I still remember the first time I made this Caramel Apple Dump Cake. I was about twelve, helping my grandmother in our little kitchen in Crete. The smell of apples, cinnamon, and caramel swirling together made the whole house feel warm and cozy. I couldn’t wait to taste it, but the real joy wasn’t just in the eating it was in the laughter we shared while spilling sugar everywhere and sneaking bites straight from the pan. That’s when I realized that desserts like this aren’t just food; they’re memories you make with love.
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is one of my go-to desserts for family gatherings. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for anyone who wants a delicious, homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients like apples, caramel sauce, and a box cake mix, you can create a dessert that tastes fancy but feels comforting. Whether you’re baking for your kids, friends, or just yourself, this dessert will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart feel full.
If you love sweet, gooey desserts that practically make themselves, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is going to become your new favorite. The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity you literally dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy. But don’t let “easy” fool you; the flavor is rich, caramel-y, and perfectly balanced with the tartness of apples.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake 🍯🍏
- 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving 🍨
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Step by Step 👩🍳
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin wedges. Spread them evenly in the baking dish.
- Mix the spices: Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and half of the brown sugar. Toss gently to coat.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t mix it in; the cake will form a crisp topping as it bakes.
- Drizzle butter and caramel: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, then drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Add nuts (optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let it cool for 10–15 minutes, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel on top!
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This dessert is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or crushed nuts on top for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with hot apple cider or a cup of coffee.
Quick 100-Word Version of the Recipe 📝
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert! Simply slice 5–6 apples and layer them in a greased pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and half the brown sugar. Top with a dry yellow cake mix, drizzle melted butter and 1 cup caramel sauce, and sprinkle nuts if desired. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this dump cake is sweet, gooey, and packed with cozy autumn flavors an instant favorite everyone will love!
Recipe Card for Caramel Apple Dump Cake 🍏✨
⏱️ Time Cook: 10 min prep | 50 min bake | 1 hr total
🧺 Ingredients: Apples, yellow cake mix, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, caramel sauce, optional nuts
👩🍳 Instructions: Preheat oven → layer apples → sprinkle spices → top with cake mix → drizzle butter & caramel → bake 45–50 min → serve warm
📝 Note: Don’t stir the cake mix into apples; it forms a crispy, caramelized topping
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings approx): 350 kcal, 12g fat, 55g carbs, 2g protein
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake ❤️
What makes this recipe so special is how simple ingredients turn into something magical. You get tender, spiced apples with a crispy, sweet topping. It’s a dessert that feels homemade and comforting, perfect for creating new memories in the kitchen with your loved ones. Plus, it’s a recipe that even beginners can master no complicated techniques, no fancy gadgets, just pure cozy goodness.
Whether it’s a weekday treat or a special occasion, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake will fill your kitchen with the kind of warm, sweet aroma that brings everyone together. Just like my grandmother taught me, the best desserts are made with love, laughter, and a little mess along the way!