Introduction
Some recipes feel like a warm hug, and caramel apple dump cake is one of them. With layers of spiced apples, gooey caramel, buttery cake mix, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a no-fuss dessert that smells like fall and tastes like home. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a low-effort treat after dinner, this one-pan wonder hits every note—sweet, spiced, soft, and crunchy. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make caramel apple dump cake from scratch, answer common questions about dump cakes, and share my tips for the best texture and flavor with minimal effort.
How I Discovered the Comfort of Caramel Apple Dump Cake
A Shortcut Dessert That Still Feels Homemade
The first time I made a caramel apple dump cake, I didn’t expect much. I was short on time, long on apples, and completely overwhelmed with back-to-school chaos. I needed something easy—no mixers, no dough chilling, no stress. I found this recipe scribbled in an old notebook, given to me years ago by a neighbor who hosted the best fall potlucks. Her version used canned pie filling and boxed cake mix, and the name “dump cake” made me laugh. But I was desperate and curious.
I peeled and chopped the apples, drizzled them with store-bought caramel, sprinkled the dry cake mix on top, poured over some melted butter, and baked. Forty-five minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a cider mill. The top was golden and crisp, the inside soft and warm like cobbler. And just like that, dump cake became my new fall favorite.
Why This Recipe Works Year After Year
What makes caramel apple dump cake special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the texture. The combination of fresh apples and buttery cake mix creates a layered dessert where every bite is slightly different. Some are more crisp and nutty, others gooey with caramel and soft fruit. The walnuts toast right on top as it bakes, adding crunch and richness without any extra work.
Best of all? This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Use pecans instead of walnuts, apple pie spice instead of cinnamon, or butterscotch topping in place of caramel. It’s rustic, forgiving, and always a hit. And yes—it reheats like a dream.
Next, I’ll walk you through the exact ingredients and tips to make your caramel apple dump cake turn out perfectly, every time.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 6 cups apple peeled cored, finely chopped (about 3 large apples)
- 1 cup caramel ice cream topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups walnuts
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix 1 box, do not prepare
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or more see notes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pour apples into a single layer into prepared pan. Drizzle caramel on top of apples. Sprinkle cinnamon on top then spoon walnuts on top in even layer.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top so that apple mixture is completely covered. Drizzle melted butter on top. (Add more butter if necessary to cover all dry spots, see notes at bottom.)
- Bake dump cake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. Store in refrigerator.
Notes
SNAPPY SUBSTITUTIONS: Instead of caramel topping you could use butterscotch. Instead of walnuts you could use pecans or your favorite nut, or omit entirely. Instead of cinnamon you could substitute apple pie spice. Nutrition:
Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
The Ingredients & Easy Dump Method
What Goes Into Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
At its core, a dump cake is all about layers. You “dump” everything into a baking dish—no bowls, mixers, or complicated steps. But that doesn’t mean it lacks flavor or texture. In fact, this caramel apple dump cake is packed with warm spices, tender apples, gooey caramel, and buttery crisp topping that comes together in under 10 minutes of prep.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. You’ll want 6 cups peeled and chopped finely so they soften during baking.
- Caramel topping: Store-bought caramel sauce (used for sundaes) works perfectly. You’ll drizzle it over the apples for that sweet, buttery richness.
- Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and depth. You can swap in apple pie spice for more flavor.
- Walnuts: These add crunch and toast up beautifully. You can use chopped or whole, or substitute pecans.
- Yellow cake mix: One box, unprepared. Just sprinkle it straight from the package.
- Butter: Melted and poured over the top to help form that golden crust.
Dump, Don’t Mix: The Easy Assembly
Once your ingredients are ready, it’s all about layering:
- Spread apples in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Drizzle caramel over the apples.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Add walnuts in a single layer.
- Cover everything evenly with dry cake mix.
- Pour melted butter over the top, making sure most dry spots are covered.
No stirring, no combining—just bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. The top becomes crisp and buttery while the bottom softens into a warm, caramel-apple filling. Coming up next: tips for perfect texture, serving ideas, and how to make it ahead.
Bake Time, Storage & Serving Tips
Getting the Perfect Bake
Caramel apple dump cake is forgiving, but there are a few key things that make a big difference in texture. First, the apples should be chopped into small cubes. Large pieces won’t cook down enough in the oven, and you’ll end up with crunchy fruit instead of soft, juicy bites. Stick with pieces around the size of a dice.
Next, check the butter coverage on top. If your cake mix has dry spots after layering, melt a little more butter and drizzle it over. You want the entire surface lightly moistened so it bakes into a golden crust.
Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The timing depends on your oven and the moisture in your apples, so keep an eye on it around the 45-minute mark.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about this dessert is how well it stores. Once cooled, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, scoop a serving into a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 30–40 seconds. The topping softens slightly while the center becomes gooey again—just like fresh-baked.
You can also freeze it (without whipped cream or ice cream). Just portion it into airtight freezer containers and reheat when needed. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something sweet with zero effort.
Up next, I’ll answer the top Google questions about this dessert—including what a dump cake actually is and whether caramel apples are weight-loss friendly.
FAQs About Caramel Apple Dump Cake
What are the ingredients in caramel apple dump cake?
Caramel apple dump cake is made with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. You’ll need fresh chopped apples, caramel ice cream topping, yellow cake mix, melted butter, cinnamon, and walnuts. The beauty of this dessert is how these simple ingredients transform into layers of gooey, crisp, and buttery flavor. You don’t need to mix anything—just layer and bake. It’s fall in a pan.
What is a dump cake made of?
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like—you dump the ingredients into a baking dish without mixing, and let the oven do the magic. Most dump cakes include a fruit base (like apples, cherries, or peaches), a boxed cake mix, and butter. In this caramel apple dump cake, the apples form the juicy bottom, caramel adds richness, and the dry cake mix forms a golden, slightly crumbly topping when baked with butter.
Are caramel apples healthy for weight loss?
Caramel apples are more of an indulgent treat than a weight-loss food. While apples themselves are rich in fiber and nutrients, coating them in caramel and sugar adds calories quickly. A single caramel apple can range from 200–400 calories, depending on toppings. Similarly, caramel apple dump cake is a dessert best enjoyed in moderation—though it’s worth every bite when you want a warm, cozy treat.
What is apple dump cake?
Apple dump cake is a shortcut dessert that’s somewhere between cake and cobbler. It’s made by layering apples (fresh or canned) with cinnamon, dry cake mix, and melted butter. The result is a dessert with a gooey, fruit-filled base and a golden, buttery crust. Adding caramel, like in this caramel apple dump cake, brings extra richness and a candy-like finish that makes it a standout fall dessert.
Conclusion: A Cozy Classic—Caramel Apple Dump Cake Made Simple
Caramel apple dump cake is one of those desserts that feels like it took hours—but really took minutes. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps, it brings together the best parts of fall baking: warm apples, sweet caramel, buttery cake, and crunchy toasted nuts. Whether you’re short on time, cooking for a crowd, or just craving something sweet after dinner, this dump cake delivers big flavor with little effort.
It’s also endlessly flexible. Swap out nuts, use pie spice instead of cinnamon, or try a different fruit entirely once apple season winds down. The “dump and bake” method keeps it approachable, while the taste and texture make it feel like something much more special. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it straight from the fridge—the comfort is built in either way.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if caramel apple dump cake becomes a regular part of your cool-weather baking rotation. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
