This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a warm, inviting dessert layered with apple pie filling, buttery cake, and rich butterscotch chips. It’s a one-pan, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers a blend of soft fruit, moist cake, and gooey sweetness—all with minimal effort. Finished with a caramel-like glaze and optional fresh apple slices, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or when you need a quick, comforting bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert with big payoff. You don’t need to fuss over layers or techniques—just mix, dump, and bake. The combination of spiced apple pie filling, tender cake, and melty butterscotch chips gives this cake an irresistible flavor and texture. It’s ideal for casual dinners, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large can apple pie filling
- 1 box butter cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- Coarse salt, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cake batter over the apple filling and use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Evenly sprinkle the butterscotch chips across the surface of the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly. Sprinkle with coarse salt and garnish with fresh apple slices if desired.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 385 kcal per serving
Variations
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top for extra richness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
- Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for more warmth.
- Different Chips: Substitute the butterscotch chips with caramel bits or white chocolate chips.
- Mini Version: Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized servings.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes, homemade filling works well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before layering.
Do I need to prepare the cake mix as directed on the box?
No, follow the recipe’s instructions using the cake mix as a dry ingredient along with the specified wet ingredients.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, yellow cake or spice cake can be substituted for the butter cake mix with delicious results.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is quite sweet due to the pie filling, sugar, and butterscotch chips. You can reduce the sugar in the batter slightly if preferred.
What type of apple pie filling is best?
A thick, spiced apple pie filling gives the best texture and flavor. Choose one with cinnamon for added warmth.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for best taste.
Do I have to use butterscotch chips?
No, they can be omitted or replaced with caramel bits, chocolate chips, or left out entirely.
Why is it called a dump cake?
Because the ingredients are “dumped” into the pan—often without mixing—and baked, resulting in a layered, cobbler-like texture.
Can I serve this cold?
It can be served cold, but it’s best enjoyed warm when the butterscotch chips are gooey and the flavors are more pronounced.
Will this cake slice cleanly?
It has a soft, moist texture and may be slightly gooey in the center, so it’s easier to slice after cooling for 15–20 minutes.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a sweet, no-fuss dessert that delivers rich flavor and comforting texture in every bite. With just a few pantry staples and a single baking dish, you can create a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this simple yet satisfying cake is sure to impress.
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert made with layers of apple pie filling, moist butter cake, and melty butterscotch chips. Topped with a caramel-like finish and optional apple slices, it’s the perfect fall-inspired treat that’s easy to make with cake mix. Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, fall dump cake, apple butter cake, butterscotch apple cake, dump cake with pie filling.
Ingredients
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1 large can apple pie filling
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1 box butter cake mix
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2 eggs
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5 tablespoons butter, melted
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1/3 cup milk
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1 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup butterscotch chips
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Coarse salt, to taste
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Optional: thin apple slices for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
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Spread apple pie filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Pour the cake batter over the apples and smooth the surface.
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Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly on top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool slightly, then sprinkle with coarse salt and garnish with thin apple slices if desired.
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Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
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For extra caramel flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
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Swap in spice cake mix for a more autumnal twist.
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Best served warm, but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
