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Print / PDFCaramel Apple Dump Cake
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 50 mins
- resting
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 14 oz bag soft caramel candies (or substitute with ¾ cup caramel sauce)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (any brand will do)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (that’s 2 sticks, melted)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a warm, spicy kick)
- 1 pinch salt (enhances the flavors)
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish — Greased for easy removal
- 1 Mixing bowl — For mixing ingredients if needed
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- 2
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- 3
Arrange apple slices evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle them with a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- 4
Drizzle caramel sauce or melted caramels over the apples. This will create a deliciously gooey layer.
- 5
Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the caramel-coated apples. No need to mix; just let it sit on top!
- 6
Drizzle melted butter over the top layer of cake mix. This will help it brown beautifully while baking.
- 7
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- 8
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 55g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Why You’ll Love This caramel apple dump cake
- It’s a breeze to make—just dump and bake!
- Delicious layers of caramel and apple goodness.
- Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a delicious caramel apple dump cake!

- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples – your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith or Fuji
- 1 (14 oz) bag of soft caramel candies – or substitute with ¾ cup caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – any brand will do
- 1 cup unsalted butter – that’s 2 sticks, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – for a warm, spicy kick
- pinch of salt – enhances the flavors
How to Make caramel apple dump cake
This delightful caramel apple dump cake is a breeze to make! With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45–50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, gooey dessert ready to enjoy in no time. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Arrange apple slices evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle them with a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add the Caramel
Drizzle caramel sauce or melted caramels over the apples. This will create a deliciously gooey layer.
Step 5: Pour the Cake Mix
Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the caramel-coated apples. No need to mix; just let it sit on top!
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the top layer of cake mix. This will help it brown beautifully while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with ice cream or whipped cream! |
Pro Tips for Making caramel apple dump cake
- Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a decadent finish.
- Use a mix of cake flavors for a unique twist.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
How to Serve this caramel apple dump cake
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice for added sweetness.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finish.
- Pair with a cup of hot apple cider for a cozy autumn treat.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh apple slices for a refreshing crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep it in an airtight container.
Freezing
- Cool the cake completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
As you dive into this delightful caramel apple dump cake, remember the joy of simple pleasures! It’s a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. So grab your ingredients, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite. You’ve earned this delicious treat!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
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Does caramel apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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