Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Just dump ingredients in a pan and bake.
Classic flavors: Sweet apples combined with buttery caramel and cake.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
Comfort food: Warm, gooey, and satisfying.
Customizable: Easily add nuts, spices, or topping variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Canned or fresh apple slices
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Yellow cake mix (dry)
Butter (melted)
Ground cinnamon
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Layer apples: Spread apple slices evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the caramel and apples.
Add butter: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix to moisten it.
Add nuts and cinnamon: Sprinkle chopped nuts and cinnamon on top, if using.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Fruit mix: Add pears or cranberries for extra flavor.
Spices: Include nutmeg, cloves, or allspice along with cinnamon.
Topping: Use a crumb topping or add oats for texture.
Sauce: Drizzle additional caramel or add a caramel glaze after baking.
Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts for a nut-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: Freeze baked cake in portions for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?

Yes, peeled and sliced fresh apples work well; adjust baking time if needed.

What type of cake mix should I use?

Yellow or butter cake mix works best for a rich, buttery topping.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is caramel sauce necessary?

Caramel adds rich sweetness, but you can substitute with dulce de leche or skip for a simpler apple dump cake.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the topping from drying out?

Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix and cover with foil if baking longer.

Can I add oats to the topping?

Yes, mix oats with the cake mix or sprinkle on top for added texture.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce any added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Its easy preparation and rich flavors make it perfect for busy cooks and dessert lovers alike. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive occasion, this warm, gooey cake is sure to become a favorite.