Name: Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Ingredients: 1 box Spice Cake Mix; 2 21 oz cans Apple Pie Filling; 1 11 oz Bag Caramel Bits; 1 stick of butter; 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar; 1 cup pecan halves; Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving.

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in and the leaves start to change, our cravings shift towards the comforting flavors of the season. Apples, caramel, cinnamon, and pecans are just a few of the ingredients that evoke that cozy, warm feeling we associate with fall. If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent dessert that embodies the essence of autumn, look no further than the Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake.

This easy dump cake recipe brings together the best of fall flavors in one pan. With minimal prep and just a few grocery store ingredients, you can create a simple dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, this Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake is a crowd pleaser that will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Jump to Recipe

dump cake on white plate place setting on a table with a napkin on the side

Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake on white scalloped plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s Incredibly Easy: The term “dump cake” might not sound fancy, but it perfectly describes the simplicity of this dessert. All you need to do is layer the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. No complicated steps, no need for a mixer, and very little cleanup. It’s the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or when you need something quick and easy.

2. Bursting with Fall Flavors: This cake captures the essence of autumn with every bite. The combination of spiced cake mix, apple pie filling, creamy caramel bits, and cinnamon sugar creates a rich, flavorful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft and gooey texture of the cake.

3. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving this at a casual family dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this dump cake is sure to be a hit. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also take it to the next level by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The cake can also be customized with different types of cake mix or additional toppings to suit your taste.

Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake with vanilla ice cream on top

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caramel apple pecan dump cake with ice cream on top and a white plate with gold spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable dessert:

1 box Spice Cake Mix: This provides the perfect base for the cake, infusing it with warm, aromatic spices that pair beautifully with the apples and caramel.
2 (21 oz) cans Apple Pie Filling: These canned apples are already sweetened and spiced, making them a convenient and delicious choice for this cake. The tender apple slices add a lovely texture and flavor that feels quintessentially autumnal.
1 (11 oz) Bag Caramel Bits: These small caramel pieces melt into the cake, creating pockets of gooey, buttery caramel goodness throughout. It’s like a caramel apple in cake form!
1 stick of butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, helping to bind the ingredients together and create that irresistibly crispy top.
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of warmth and sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the apple pie filling.
1 cup pecan halves: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a touch of earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.
Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving. These toppings are highly recommended, as they add a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, you can prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. I used my favorite lodge cast iron casserole dish for this recipe.

2. Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Open your cans of apple pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. The rich apple pie filling serves as the base of the cake, so make sure it’s evenly distributed.

hand scooping apple pie filling into pan with wood spoon

apple pie filling on bottom of cast iron pan

3. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar

Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the apples. This will enhance the flavor of the apples and add a touch of warmth to the cake.

wood spoon with cinnamon sugar in it over pan of apple pie filling

4. Add the Caramel Bits

Now it’s time to add the caramel bits. Sprinkle the entire bag of caramel bits over the cinnamon-sugar-coated apples. As the cake bakes, these bits will melt into delicious, gooey pockets of caramel.

hand holding small white bowl of caramel bits

hand sprinkling caramel bits over apple pie filling

5. Layer the Cake Mix

Take your box of spice cake mix and pour it over the caramel bits. Spread the dry cake mix evenly across the dish, ensuring that it covers all of the caramel and apple filling. This layer will form the cake’s crust, giving it a golden-brown, slightly crispy top.

spoon sprinkling cake mix over apple pie filling

wood spoon spreading cake mix over apple pie filling

6. Distribute the Butter

Cut the stick of butter into small, even pieces and place them evenly over the surface of the cake mix. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, creating a rich, buttery flavor and helping to bind the ingredients together.

hand placing squares of butter over cake mix

7. Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

8. Add the Pecans

During the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven and carefully arrange the pecan halves on top of the cake. If you prefer, chopped pecans can be used to add extra crunch in each bite. Return the dish to the oven and let the pecans toast slightly. This step adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the flavor of the pecans.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cake is best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The cold, creamy topping contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake, creating a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Tips and Variations

To make this Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake even more irresistible, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

1. Use Different Cake Mixes: While spice cake mix is a perfect match for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like yellow cake mix, butter pecan or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different taste.

2. Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt can add an extra layer of flavor. You could also top the cake with a handful of chopped toffee bits or crushed graham crackers for added texture.

3. Swap Out the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.

4. Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re catering to guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.

5. Prepare in Advance: This cake can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, warm it up in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

caramel apple pecan dump cake on white plate with gold spoon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own apple pie filling using fresh apples, it will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure the filling is fully cooked and has a similar consistency to canned filling to ensure the cake bakes evenly.

What can I substitute for caramel bits if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find caramel bits, you can substitute them with soft caramel candies, chopped into smaller pieces. Another option is to use a caramel sauce, drizzled over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dump cake ahead of time. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! You can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the apple pie filling and caramel bits, are also gluten-free.

What if I don’t have pecans?

If you don’t have pecans or prefer a different nut, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even omit the nuts altogether. Each variation will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but the cake will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, while spice cake mix is ideal for this fall recipe, you can experiment with different cake mix. Yellow cake, butter pecan, vanilla or even white cake mix. Each will give the dessert a unique twist.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover dump cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil or an airtight container, for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven.

Is this cake good served cold?

This cake is best enjoyed warm, as the caramel and butter remain gooey and soft. However, it can still be enjoyed cold or at room temperature if you prefer. Adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream can enhance the flavor when served cold.

Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake after it has been baked. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Can I use other spices?

Sure! Instead of cinnamon sugar, you can add any of your favorites such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice to enhance the flavor of the dessert.

caramel apple pecan dump cake on white plate

Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake is the epitome of easy, comforting, and delicious fall baking. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with the wonderful aromas of autumn. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon, this easy dump cake is sure to become a cherished fall tradition.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and seasonal, give this easy dessert recipe a try. It’s a little slice of autumn heaven, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t forget to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence with this perfect Fall dessert. Happy baking!