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This Caramel Apple Dump Cake combines sweet apples, gooey caramel, and buttery cake with simple pantry ingredients. A comfort food classic with all the cozy fall flavors of apple pie—minus the hassle. Quick to make and perfect for sharing, it’s a no-fuss dessert everyone will enjoy.
I’ve made this Caramel Apple Dump Cake countless times over the years, and it’s always a hit with my family. They love the warm, gooey layers of sweet apples, caramel, and buttery cake that make each bite taste like pure comfort. It’s become one of those recipes I can rely on, whether for a cozy night at home or a holiday gathering. There’s just something about the simplicity of it that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
The best part? It’s so easy to throw together, even when life gets hectic. I always keep the ingredients on hand—apple pie filling, caramel sauce, a box of yellow cake mix, and butter (I have a whole refrigerator drawer full)—so I’m ready for an effortless dessert anytime. This is my go-to for unexpected guests or those moments when I need a dessert on the fly but don’t have the energy for anything complicated. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!
Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser every time.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake 4 Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix
- Apple Pie Filling
- Butter
- Caramel Topping
How to make Apple Caramel Dump Cake
- In a 9 x 13 Baking Dish or in oval slow cooker spray with cooking spray. Spoon cans of apple pie filling in bottom of dish.
- Pour caramel evenly on top of pie filling.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top.
- Place thin slices of butter on top of cake mix. You can also melt the butter and pour it on top.
- Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes or cook in slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Can I make this Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake in the slow cooker?
Yes you absolutely can! It is delicious made in a crock pot!
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- Spray Cooking spray in the bottom of an oval 6 quart slow cooker.
- Assemble as instructed above.
- Place lid on slow cooker. I like to place a paper towels or tea towel below the lid to catch extra moisture from dripping down onto cake.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hour.
Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe Variations
There are so many fun ways to make this Caramel Apple Dump Cake your own! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before adding the butter for an extra layer of texture and flavor. You can also use a butter pecan cake mix instead of the yellow cake mix.
- Spiced Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix to enhance the warm fall flavors.
- Apple-Pear Blend: Use one can of apple pie filling and one can of pear filling for a unique twist.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice over or into the cake mix for even more autumn spice.
- Caramel Bits: Mix in 1 cup of caramel bits in with the pie filling instead of using the caramel sauce.
Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand—this recipe is super forgiving, making it perfect for experimenting!
How to store Caramel Apple Dump Cake
To store any leftovers (if there are any!), let the cake cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Other Recipes that are made with Cake Mixes
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Butterfinger Cake Mix Cookies
- Easy Carrot Cake with Whipped Cream Topping
- Lemon Pudding Poke Cake
- Chocolate Oreo Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 2 cans apple pie filling, (21 ounce cans)
- ½ cup caramel sauce or topping
- 2 sticks butter, melted or sliced
Instructions
Oven Baked Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a 9 x 13 Baking Dish.
- Spoon cans of apple pie filling in bottom of dish
- Pour caramel evenly on top of pie filling.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top.
- Place thinly sliced pats of butter evenly on top of cake mix. You can also melt the butter and drizzle it on top, if desired
- Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream!
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake Instructions
- Spray a 6 quart oval or oblong slow cooker crock.
- Layer as above instructions indicate.
- Place lid on slow cooker. If desired, place paper towels or a tea towel underneath the lid not touching the cake top to catch water droplets that may form on lid.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
How do you store leftovers? In refrigerator or room temp
I keep it in the refrigerator.
This sounds like a winner,can’t wait to try it, I have white cake mix, gonna use raw cooked soft. Thanks
You are welcome! I hope you enjoy!
My husband is diabetic and I am always looking for recipes that I can fix sugar free. I think that I can make a few changes to this recipe to make it sugar free. Sounds great!!
That is wonderful Sherry. I do see sugar free apple pie filling and cake mix in the store. I have tried the pie filling and it was good. I have not tried the cake mix yet. But my mom is diabetic so I need to work on making a few things more friendly for her as well!
Looks delicious gonna try
Thank you Marie! I hope you enjoy it!
Do you like it just as well with only one stick of butter? Sounds like the better amount, to me, but wouldn’t want to spoil the deliciousness of it. Just asking.
I will be honest, I think it is so much better with two! BUT that being said I have made it with 1 and it is good. The only thing that can happen is you may have a few spots of the topping that don’t get covered enough with butter. Just slice them really thin so that you have enough to cover the top well. This is something I don’t make often and it is a treat.
Have you ever tried adding some rum to the apple pie filling?
Just a thought.
I have not, but now you have me thinking or bourbon would be great too!
Could this be doubled up and made in a jelly roll 11×15 pan?
I have not tried that, I am not sure if the jelly roll sides would be high enough. But you can certainly give it a try. I often make two though for a crowd.
Can I use Marzetti’s Old Fashioned Caramel Dip in place of the caramel sauce?
I think that would be delicious!
I have made this several times. I use a spice cake mix rather than the yellow one and add some chopped pecans on top. The spice cake mix really makes it seem like a “fall” recipe!
A spice cake is wonderful with this and I love pecans in it too. I also have used a butter pecan cake mix as well! Delish too!
Oh, so good!….my family loves Caramel and Apples so this was perfect. Plus, it’s fall and apple time. This is a keeper. Tried in slow cooker and amazing.
Thank you Bobbe! It is the perfect flavor combo for fall!
Thanks so much for the instructions on how to make your own pie filling I think it would be even better when I have extra time. I have a gluten allergy so I have a hard time making a dessert i can enjoy when I have all kids and grands over. This is perfect because I can use a gluten free cake mix and since it’s a bit more dense a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell slightly melted will help fix that issue and I can dig in with everyone! Can’t wait to fix this for our next gathering!
You are so welcome Vickie! I hope that you will enjoy this in a GF option!<3
How big are the cans ofpie filling?
The 21 ounce ones.
I made this but I used one apple and one peach pie filling. I was a f great hit. I also used the pecons on top.
I like the mixture of the two! I bet that was delicious! I often add pecans as well, so yummy!
Can you use fresh apples. If so, how do you do It? Thanks
You could make your own apple pie filling with fresh apples, I don’t have that recipe up on the blog yet but I will get that up soon. 4 medium apples, peel core and slice. Melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, Stir in apples, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon and 3 tablespoons water. Cover and stir occasionally for about 4 to 6 minutes or until apples have softened (but not mushy). In a dish combine 1 tbsp water and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add into apple mixture and stir until filling has thickened. You can a little more water if the apples happen to produce less juice than desired. You probably would need to double this recipe for the dump cake.
Let me just say, I made this for our church Harvest Party and I won 1st place in the desert contest! It’s simple and delicious!
Oh my goodness! This just makes my day! I am so glad everyone enjoyed it! Easy recipes can be so delicious and no one even has to know you didn’t work all day on it 😉
Made this on Monday morning to take to work. It was a hit!!! Thanks for an easy recipe that is sure to please!
I am so happy that you loved it! It really is so easy and delicious! Have a wonderful day Audrey <3!
Hi,
I only have the Caramel Apple Pie Filling…. so if I don’t use the caramel sauce, what would I replace it with ??
thanks
You do not need to replace it with anything. Just use your pie filling and it will be perfect! Thank you for coming by! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do 😉 So easy and remember you can change out the fillings to change up the recipe too! I love apple the best though! – Nikki
Thank you so much for the help…. I just can’t wait to taste this !!
Have a wonderful holiday !!
I LOVE a dump cake! I’ve never made one with apples though but I’m going to make this one! Pinned it–thanks for linking up!
Thank you Laura! I hope you enjoy this one! It’s extra decadent. I am so glad you stopped by. Please come back and let me know how it turns out for you!
I am ready for some now! Looks great!
YUM! That is the perfect Fall dessert! Pinned.
Thank you Susan! It’s such an easy one to put together too! I am so glad you stopped by! I hope you come back soon!
Looking at this cake makes me happy! I can’t wait to try the recipe.
Looks delicious. I used to make a dump cake with cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple with toasted coconut. It was a hit at parties.
Thank you Joanne! I love a dump cake because you can change it up and create something new! Cherry and pineapple sound divine! Oh that toasted coconut takes it over the top! Yum! I can’t wait to try that!!
Is it better cooked in the slow cooker or oven
They are both delicious! My favorite is the oven, but really both are so good!