. You can use whole or chopped pecans, depending on how much crunch you like.
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix: Instead of yellow cake mix, try a spice cake mix for extra fall flavor. The warm spices pair perfectly with the fresh apples and gooey caramel. It’s a great variation for Thanksgiving!
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Apple Pie Spice: Replace the cinnamon with apple pie spice for a delicious blend of warm spices. Depending on the brand, apple pie spice may contain cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and other spices.
• Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Add a small pinch of salt to the caramel sauce for a sweet and salty twist. You can also drizzle extra salted caramel over the finished dessert. SO good with vanilla ice cream!
• Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: Add a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries to the chopped apples for a festive fall or holiday dessert. The tart cranberries help balance the sweet caramel and buttery topping. Keep in mind that adding fruit may change the moisture level and baking time.
• Apple Pear Dump Cake: Replace some of the fresh apples with finely chopped pears for a delicious combination of fall fruits. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm so they don’t turn too mushy while baking.
• Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake: Swap the caramel ice cream topping for butterscotch topping. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness that tastes delicious with cinnamon apples and walnuts.
• Nut-Free Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Not a fan of nuts or have a nut allergy? Simply leave out the walnuts! The fresh apples, caramel, cinnamon, and buttery cake topping still have plenty of flavor.
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Canned Apple Pie Filling: For a shortcut, you could experiment with canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples. However, canned filling is already sweetened and thickened, so the dessert may turn out much sweeter and have a different texture. I prefer fresh apples for this recipe!
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake with White Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for white cake mix for a slightly lighter flavor. Just make sure the box is approximately the same size as the 15.25-ounce cake mix.
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake from Scratch: Want to skip the boxed cake mix? You could experiment with a homemade cobbler or crisp topping made with flour, sugar, and butter. However, this would be a different recipe, and I haven’t tested a homemade cake mix substitute for this particular dump cake.

These are fun variations to experiment with, but I recommend making the recipe as-is first for the most reliable results!

Serving Suggestions

This easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake is delicious warm, at room temperature, or cold. Personally, I like it warm, especially with vanilla ice cream! Here are a few delicious ways to serve it.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: My favorite! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to warm caramel apple dump cake for a delicious hot-and-cold dessert. Cinnamon ice cream would also be good.
• Extra Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little more caramel topping over each serving for even more caramel flavor. Salted caramel would also be delicious.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream for a lighter topping.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle a few toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for extra crunch.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve a warm bowl of dump cake with your favorite coffee or tea.
• Apple Cider: This dessert is perfect with a mug of warm apple cider on a chilly fall day. For a fall party, you could also pair it with my Apple Cider Sangria.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh apples. They’re the star of this recipe and help balance the sweetness of the caramel.
• Choose a good baking apple. Granny Smith is a great option because it’s firm and tart.
• Chop the apples into small cubes. Pieces about 1/2-inch are ideal so the apples can soften while the cake bakes.
• Spread the apples evenly. An even layer helps everything cook more consistently.
• Warm thick caramel sauce if needed. Slightly warming the caramel makes it easier to drizzle over the apples.
• Use your favorite nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or peanuts can work. You can also omit the nuts entirely.
• Use a 15.25-ounce cake mix. Cake mix sizes can vary, so check the box before baking.
• Don’t prepare the cake mix. Sprinkle the dry mix directly over the apple filling.
• Try yellow cake mix first. I think it gives the best classic flavor, but white or spice cake mix can work too.
• Cover the apples completely with cake mix. Spread the dry mix evenly across the surface.
• Distribute the melted butter evenly. This helps create a golden topping instead of dry, powdery patches.
• Add more butter if needed. If the cake mix still looks dry before baking, drizzle a little more melted butter over those areas.
• Try the butter-and-milk option. As suggesed, mix 1/2 cup melted butter with 1/2 cup milk for a softer topping.
• Watch the baking time. The cake takes about 45-60 minutes at 350 degrees F, depending on your oven.
• Look for a golden topping. The top should be golden brown, and the apple filling should be hot and bubbly.
• Let it cool slightly before serving. The caramel and apple filling will be very hot straight from the oven.
• Serve warm with ice cream. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy this dessert!
• Refrigerate leftovers. Store the dump cake covered in the refrigerator.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake FAQ

How should I store Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
I like to store this dump cake in the refrigerator. Let it cool, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly rather than leaving it on the counter for several days. You can enjoy leftovers cold or reheat individual portions.

Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dessert ahead and refrigerate it after baking. Reheat before serving if you prefer it warm. The topping may soften during storage, but it will still taste delicious. I especially like serving it warm with vanilla ice cream.

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Yes, you can try freezing the baked dump cake. I haven’t personally tested freezing this particular recipe, so I can’t guarantee the texture after thawing. Let the dessert cool completely, then wrap it well or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For best quality, try using it within about 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. The topping may be softer after freezing.

How long will Caramel Apple Dump Cake last?
For a conservative storage guideline, keep the baked dessert covered in the refrigerator and use it within about 3 to 4 days. The fresh apples and moist filling make refrigeration a good choice. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is an option, although the texture may change.

Substitutions?
You can use white cake mix or spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Apple pie spice can replace cinnamon. Pecans, peanuts, or another favorite nut can replace the walnuts, or you can leave the nuts out. Butterscotch topping is another option instead of caramel. Keep in mind that substitutions may change the flavor or texture.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You could experiment with a lower-fat butter product or butter substitute, but I haven’t tested those options. The butter is important for creating the golden cake mix topping, so reducing it may leave dry patches. For the most reliable results, I recommend following the recipe.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You can experiment with fresh cranberries, chopped pears, extra cinnamon, apple pie spice, or different nuts. A small pinch of salt in the caramel can also create a salted caramel flavor. Just remember that adding fruit may change the moisture level and baking time.

Didn’t turn out, what went wrong?
If the apples are too firm, they may have been chopped too large or the dessert may need more baking time. If the topping has dry, powdery patches, the cake mix may not have been covered evenly with butter. If the dessert is too sweet, the caramel sauce or apple variety may be sweeter than expected. If the filling is too watery, the apples may have released more moisture than expected. Be sure to use the recommended pan size and bake until the topping is golden brown.

What are the best apples for apple dump cake?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they’re firm and tart. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady apples are other options. I like using apples with enough tartness to balance the sweet caramel sauce. You can also mix apple varieties.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – Be sure to get a vegan-friendly cake mix and caramel. You could also try coconut oil or vegan butter substitute.

Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian.

Low-Carb – This recipe could be tough to make low carb, but for a lower carb version you could try a sugar-free cake mix and use a sugar-free caramel.

Gluten-Free – You can try a gluten-free cake mix but I haven’t tried so can’t say for sure how it will turn out.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you love caramel apples, easy dump cakes, and cozy fall desserts, here are a few more Snappy Gourmet recipes to try!

• Caramel Apple Bars – A delicious family favorite with caramel apple flavor. Perfect for fall baking!
• Caramel Apple Butter Cupcakes – A fun gourmet cupcake that’s perfect for fall parties and special occasions.
• Caramel Apple Mug Cobblers – Cute individual apple cobblers made right in mugs. A fun way to enjoy a warm apple dessert!
• Pumpkin Dump Cake – Another easy fall dessert that’s great for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
• Chocolate Dump Cake – An easy dessert for chocolate lovers who want something simple and delicious.
• Cherry Dump Cake – A quick and easy fruit dump cake that’s great for parties and potlucks.
• Pina Colada Dump Cake – A fun tropical twist on a classic dump cake.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Video

Here’s a quick video to see how easy this Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe comes together…

Hope you enjoy this easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake! Be sure to check out my other fun and simple dump cake recipes!