How to Make 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Updated: Oct. 05, 2023

There's no mixing, sifting or beating required to make this caramel apple dump cake. Just add a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.

This delicious, gooey caramel apple dump cake is flavorful, moist and made with simple ingredients: apple pie filling, cake mix, butter and, of course, caramel sauce. You can add in a few warming spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, for extra fall flavor, but the recipe works well without them.

Don’t miss all the dump cake recipe ideas dominating TikTok right now.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Ingredients For Caramel Apple Dump Cake on a kitchen counter with a wooden spoon, view from aboveAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup melted butter
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to add extra flavor! You can mix in spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or toasted nuts. Nuts add the perfect amount of crunch and flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then, coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Layer

Pan Of apples for Caramel Apple Dump CakeAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Spread the apple pie filling over the bottom of the baking dish, and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.

cake mix powder in a pan for making Caramel Apple Dump CakeAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel mixture.

Editor’s Tip: Even though this recipe requires no mixing, it’s important to spread each ingredient evenly. This helps to make sure that everything will bake evenly.

Step 3: Add the butter

pan with ingredients For Caramel Apple Dump CakeAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Pour the melted butter evenly over the layers of apple pie filling, caramel and cake mix. Make sure that all areas are covered. The butter helps to cook the cake mix and prevents those powdery areas from seeping through.

Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon, if desired.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown on the top and bubbling around the edges of the baking dish or pan.

Let cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Hungry for more? Don’t forget to check out this chocolate dump cake.

Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Plate Of Caramel Apple Dump CakeAndrea Mathis for Taste of Home

Does caramel apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?

To extend the life of your leftovers, refrigeration is definitely recommended. Simply store the remaining dump cake in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can I make caramel apple dump cake the night before?

Yes, part of the recipe can be prepared the night before. Simply prepare the filling and place in a 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready to bake, sprinkle the cake mix and butter on top and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

Yes! When making a dump cake, any type of cake mix can be used instead of the usual yellow cake mix. For this recipe, a spice cake mix or white cake mix would be phenomenal.

If you’re looking for more recipes, try these apple dump cake and cinnamon roll dump cake recipes.

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