Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Fresh Apples and Pecans

This easy Apple Dump Cake is everything you want in a fall dessert, with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and a golden, buttery cake topping. It's simple to make with just a few ingredients and hardly any prep work, so you can have a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat that's great for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night at home.

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Why this is the best easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe

It's incredibly easy to make. This caramel apple dump cake uses simple ingredients like fresh apples, cake mix, caramel sauce, butter, and pecans. There's no complicated mixing or fancy baking equipment required, making it a great dessert for beginner cooks and busy families.

Fresh apples make all the difference. Instead of canned apple pie filling, this recipe uses fresh apples that become tender and juicy as they bake. They give the cake a homemade flavor and texture that you just can't get from a can without a lot of extra work.

The combination of flavors and textures in this caramel apple dump cake is amazing. Sweet caramel, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery cake topping, and crunchy pecans come together in every bite. The golden topping adds a delicious contrast to the soft, gooey apple filling underneath.

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Caramel apple dump cake is great for holidays and family gatherings. This easy caramel apple dump cake is a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, fall potlucks, or Sunday dinner. Serve it warm with a scoop of apple pie ice cream, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

Caramel apple dump cake is a simple dessert that tastes homemade. Using a boxed cake mix saves time without sacrificing flavor. The fresh apples, rich caramel, and toasted pecans make this easy dessert taste like you spent hours baking it from scratch.

What you'll need to make the best Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Equipment

• Deep 9x13 pan

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See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

Ingredients

• Apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped - I suggest you use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they have the best flavor, but feel free to use any apple that is labeled "for baking." If you use an apple that is only labeled "for eating," they will turn to mush in the oven.
• Caramel ice cream topping
• Cinnamon - You could also use apple pie spice if you prefer that.
• Chopped pecans - I love pecans but you could also use walnuts or even almonds.
• Yellow cake mix - You are not going to mix the batter. You will be using the cake mix dry.
• Butter - It doesn't matter whether you use salted or unsalted butter.
• Whole milk - I like whole milk for its creaminess, but you could use a low fat or plant based milk if you need to. Your cake won't be as creamy.
• Vanilla ice cream (ice cream machine recipe) - Vanilla or apple pie ice cream (no machine needed) is a really nice addition but the cake is also great on its own.

How to make easy Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9x13 pan with butter.
2. Place apples in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
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   Drizzle caramel sauce on top.
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   Sprinkle with cinnamon and then the pecans in an even layer.
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3. Sprinkle dry cake mix on top so that the apple pecan mixture is completely covered.
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   Mix melted butter and milk and drizzle over the top of the cake mix layer. Do not stir.
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4. Bake dump cake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
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5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Can you make caramel apple dump cake ahead?

Yes! Bake the cobbler like dessert a day ahead, cool completely, cover, and store at room temperature. This frees up your oven for the holiday meal.

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Substitutions & variations

You can use several different varieties of apples in this caramel apple dump cake. Granny Smith apples give the dessert a slightly tart flavor that balances the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples make it sweeter. You can even combine two varieties for a more interesting flavor.

If you want an extra sweet caramel apple dump cake, you can sprinkle caramel bits over the apples before adding the cake mix.

Yellow cake mix works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can substitute a different cake mix such as vanilla cake mix, spice cake mix, or butter pecan cake mix. Spice cake adds extra warmth and cinnamon flavor, while butter pecan cake mix makes the nutty flavor even richer.

If you don't have pecans, chopped walnuts are a delicious substitute. You can also leave out the nuts entirely if you prefer a softer topping or need to accommodate a nut allergy.

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For an extra indulgent dessert, drizzle additional gooey caramel sauce over the cake right before serving. A scoop of apple pie ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream makes the warm apples and buttery topping taste even better.

You can change the spices to suit your preferences, too. Add a little extra cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, a teaspoon of apple pie spice, or even a little pumpkin pie spice for a stronger fall flavor. A small splash of vanilla extract can also bring out the sweetness of the apples and caramel.

Storing leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Cover leftovers and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake topping softens a bit as it sits, but the flavor only gets better.

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or cover the pan with foil and rewarm in a 350°F oven until heated through, then add ice cream.

Wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm before serving.

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