Name: Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted or thinly sliced); 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dump cake requires minimal prep and no mixing bowls, making it ideal for quick desserts, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s bursting with classic fall flavors like apple, cinnamon, caramel, and toasted pecans. The topping bakes into a golden, buttery crust over the tender apple filling, and every bite has the perfect mix of gooey and crunchy textures. Plus, it’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple pie filling (canned or homemade)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Yellow or spice cake mix
Unsalted butter (melted or sliced)
Chopped pecans
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick spray.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apple layer.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon if using, then top evenly with the dry cake mix.
Pour melted butter over the top, or lay thin slices of butter across the surface to cover as evenly as possible.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

Use a spice cake mix for extra fall flavor.
Add chopped apples or pears for more fruit texture.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty balance.
Add a dash of apple pie spice or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
For larger portions, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.
This dessert is best fresh but can be frozen (after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a no-mix dessert where ingredients are layered—usually fruit, dry cake mix, and butter—then baked to create a cobbler-like texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, bake it the day before and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Do I have to melt the butter?

No, you can slice the butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the cake mix layer if preferred.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Absolutely. Just ensure it’s thick and sweetened similarly to canned filling.

What type of cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is classic, but spice cake mix adds a wonderful warm flavor.

Do I need to mix the cake mix with the apples?

No, keep the layers separate—just sprinkle the dry mix on top for the best texture.

Can I use fresh apples?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cinnamon to mimic the texture of pie filling.

Is this dessert very sweet?

Yes, it’s rich and sweet, but you can reduce the caramel amount slightly if desired.

What can I serve with dump cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce are all great options.

Can I make it without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the pecans or replace them with another crunchy topping like granola or crushed graham crackers.

Conclusion

Caramel apple pecan dump cake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tender apples, buttery topping, and crunchy pecans all layered together, this comforting treat is the ultimate shortcut to homemade goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, party, or a simple family night in, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.