Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling in Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Yes, fresh apples can be used to create a homemade version of Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Prepare the apples by peeling, slicing, and cooking them with sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of thickener until they become similar to apple pie filling. Once cooled slightly, layer them in the baking dish and continue with the caramel sauce, cake mix, and butter. Using canned apple pie filling is the fastest option, but fresh apples can add a brighter fruit flavor and are a great choice during apple-picking season.

Why is my Caramel Apple Dump Cake dry in some areas?

Dry spots usually happen when the butter does not cover enough of the cake mix layer. The butter needs to reach as much of the dry mixture as possible so it can bake into a golden, tender topping. To avoid dry areas, drizzle melted butter slowly across the entire surface. You can also place thin slices of butter evenly over the cake mix instead. Small dry areas may still happen and are normal for a rustic dump cake, but good butter distribution creates the best texture.

Can I prepare Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time, especially for holidays and gatherings. For the best results, bake it on the same day you plan to serve it because the topping is crispiest when fresh. If you need to prepare it earlier, store the baked dessert covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat individual servings before serving to bring back the warm caramel apple flavor.

Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake with 4 Ingredients

Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling; 6 oz caramel sauce (about 3/4 cup); 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted; Nonstick cooking spray, as needed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional; 3/4 cup chopped pecans, optional

Description

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy fall dessert made with apple pie filling, gooey caramel sauce, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. It bakes into a warm caramel apple filling with a buttery golden topping and is especially delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
6 oz caramel sauce (about 3/4 cup)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
3/4 cup chopped pecans, optional

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8 x 11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling, spreading any thicker areas gently with a spoon.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel apple layer. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box directions and do not stir the layers together.
If using chopped pecans, distribute them evenly over the dry cake mix.
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, the apple filling is bubbling, and the topping no longer has large areas of loose, powdery cake mix.
Remove from the oven and allow the Caramel Apple Dump Cake to cool briefly before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped pecans, or additional caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Use 2 cans of apple pie filling instead of 1 if you prefer a thicker, fruitier apple layer.
Spice, vanilla, white, butter, or butter pecan cake mix can be substituted for yellow cake mix.
For the best topping, distribute the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix.
Do not stir the layers together before baking.
Thin slices of cold butter can be arranged over the cake mix instead of using melted butter.
Store covered leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
The baked dump cake can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 455 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 466 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 69 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 48 mg