Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans – A Quick & Cozy Treat

At Eminent Recipes, I love creating comforting desserts that bring families together, and this Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans is a perfect example. With gooey caramel, tender apples, and crunchy pecans, it’s quick, easy, and always a hit. Whether you’re making it for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this cozy dessert is customizable and family-friendly—just the kind of recipe I enjoy sharing to make your kitchen time stress-free and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans will quickly become a favorite. It combines tender apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping with the perfect crunch from pecans. Every bite is gooey, warm, and packed with cozy fall flavor—like apple pie, but even easier.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from scratch. It’s a true time-saver, perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you just want something sweet without fuss.

This dump cake is also wonderfully versatile. Use fresh apples for a more traditional flavor, or stick with canned apple pie filling for convenience. Swap in caramel bits for extra gooeyness or spice cake mix for a warm, old-fashioned twist. However you make it, this easy caramel apple dump cake with pecans is guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Making this Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans couldn’t be easier, and the best part is that you only need a few simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible combination of gooey, crunchy, and sweet flavors that make this dessert so special.

🛒 Apple Pie Filling – Two cans of apple pie filling create the perfect base. You can also swap in fresh apples if you prefer a more old-fashioned twist.

🛒 Caramel Sauce – Half a cup adds rich sweetness, plus an extra drizzle on top makes it even more indulgent.

🛒 Cake Mix – A box of yellow cake mix works beautifully, but spice cake mix gives it that cozy fall flavor everyone loves.

🛒 Butter – Melted or sliced into pats, butter ensures the topping bakes up golden and crisp.

🛒 Pecans – Chopped pecans add a nutty crunch that balances the soft apple filling.

🛒 Cinnamon (Optional) – A teaspoon of cinnamon enhances warmth and complements the apples perfectly.

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans is wonderfully simple, which is why it’s a favorite for both beginner and seasoned bakers. With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm, gooey dessert on the table in no time.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.
2. Add the Apple Base – Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon on top.
3. Drizzle with Caramel – Pour the caramel sauce over the apples, letting it seep into every corner for maximum sweetness.
4. Add the Cake Mix – Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple-caramel layer. Don’t stir—this creates the classic “dump cake” texture.
5. Top with Butter and Pecans – Arrange melted or sliced butter over the cake mix, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Bake to Perfection – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans is easy when you know a few tricks from the pros.

• Use Fresh Apples for Extra Flavor: While canned apple pie filling works beautifully, using fresh, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith adds a bright, homemade taste. Slice them evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Don’t Overmix: The beauty of a dump cake is its layered, rustic texture. Sprinkle the cake mix on top without stirring to maintain pockets of soft cake and gooey caramel.
• Butter Placement Matters: Slicing your butter into thin pats and distributing them evenly over the cake mix ensures a golden, crisp topping.
• Customize the Crunch: Pecans add a rich nutty flavor, but walnuts or almonds work too. Toasting them lightly before sprinkling enhances aroma and texture.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is slightly different. Start checking at 35 minutes—the top should be golden, bubbling, and fragrant.
• Serve Warm: For ultimate indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or extra caramel sauce just before serving.

These tips help you make a gooey, flavorful, family-friendly caramel apple dump cake every time.

faqs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Dump Cakes Recipe

Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe – Easy, Quick & Delicious

Peach Dump Cake Recipe: Simple, Juicy, and Irresistibly Sweet

Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon: Easy, Cozy, and Family-Favorite Dessert

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Easy, Family-Favorite Dessert

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans is the ultimate combination of sweet, gooey, and crunchy—all baked in one easy dish. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or a special occasion, it’s a dessert that impresses without the fuss. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s both approachable for beginners and comforting for seasoned bakers. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce to take it over the top. Give this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pecans

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This caramel apple dump cake combines tender spiced apples with gooey caramel and a buttery cake topping. A sprinkle of pecans adds crunch, making it taste like apple crisp meets cobbler with an extra caramel kick. Perfect for fall baking, Thanksgiving, or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling

• ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)

• 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz)

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)

• Optional topping: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer Apples & Caramel: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
• Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
• Top with Butter & Pecans: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and cinnamon (if using).
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
• Serve: Let cool 15–20 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel for a bakery-style finish.

Notes

• Extra Caramel: Add caramel bits on top before baking for gooier pockets of caramel.
• Spiced Version: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow for a warm fall flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans if preferred—still delicious!
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American