Cozy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and caramel apple dump cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every delectable bite.

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers memories of orchard-fresh harvest.

Rustic desserts like this transform simple ingredients into magical experiences.

Pantry staples become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Layers of tender cake, gooey caramel, and tender apple chunks create irresistible textures that dance on your palate.

Effortless preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat in minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this dessert comes together and delights everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Crave Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Assemble this delightful dessert with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of caramel, apples, and crunchy pecans.
• Textural Symphony: Enjoy a delicious contrast between soft, spiced apples, crisp cake topping, and crunchy pecans that create a mouthwatering experience in every single bite.
• No-Fuss Baking: Skip complicated mixing and measuring – simply layer ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven transform them into a golden, caramel-coated masterpiece that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

What’s Inside Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Apples: Crisp and sweet base that provides the primary fruity foundation of the dessert.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Convenient base that creates a tender, golden topping with minimal effort.

• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and add depth to the dessert.

• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create a moist, sticky texture.

• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet apple base.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, moist topping that helps bind the cake mix and adds depth of flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds luxurious sweetness and creates beautiful golden swirls throughout the dessert.

How To Bake Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Slices

Grab your favorite apples and slice them into thin, elegant wedges. Spread these golden beauties evenly across the baking dish for maximum deliciousness.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Shower the apple slices with a magical dusting of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm spices will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn dream.

Step 4: First Caramel Cascade

Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the spiced apples, letting it create beautiful golden pools that will make your mouth water.

Step 5: Cake Mix Blanket

Gently sprinkle the yellow cake mix across the entire surface of the apples. Think of it like tucking the fruit into a delicious blanket – cover completely without mixing.

Step 6: Create Buttery Magic

Melt the unsalted butter and whisk it together with brown sugar until they become a smooth, irresistible mixture that looks like liquid gold.

Step 7: Pour the Butter Mixture

Slowly drizzle the butter and brown sugar combination over the cake mix. Watch as it seeps into every nook and cranny, promising incredible flavor.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Scatter chopped pecans across the top, creating a delightful crunch that will make every bite interesting and textured.

Step 9: Final Caramel Swirl

Finish with a final drizzle of caramel sauce, creating beautiful golden swirls that will make this dessert look as amazing as it tastes.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with caramelized juices.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the dessert rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. This magical waiting time allows the flavors to mingle and the cake to set perfectly.

Easy Tips For Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Slice Apples Precisely: Cut apples into thin, uniform wedges for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Boost Flavor Layers: Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg generously to enhance the apple's natural sweetness and create a warm, aromatic profile.
• Control Caramel Distribution: Drizzle caramel sauce strategically in two stages to ensure deep flavor penetration and beautiful golden swirls.
• Achieve Perfect Topping Texture: Spread cake mix and pecans evenly without mixing, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust with delightful crunch.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the dessert to cool for 15 minutes after baking, helping the cake set and allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.

Fun Styles For Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Dump Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Dessert: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based caramel sauce, and swap regular sugar with maple syrup for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spiced Pear Variation: Swap apples with ripe pears, add cardamom and ginger for a warming flavor profile that complements the original recipe's essence.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cobbler: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate almond flour for a diabetic-friendly dessert option.

What To Pair With Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cut through the dessert's rich sweetness with a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream that complements the warm caramel and spiced apple flavors.
• Complement with Salted Caramel Latte: The coffee's bold espresso notes and hint of salt perfectly balance the dessert's sugary caramel undertones, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Match with Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: A bourbon cocktail with cinnamon and nutmeg garnish will echo the cake's warm spices and provide a sophisticated adult beverage pairing that enhances the dessert's complexity.
• Serve with Apple Cider: A chilled glass of crisp, slightly tangy apple cider will reinforce the apple's natural flavor and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, sweet cake texture.

How To Store Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the dessert fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out; remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power, checking every 15 seconds to maintain texture and prevent overheating.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this dessert?

Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel and cake mix.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cake mix should appear set and slightly crisp, with caramelized juices visible around the sides of the baking dish.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet apple orchards inspired this effortless caramel apple dump cake, delivering comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Gooey caramel and tender apples create a simple dessert that melts in your mouth, beckoning you to savor each delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large apples
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup caramel sauce

Fruit and Spices:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Topping and Extras:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Core and slice the apples into thin, uniform wedges, ensuring even distribution across the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apple slices, creating a fragrant spice layer that will enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness.
4. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce directly over the seasoned apple slices, allowing it to pool and coat the fruit.
5. Evenly spread the dry yellow cake mix across the entire surface of the apples, creating a complete covering without mixing.
6. Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with brown sugar, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Pour the butter-sugar mixture slowly and evenly over the cake mix, ensuring complete coverage and allowing it to seep into the dry ingredients.
8. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top, providing a crunchy textural contrast to the soft cake and apples.
9. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the entire surface, creating beautiful golden swirls.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with caramelized juices.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the cake to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and more even distribution in the cake mix layer.
• Choose firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better structural integrity and balanced sweetness.
• Consider reducing sugar for a less sweet version by using tart apples and minimal caramel drizzle.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg