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Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a cozy fall evening, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is it! With just four simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something sweet. The combination of tender apple pie filling, rich caramel, and buttery cake mix creates a delicious dessert that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

What makes this recipe even better is how fuss-free it is. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do its magic. There’s no need to worry about mixing or extra steps—just “dump” the ingredients in, bake, and enjoy. Whether you top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is sure to impress without taking up too much of your time.

Perfect for fall or holiday gatherings, this Apple Caramel Dump Cake is a great option when you want something delicious without the stress. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it an ideal last-minute dessert choice. Your guests will love the flavors, and you’ll love how effortless it is to make!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

What You Will Love About This Recipe

People will love this Apple Caramel Dump Cake for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors. The combination of sweet, gooey apple pie filling and caramel sauce topped with a buttery, golden cake mix is irresistible. It’s perfect for when you need a quick and easy dessert that still feels homemade and indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream, making it a delightful treat for fall, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave something cozy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

caramel apple dump cake

Ingredients

  • 21 oz can apple pie filling
  • 6 oz caramel sauce
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8 x 11 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour the apple pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, you can cut the apples into smaller pieces for easier serving.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
  • Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  • Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even, so don’t worry if it looks patchy.
  • Bake the dessert for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
  • Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake 13

What Is The Origin Of Dump Cakes

Dump cakes, a popular and simple dessert in American cuisine, originated in the mid-20th century. Their rise in popularity is largely attributed to the post-World War II era, a time when convenience foods and time-saving recipes became more common as household dynamics changed and more women entered the workforce.
The basic concept behind dump cakes is similar to other “quick fix” desserts: minimal preparation and ingredients. The name “dump cake” reflects the process—simply dumping ingredients, like canned fruit, pie filling, cake mix, and butter, into a dish without much mixing. This method was designed to be incredibly easy, with minimal fuss and cleanup.
Here’s a brief look at the factors that contributed to the popularity of dump cakes:
Convenience Food Boom (1950s-1960s): During this period, the introduction of boxed cake mixes by companies like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker made baking more accessible for busy families. These mixes encouraged home cooks to experiment with quicker recipes.
Church and Community Cookbooks: Many dump cake recipes were passed down through family cookbooks or included in church and community cookbooks, which often featured simple, crowd-pleasing recipes.
Potluck Culture: Dump cakes became a go-to dessert for potlucks and family gatherings because they were easy to prepare in large quantities and could be thrown together quickly.
While the exact origin story of dump cakes is unclear, their ease, affordability, and versatility have made them a classic American dessert that remains popular today.

caramel apple dump cake

Tips & Tricks

  • Add a Spice Twist: For extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg over the apple pie filling before adding the caramel sauce. This will give the cake a warm, spiced apple pie vibe.
  • Use Cold Butter: If you want a crispier, more evenly browned top, cut cold butter into thin slices and lay them over the cake mix instead of melting the butter. This ensures an even distribution of buttery goodness.
  • Mix it Up: You can swap out the apple pie filling for other fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or blueberry to create new variations of this dump cake. Caramel still works beautifully with most fruits!
  • Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the edges of your cake as it bakes. If they turn golden brown but the center still seems wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments until fully set.
  • Use Quality Caramel: Opt for a good-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use less caramel or omit it altogether for a more classic fruit-based dessert.
caramel apple dump cake

FAQs

Absolutely! You can bake the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving, or simply enjoy it cold!

Yes, but keep in mind that salted butter may slightly alter the flavor of the dessert by adding a bit of saltiness. If you prefer a balanced sweet flavor, stick with unsalted butter.

While melted butter is the easiest option, you can also slice cold butter thinly and lay it over the dry cake mix. This method may give you a slightly crisper, more evenly golden crust.

Definitely! Spice cake mix, butter pecan, or white cake mix would also pair wonderfully with the apple and caramel flavors.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake 13

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

If you're looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a cozy fall evening, this Apple Caramel Dump Cake is it! With just four simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a warm, gooey treat that's perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you're craving something sweet.

Ingredients

  • 21 oz can apple pie filling
  • 6 oz caramel sauce
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8 x 11 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Pour the apple pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, you can cut the apples into smaller pieces for easier serving.
  3. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
  4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  5. Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even, so don’t worry if it looks patchy.
  6. Bake the dessert for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
  7. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 563Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 766mgCarbohydrates: 84gFiber: 2gSugar: 56gProtein: 3g

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