Cakes & Cupcakes
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Easy caramel apple dump cake with cinnamon apples, buttery topping, and gooey caramel. No mixing required—just dump and bake!
When Simple Ingredients Make the Best Memories
I still remember my grandmother setting a bubbling caramel apple dump cake on the kitchen counter on a chilly September afternoon, and suddenly the whole house smelled like cinnamon and butter. This recipe reminds me exactly why I fell in love with baking—it’s humble, straightforward, and absolutely magical. With just a handful of ingredients and zero fancy techniques, you get a warm, gooey, utterly comforting dessert that tastes like it took hours.
Baker’s Tips
- Don’t overmix the cake topping mixture. Some lumps are actually your friend here—they create a tender, more interesting crumb texture as they bake. Aim for a coarse breadcrumb consistency.
- Slice your apples to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick so they cook through evenly during baking. Thicker slices might stay too firm, while thinner ones can turn mushy.
- If your caramel sauce is very thick, microwave it for 15-20 seconds until it’s pourable. Cold, stiff caramel will clump rather than distribute evenly over the apples.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel over the caramel before adding the cake topping for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Spiced Apple Dump Cake with Pecans: Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon allspice to the cinnamon mixture, and stir 1 cup chopped pecans into the dry cake mix topping.
- Brown Butter Apple Dump Cake: Brown 1 cup butter separately, let it cool slightly, then use it instead of cold butter in the topping for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
For more simple baking magic, try my classic apple crumble or this cinnamon sheet cake that’s equally foolproof.
Ingredients
For the Cake
For Serving (Optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- 2
Layer the Apples
Spread the sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and salt over the apples.
- 3
Add Caramel
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, spreading it as evenly as you can with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- 4
Mix the Topping
In a bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the cold cubed butter and water, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix—lumps are okay and actually desirable here.
- 5
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the cake mixture evenly over the caramel and apples. Don't press it down. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- 6
Cool Slightly
Let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the caramel to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- 7
Serve
Scoop into bowls and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12). Values are approximate.
| Calories | 285 calories |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dump cake up to 8 hours ahead. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to your baking time if baking from cold. You can also bake it completely and reheat it gently in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes before serving.
What type of apples work best?
A mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal. I love combining Granny Smith (tart) with Honeycrisp or Gala (sweet). Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious. You need about 6 medium apples or 2kg total.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have homemade caramel sauce, use about 2 cups (480ml) of it. Just make sure it's pourable—if it's too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling over the apples. Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, but homemade tastes incredible.
Reader Reviews
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