Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake is the perfect blend of warm spices, sweet caramel, and moist cake all baked into one easy dessert. It has been my go-to when I want a quick but impressive treat, especially when guests unexpectedly drop by or when I crave the cozy flavors of fall without a long prep time.

I first shared this cake with my family during a hectic weekend, and the ease combined with the delicious result instantly made it a new favorite for all of us.

Ingredients

• Apple pie filling: both sweet and tart to give the cake its juicy base& choose good-quality canned filling with visible apple chunks
• Allspice: provides a warm, slightly peppery undertone that complements cinnamon without overpowering
• Cinnamon: adds familiar spice and fragrance& fresh ground is best if you can find it
• Werther’s Original chewy caramels: melt into pockets of buttery sweetness throughout the cake& make sure to cut them in half for even distribution
• Super moist butter yellow cake mix: creates a tender crumb that soaks up the apple and caramel juices beautifully
• Salted butter: brings richness and helps create a golden topping& using cold butter cut into small squares helps it melt gradually and create a crispy crust
• Vanilla ice cream: to elevate the warm cake when served and add a creamy contrast

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

Add the Apples and Spices:

Dump the two cans of apple pie filling evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle the allspice and cinnamon over the apples. Stir with a spatula until the spices are well distributed and the filling is smooth on top.

Add Caramel Pieces:

Take half the bag of caramels and cut each one in half. Scatter these pieces evenly over the spiced apple mixture. This will create pockets of caramel throughout the cake as it bakes.

Layer the Cake Mix:

Pour the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel and apples. Smooth the top gently with a spatula to create an even layer.

Top with Butter Squares:

Cut cold salted butter into about 15 small squares. Place these evenly spaced on top of the cake mix layer. The butter will melt while baking, creating a golden, crispy crust.

Bake the Cake:

Put the baking dish uncovered into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even cooking. The dessert is ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Serve Warm with Ice Cream:

Scoop warm pieces of the cake onto plates and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold melts the ice cream into the cake for the perfect finish.

I love how the chewy Werther’s caramels create little pockets of caramel gooeyness that balance perfectly with the tart apple filling. Every time I make this cake, it brings back sweet memories of sharing cozy evenings with my family and the irresistible scent filling the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, pop it into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the topping crisp and the filling bubbling hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version you can replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. If you want to swap out Werther’s caramels try soft caramel candies or even chopped caramel bits that melt easily. Any apple pie filling brand works but look for one with natural ingredients and visible apple chunks for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this caramel apple dump cake warm topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a perfect dessert duo.

This simple dump cake captures the essence of fall in every bite and never fails to impress with minimal effort.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of apples work best for this dessert?

Pre-packaged apple pie filling is ideal for ease and flavor, but fresh tart apples like Granny Smith can be used if cooked down beforehand.

→ Can I use different spices?

Yes, you can substitute or add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to enhance the warm spice profile.

→ What is the purpose of the butter squares on top?

Butter melts during baking, creating a moist, golden crust atop the cake mix layer for richness and texture.

→ How do I know when the dessert is done baking?

It’s ready when the sides bubble actively and the top turns a golden brown color.

→ Can this be served cold or only warm?

While best warm to enjoy melty caramel and soft texture, it can also be served at room temperature.