Apple Dump Cake is gooey, creamy, and custardy made with sweet apples, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Plus, instructions for how to make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake!
Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe
With the holidays ahead and all the busyness that comes with them, easy dessert recipes are a lifesaver. And when those desserts are not only easy but also incredibly delicious—what could be better?
This Apple Dump Cake has quickly become a family favorite. My kids keep asking for it, and my Apple Pie-obsessed husband wants us to make two next time—for just the five of us, ha!
This dump cake is super easy too—everything goes into one dish, so no extra bowls to clean!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Apple Dump Cake:
- Apple Filling: Instead of regular apples, I use apple pie filling for a quicker, easier dessert. It ensures tender apples throughout and the perfect sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the apples.
- Cake Mix: Makes the cake layer. Butter pecan adds a nutty flavor, but you can use vanilla or yellow cake mix instead.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the cake mix, making a buttery, golden topping that’s rich and moist.
Quick Tip
What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler? A dump cake uses a cake mix for the topping, while an apple cobbler has a pie crust or biscuit topping. Both usually have a fruit filling.
Apple Dump Cake Tips
- Use a tasty cake mix. A good cake mix makes a big difference. I love Betty Crocker® Super Moist Butter Pecan—it has pudding in it, making the dump cake even better.
- Choose real caramels. My favorite are Werther’s® Soft caramels. They melt perfectly into the apples. Avoid caramel bits—they don’t melt as well.
- Evenly space the butter. Use a full cup (two sticks) of butter. Slice into 1/4th inch pieces and cover the entire top of the cake.
Quick Tip
You’re the cook, so feel free to change the flavors. Add a little vanilla or toss in some chopped nuts or raisins.
Variations
Here are some fun ways to change up your Apple Dump Cake:
- Smoked: Grill at 350°F in a foil pan for 45-60 minutes.
- Pineapple: Add 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple to the apple filling.
- Crockpot: Mix melted butter with cake mix, layer in a slow cooker, and cook on high for 2 hours.
- With Soda: Replace butter with 18 oz lemon-lime soda (like Sprite®) if you prefer.
Apple Dump Cake FAQs
A dump cake is an American dessert made by “dumping” ingredients (like fruit or pie filling, cake mix, and butter) into a pan without mixing.
This Apple Dump Cake tastes like a gooey butter cake with caramel and sweet apples. It’s similar to a cobbler but with a softer, buttery topping.
You can leave the cake on the counter, covered, for 1-2 days. Refrigerate to keep it fresh for another day or two. Reheat leftovers for the best taste.
Bake for 15 minutes, then another 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top. The top should be firm, and the inside gooey. If dry spots appear, spoon melted butter over them mid-bake.
More Dessert Recipes
- Cherry Danish using cherry fruit filling
- Apple Cider made from scratch
- Peaches and Cream Cake with cream cheese frosting
- Apple Streusel Pie with a graham cracker crust
- Blueberries & Cream Cake Trifle with angel food cake
Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch pan use ceramic if possible
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 42 ounces Apple Pie Filling or Topping 2 (21-ounce) cans
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 13.25 ounces butter pecan cake mix see note 1
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped caramels optional, see note 2
- Vanilla ice cream optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch ceramic pan with cooking spray.
- Spread both cans of apple fruit filling evenly in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, if using.
- Cut caramels in half (if using) and sprinkle evenly on top. Spread dry cake mix on top in an even layer with the back of a wooden spoon. Cut butter into 1/4-inch thick slices and place evenly over cake mix.
- Bake for 15 minutes. At this point, all the butter should be melted on top. Spoon melted butter over any exposed dry cake mix. Return to oven and bake for 40–45 more minutes or until light golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Spoon out the cake into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy hot!
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was so easy. I love it. So gooey and warm with ice cream on top. Love the spices, as always, with your recipes. This will be used over and over with different fruit to experiment.
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Teresa! 🙂
Didn’t know what I would think about the caramels, but combined with the lemon and spices, it was so yummy with ice cream on top! My hubby likes it cold! He’s crazy. But that tells you how awesome this is! Love it!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Teresa! 🙂
It’s in the oven, with the soft caramels. Had to use yellow cake. 25 minutes left to go, and it smells heavenly! Will post when we get to taste the finished product! I can’t wait! It was very fun to make, and I’m not a baker, lol.
I can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂
This sounds delicious, thanks Chelsea! I’ll be making this, along with pecan pie, for Christmas. Happy Holidays to you and your family 🙂
I hope you enjoy and enjoy the holidays! 🙂