Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-497819H29M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray, for pan; 5 large (9 oz. each) Gala apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-in.-thick slices (about 8 cups); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg; 1 cup caramel candies (from 1 [11-oz.] package), halved (such as Kraft Caramels); 1 (15 1/4-oz.) package yellow cake mix (such as Duncan Hines); 1 cup (8 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into 1/8-in.-thick slices

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that’s as cozy as a crisp autumn afternoon and as sweet as childhood memories, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. With tender slices of Gala apples, luscious caramel melting through every bite, and a soft, golden cake topping infused with fragrant spices, this dessert brings pure joy to the table—effortlessly. What makes it even better is how incredibly simple it is to assemble, turning humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish your whole family will beg for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the right is filled with peeled and sliced apple pieces, pale yellow in color and slightly shiny. Above it, a smaller bowl contains light brown caramel cubes. To the left, a medium glass bowl holds neatly cut pale yellow butter squares. Next to it is a sealed plastic bag of white flour. Between these bowls are three tiny glass bowls: one with light brown sugar, one with dark brown ground cinnamon, and one with white salt. The colors and textures are soft and natural, with neat, clean presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe comes together beautifully with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a starring role: the apples bring freshness and warmth, the caramel candies add gooey richness, and the cake mix bakes into a buttery top crust that’s simply irresistible.

Cooking spray: To ensure an easy release and prevent sticking, lightly coat your baking pan before assembling the ingredients.
5 large Gala apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: These apples are sweet and tender, perfect for baking, providing texture and natural juiciness.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the fresh fruit.
1 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices that elevates the autumnal flavors in the cake.
1/2 tsp. kosher salt: Just a pinch; it balances the sweetness and enhances all the other ingredients.
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg: A subtle but essential spice that warms the palate and deepens the flavor profile.
1 cup caramel candies, halved: These melt into gooey pockets of caramel throughout the cake, adding luscious sweetness.
1 (15 1/4-oz.) package yellow cake mix: The base for the crunchy, buttery topping—making this recipe a total breeze.
1 cup (8 oz.) unsalted butter, sliced thinly: When layered on top, it melts into the cake mix, creating that golden, crisp crust everyone loves.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time. This simple step sets the stage for the magic about to happen.

Step 2: Toss the Apples with Spices and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Gala apples with the brown sugar, apple pie spice, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are coated evenly with this fragrant, sweet mixture. This blend of spices and sugar forms the base flavor that makes this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe so memorable.

Step 3: Layer the Apple Mixture in the Pan

Transfer your apple mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer. This ensures every bite of your cake has that perfect balance of tender apples and spice.

Step 4: Add the Caramel Candies

Evenly distribute the halved caramel candies over the apple layer. As the cake bakes, these candies will melt into delicious pockets of caramel that add a rich, gooey surprise with each forkful. Trust me, this is where the magic really begins.

Step 5: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the entire package of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel candies. The dry cake mix might seem like a quirky step, but it’s what creates that crispy, crumbly topping that makes this cake stand out.

Step 6: Top with Butter Slices

Slice the unsalted butter thinly and arrange the pieces over the cake mix. Make sure most of the cake mix is covered with butter slices to allow it to melt and bake into a golden, irresistible crust. This final touch seals in all the flavors and provides that signature crumbly top that everyone raves about.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your assembled pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. After removing it from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. This patience step lets the caramel thicken slightly for the best texture.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

A white bowl holds a warm cobbler dessert with a thick golden-brown crust broken into rough pieces, sitting in a pool of light brown syrup; the dessert is topped with a smooth swirl of white whipped cream in the center. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partly buried in the dessert. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a clear glass of light amber drink and a blue cloth, with a blue baking dish containing more cobbler partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe stands beautifully on its own, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top can elevate it into pure decadence. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a cup of hot apple cider or a warm mug of coffee complements its spicy-sweet flavors wonderfully. For a simple celebration, fresh whipped cream offers a light, creamy contrast that balances the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in rustic individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Alternatively, serve it warm in a large dish buffet-style with a variety of toppings on the side, allowing guests to customize their slices with nuts, ice cream, or drizzles of honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—though that’s rare—they can be stored covered at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist while allowing those wonderful caramel and spice flavors to meld even more.

Freezing

This cake also freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the texture and flavors.

Reheating

To bring your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe back to life, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat the whole pan in a 300°F oven until heated through. The buttery crust will regain its slight crispness and the caramel will soften deliciously.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gala apples are sweet and tender, but you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for a more tart bite. Just be aware that firmer apples may require slightly longer baking to become tender.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling apples helps achieve a smoother texture in your cake, but leaving the skins on will add a bit more fiber and a rustic touch. If you prefer skins, just be sure to wash the apples well and slice thinly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Just ensure your caramel candies and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The results will still be delicious and warmly comforting.

What type of caramel candies should I use?

Classic Kraft Caramels work wonderfully because they melt smoothly and have a familiar buttery flavor. You can also try homemade soft caramels or other brands, but be sure they are individually wrapped for easy handling.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins can be sprinkled over the apples before adding cake mix. These additions bring delightful texture and flavor contrasts, making your dump cake even more special.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, turning everyday ingredients into a heartwarming treat that’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Once you make it, you’ll treasure how easily it delivers a slice of homemade happiness with every forkful. Go ahead—give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation!