Name: Caramel Apple Dump Cake With Rich Homemade Caramel Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups chopped canned apples (drained); 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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When I first made this caramel apple dump cake, I didn’t expect the smell alone to stop my family in their tracks. The sweet, buttery aroma of caramel bubbling around the edges, paired with the warm scent of soft baked apples—it’s enough to get forks out before it even cools. And who could blame them? It’s one of those desserts that feels both rustic and luxurious at the same time. I’ve tried plenty of apple dump cake recipes over the years, but this one hits differently. We’re not using a shortcut caramel drizzle here—nope, we’re going all in with a from-scratch caramel frosting that brings this humble cake up about ten notches. Even better? This recipe’s as relaxed as your favorite Sunday afternoon. You don’t need to fuss with mixers or special gear. Whether you’re pairing this with a cozy caramel apple drink (yes, even the boozy kind) or serving it as a follow-up to a potluck, it fits. It’s got that soul-warming quality like chocolate dump cake but with the fruity depth of a cherry dump cake recipe. Oh, and if you’ve ever doubted the brilliance of a cake mix dump cake—this one will convert you. Every time.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
4) How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake
6) Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake
8) Try these Dessert recipes next!
9) Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This cake uses a box mix and canned apples, making it super easy.
The homemade caramel sauce adds richness and depth.
Pairs beautifully with caramel apple drinks alcohol or coffee.
You can prep it ahead or enjoy it fresh from the oven.

2) Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

I love this Caramel Apple Dump Cake because it brings everything to the table. You get sweetness, warmth, and that hit of rich, buttery caramel that feels like a hug in dessert form. We start with a few pantry staples and end up with something that tastes like it came from an old-school bakery.

One of my favorite parts? The scent while it bakes. That mix of apple, sugar, and caramel bubbling up around the edges makes it nearly impossible to wait for it to cool. The first time I made it, I barely got the pan on the table before someone asked if they could take a bite straight from the dish.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake checks every box. It’s got the ease of dump cake recipes, the cozy comfort of a cake mix dump cake, and a flavor that competes with any chocolate dump cake or cherry dump cake recipe out there. If you’ve got a fall gathering, a weekend craving, or just need a quick win, this one’s a keeper.

3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the homemade caramel. It melts down beautifully and gives the base its toasty notes.

Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, butter blends with the sugar to create that soft caramel texture. I always grab unsalted so I can control the flavor balance.

Heavy Cream: Cream smooths out the caramel and helps it pour like velvet. It gives the sauce its classic silky richness.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash helps bring out the sweetness and rounds out the caramel’s edges.

Large Eggs: They bind the batter and give the cake structure without making it dense.

All-Purpose Flour: Our main dry ingredient, flour helps give the cake its tender, cake-like base.

Baking Powder: A little lift makes sure the cake doesn’t come out flat or heavy.

Salt: You only need a pinch, but it makes the sweet parts sing. Don’t skip it.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps smooth out the batter. I use whole milk for the best flavor.

Chopped Canned Apples: Prepped and ready to go, these apples soften into the batter and bring that fruity flavor you expect.

Yellow Cake Mix: The dump cake hero. It saves time and still gives a great top layer with golden crisp edges.

Chopped Pecans (Optional): They add crunch and a touch of nutty flavor. I add them if I’m feeling extra.

4) How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll want it ready before you start layering everything in.

Step 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar and butter together over medium heat. Stir gently until it turns a deep golden color. Carefully whisk in the cream and vanilla. Set aside to cool just a bit.

Step 3. In a bowl, mix the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until the batter looks smooth. Don’t overmix it. Fold in the chopped apples.

Step 4. Pour the batter into the greased dish. Spread it out so the apples are evenly distributed.

Step 5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Don’t press it in—just shake it on like a light snowfall.

Step 6. Drizzle half the cooled caramel sauce across the cake mix. Save the rest for serving.

Step 7. Add the chopped pecans on top if you like a little texture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Don’t skimp on the caramel. If you’ve never made it before, just take your time and stir gently until you hit that deep golden color. That’s the sweet spot.

Layering matters. Pour the apple batter first, then cake mix, then caramel. It might feel odd to leave the dry mix on top, but trust the process. The heat turns it golden and slightly crisp.

If you’re bringing this to a potluck or serving it with caramel apple drinks alcohol, a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts. It melts into the warm cake and turns every bite into something better than the last.

6) Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake Ahead of Time

You can easily prep this cake the day before. Let it cool completely, then cover the pan with foil or an airtight lid. It holds up well for 24 hours on the counter or in the fridge.

If you’re making the caramel ahead, store it separately in a sealed jar and reheat it just before serving. That way it keeps its pourable texture and doesn’t get too thick.

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake actually improves a little overnight. The flavors settle, the texture gets gooey, and the top stays golden. Win-win.

7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Once the cake cools, store any leftovers in the fridge. Just transfer them into a sealed container or keep them right in the dish with foil on top.

It stays good for up to four days, though it probably won’t last that long. Warm it up in the microwave for 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

You can even freeze slices if needed. Just wrap them tightly in plastic and tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple months. Thaw and warm before serving.

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9) Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe