Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake is the ultimate easy fall dessert — warm, buttery, and packed with cozy apple pie flavor. It’s made with layers of apple pie filling, soft caramel candies, and spiced yellow cake mix, all baked together into gooey, golden perfection. Every bite has that perfect balance of tender apples, rich caramel, and a crisp, buttery topping that melts in your mouth. If you’ve tried my pecan pie dump cake or pumpkin dump cake, you already know how foolproof and delicious these recipes are — and this apple version might just be my favorite. Whether you’re making it for a fall gathering, a holiday dinner, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy apple dump cake recipe delivers all the flavors of homemade apple pie with none of the effort. 

Why I Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake takes everything you love about classic apple pie and turns it into the easiest dessert you’ll ever make. You don’t have to peel apples, make crust, or measure out flour — just dump, layer, and bake! It’s cozy, rich, and full of those nostalgic fall flavors that make your kitchen smell incredible.

I actually came up with this recipe after experimenting with different dump cakes, like this cherry dump cake and this one quickly became a family favorite for apple season. It has everything: gooey apple pie filling mixed with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, chewy caramel candies that melt into every bite, and a buttery, golden-brown topping from the yellow cake mix. The texture and flavor balance are pure magic — soft, crisp, sweet, and just a little salty from the caramel.

This dessert is perfect for when you need something quick, cozy, and foolproof — especially during the holidays. I’ve made it for Thanksgiving, potlucks, and casual fall dinners, and there’s never a crumb left. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to throw together, and everyone always asks for the recipe. Serve it with vanilla ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla bean gelato for the ultimate fall treat.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this caramel apple dump cake is short and simple. Check out everything you'll need to make apple dump cake with caramel:

• 20oz. apple pie filling
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup Kraft caramels, cut in half
• ½ box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter, cut into cubes

If you're looking for more ways to use your boxed cake mix, definitely check out this cake mix banana bread or this peach cobbler with cake mix next. Oh, and if you want some more dump cake recipes, you have to make this pineapple dump cake or strawberry dump cake.

How To Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), grease an 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg and stir until it's fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared dish and add caramels on top. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling, then add the butter cubes on top of the yellow cake mix.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake the cake for 45 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before serving with some vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Expert Tips To Make The Best Apple Dump Cake

• Try different cake mix flavors for a unique twist: While classic yellow cake mix gives this caramel apple dump cake a buttery, golden crust, you can easily switch it up to change the flavor profile. Use spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal touch, white cake mix for a milder sweetness, or vanilla cake mix for a hint of richness. If you want an extra-decadent version, try butter pecan cake mix — it pairs perfectly with the caramel and apples.
• Layer your ingredients carefully for the perfect texture: To get that signature gooey center and crisp topping, layer the ingredients exactly as written: apple pie filling on the bottom, cake mix in the middle, butter on top. Don’t stir! The butter melts through the cake mix as it bakes, creating that soft, buttery crust that makes dump cakes so irresistible.
• Mix the apple pie filling with spices for richer flavor: Even though the pie filling comes pre-seasoned, adding extra cinnamon and nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice) gives the cake deeper warmth and complexity. You can also toss the filling directly in the baking dish for a one-pan dessert, saving time and cleanup.
• Use caramel candies or sauce for the “million-dollar” effect: For the best caramel flavor, scatter soft caramel candies evenly over the apples before adding the cake mix. They melt into gooey pockets that make every bite sweet and buttery. If you prefer a smoother texture, drizzle caramel sauce over the cake right before serving instead — it gives that picture perfect bakery-style finish.
• Add brown sugar for a richer, sweeter topping: Before baking, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over the dry cake mix. It caramelizes as it bakes, enhancing the flavor and giving the top an extra crunch. For a nutty twist, add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for texture and a hint of saltiness.
• Bake until golden and bubbling: The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, but the caramel apple dump cake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Check around the 40-minute mark — if it looks too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the top before finishing in the oven.
• Let it cool slightly before serving: It’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the cake cool for 10–15 minutes allows the filling to thicken and set. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the caramel layer firm up slightly for that perfect gooey-meets-crispy texture.
• Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream: This dessert is best when it’s served warm, right out of the oven. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for the ultimate fall dessert experience. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top takes it to the next level.

How To Store Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• In the fridge: Store leftover apple dump cake in an airtight container or in the baking dish with the lid on and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want the cake to stay fresher longer, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Allow the leftover caramel apple dump cake to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Put the leftover dump cake back in a casserole dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave a single serving of leftover cake in 15-second intervals until it's fully reheated. Thaw the frozen cake in the fridge overnight or add more reheating time.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe FAQS

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The biggest mistake when making caramel apple dump cake is mixing the layers together. The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity — you “dump” the ingredients in layers without stirring. Always spread the apple pie filling on the bottom, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over it, and then add the butter on top. Mixing will ruin the texture and prevent the top from baking into that perfect golden, buttery crust.

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey?

Yes! The filling of a dump cake should be gooey and soft, similar to the inside of an apple pie. The edges should caramelize slightly while the center stays rich and moist. If your dump cake turns out runny, it may not have baked long enough or your fruit filling may have had too much liquid. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving — this helps the caramel and fruit layers thicken naturally.

Should caramel apple dump cake be refrigerated?

Yes, for the best freshness and food safety, refrigerate your apple dump cake after it has cooled completely. Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. However, if you plan to serve it within a day, it’s safe to leave it covered at room temperature. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Can I make caramel apple dump cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead desserts for holidays and gatherings. You can assemble the layers — apple pie filling, caramel, cake mix, and butter — in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake it fresh so the top is golden and crisp. You can also bake it in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Why is my dump cake dry on top?

If your dump cake topping looks dry, it usually means there wasn’t enough butter to moisten the cake mix as it baked. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed — thinly sliced and spread across the surface — so it melts through the cake mix. You can also drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of melted butter over any dry spots midway through baking. Another trick is to pour ¼ cup of apple juice or caramel sauce over the top before baking to add extra moisture and flavor.

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh apples to make a slightly less sweet, more homemade version. Peel and slice about 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great), then toss them with ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Spread them in the bottom of your baking dish just like the pie filling. The texture will be a bit firmer, but it still bakes up well with the caramel and cake mix — you may just need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

More Apple Recipes To Try

• Crescent roll apple turnovers
• Fried apple pies
• Apple bundt cake
• Apple pancakes
• Crescent roll apple dumplings
• Apple crisp without oats
• Baked apple French toast casserole
• Cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling