Caramel Apple Dump Cake
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Need an easy dessert? Then you need to make a Dump Cake especially if it’s this quick and easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake! It only takes five ingredients to make this quick and easy dessert. Don’t forget to serve it with ice cream and caramel drizzled over it. Nothing beats this apple dessert warm from the oven.
One of my favorite desserts to make are dump cakes! They are so easy – you don’t have to take out the mixer or make a big mess in the kitchen. You just combine a few ingredients together in a baking dish and into the oven it goes.
There are countless ways to make them and this caramel apple dump cake is one of my favorites! It’s perfect for any time of year and it’s so easy you can make it at the drop of a hat, so it’s great for last-minute potlucks or parties. Once you try it you’ll have to try my blueberry and pumpkin dump cakes, too!
You only need five ingredients and 10 minutes to assemble it – yes, you read that right! Only five ingredients. It’s seriously the easiest dessert – I can’t wait for you to try it!
What is a Dump Cake
Just what it sounds like! It means that you just dump the ingredients in the pan and bake it!
It couldn’t be easier, but don’t worry, it’s not lacking on flavor!
Easy 5 Ingredient Dump Cake Recipe!
What I love about this recipe is that I always keep the ingredients stocked in the pantry I’m ready whenever I need a last-minute dessert. Here’s what you need:
- Yellow cake mix
- Canned apple pie filling
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- Caramel ice cream topping
This isn’t one of those sneaky recipes that have a bunch of hidden prep steps – using cake mix, pre-made pie filling and caramel sauce makes it super easy. If you’re feeling like an extra step you can always make your own homemade caramel sauce, but it’s up to you!
4 Steps to Prepare
- Pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top
- Pour the caramel topping over the top of the cinnamon.
- Add the cake mix in an even layer and pour the melted butter over the top.
That’s it and it’s ready to go in the oven! Bake the cake for 50 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees F. It will be bubbling hot when you take it out so let it stand until it cools off a bit and then serve it warm or at room temperature.
Add Some Toppings!
This apple caramel cake is delicious all on it’s own, but add some toppings to take it over the top:
- It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially when the cake is still warm. The ice cream melts into the cake creating a sweet melt-y sauce. Yum!
- Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top!
- Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or toasted almonds for a little crunch!
- A dollop of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream is always delicious, too.
Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool completely and store in airtight container.
We recommend refrigerating the leftovers to maximize the length they stay fresh. It will be good for 3-5 days.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. You could bake and freeze the entire dump cake if you’d like to. Simply thaw overnight in fridge when ready to use.
I think it’s best enjoyed warm so stick in the microwave or oven to warm it up!
Can I use a different filling?
Yes! I’d skip the caramel and then just switch up the pie filling for different flavors.
Cherry, Blueberry, Pumpkin and more! The possiblities are endless.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! We recommend sticking with vanilla, yellow or you could do a spice cake mix with this apple filling.
If you use the spice cake mix you might want to skip the cinnamon in this recipe.
Crock Pot Directions
You can make this in the crock pot too!
- Spray the crock pot liner with non-stick spray.
- Assemble as instructed.
- Place lid on crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Expert Tip: Place a paper towel or tea towel between below the lid to catch extra moisture. Simply drape it over the top of the crock pot and seal with the lid!
This dump cake reminds me a lot of an apple cobbler, except it’s so much easier to make. Once the cake mix bakes it creates a crust that’s very similar – no one will guess how easy it was to make! Don’t worry, you’re secret is safe with me!
Have you added the five ingredients to your shopping list yet? Be sure to double up so you have them on hand whenever you need an easy dessert. I hope you love this easy apple dump cake as much as we do!
More Easy Cake Mix Recipes
One of my favorite short-cuts is using cake mix to make desserts! It’s such a hassle-free way to make a sweet treat. Here are a few more ideas for you to try:
- Cake Mix Cookies are super easy, soft and chewy. They start with two boxes of cake mix then you add a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, they’re easy to customize for any holiday or event!
- Did you know you can use a yellow cake mix to make a delicious Crumb Cake? It’s so easy and everyone will think you made it from scratch!
- One of my other favorite desserts is my Strawberry Upside Down Cake. It’s a light and fluffy cake that’s bursting with strawberry flavor that’s impressive, yet easy.
Love it? Rate it, please!! A five-star rating will make my day! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box yellow cake mix
- 2 cans apple pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 c. butter melted
- 1/4 c. caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour apple pie filling into bottom of greased 8×11 casserole pan or 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top of pie filling. Top with caramel ice cream topping. Pour dry cake mix over filling.
- Pour butter on top of cake mix.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
Tips
- Spray the crock pot liner with non-stick spray.
- Assemble as instructed.
- Place lid on crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Jenn says
Hellooooo easiest dessert ever! This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is so PERFECT for Fall – thank you for the recipe!!
Julie says
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Joan says
How about this recipe with apples instead of pie filling?Joan
Julie says
I haven’t tried it that way but it sounds intriguing! If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!
Sydnie says
YUM YUM YUM! I am so excited all these tasty fall recipes are coming out! Thanks for sharing!
Julie says
Fall desserts are the best! You are so welcome!
ANNE MARIE HIGGINS says
Hi Julie,
You do such a great job and I look forward to hearing from you each recipe.
My question is since Hubby is such a bad diabetic, I’m going to skip the caramel, but should I substitute anything else.
Again, thank you for all your help.
Julie says
Hi Anne Marie, this recipe is definitely a sweet one, I’m not sure how to make it diabetic approved.
Amanda Dawes says
Hey I forgot to put the carmel toping over the apples but did pour over the cake after it cooked.So I ant a good cook so can you help out on the great way to cook this great food that is posted.
Julie Evink says
Glad you enjoyed it Amanda!
Ramona says
I tried this receipe last night. Tasted great! The only thing is the yellow cake mix was not all cooked. Dry flakey places in the cobbler. Is that the way it was suppose to be?
Julie Evink says
I’m assuming the butter that you pour on top didn’t get into some places which resulted in dry flakey places.
Bonnie says
Caramel apple cobbler
Mercedes Ritter says
I am a debectic, hou much sugar is in this sounds great caramel apple cobbler.. thanks
Julie Evink says
I’m not sure Mercedes. I’m not a dietician so I’m not sure I can help you here!
jackie says
what size cake mix did you use? Jiffy or Betty Crocker size?
Julie Evink says
Betty Crocker I think!
Gabriela says
Just to delicious to describe!
Make it, serve it warm with vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream (for a wonderful sugar overload…).
Sit back, and enjoy autumn…Need I say more?
Carol says
I had a stroke a year ago which left my left side paralyzed. Dump cakes are great because I cannot hold a bowl one handed, to mix in it, nor to pour from it. The dump cakes are terrific and easy for me to make. ..love the dump part!
sue cowan says
It will not let me print this recipe, why not?
sue cowan says
It printed! Yeah!!!!!
Julie says
Glad to hear it 🙂
The Better Baker says
Hurrah for you! (Sure glad you linked back!=) This recipe is being featured as my personal favorite at Weekend Potluck today. Please come on over and snag your featured button. Am thinkin’ I will make this today! Thanks –
Julie Evink says
Thanks so much! I’ve already got my button… Enjoy!
The Better Baker says
Oh Julie – I’m bummed…I don’t see a linkback to Weekend Potluck? I LOVE this recipe! I was raised a farm girl too and loved reading your perspectives about farming.
Veronica Miller says
I’m not a farm girl but for some reason I really love farmers/farm girls…maybe b/c my grandparents had a farm and I had so much fun every summer when we got to stay a month with them. It’s the simple & good life, at least in my book. And your caramel appler cobbler sounds SO good!
Stephanie Parker says
Sounds really good and really easy! Bookmarking this to try later.