Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake is the only fall dessert recipe you need! You will love this easy apple cake recipe with a delicious layer of apple pie filling, topped with vanilla cake mix, gooey caramel, and pecans! All the delicious flavors of fall in one easy cake!
Are you team apple or team pumpkin spice? While I love pumpkin recipes for fall, I will always choose apple over pumpkin!
Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step
Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake is so easy, so good, and perfect for chilly fall nights. I know for some people, that once September hits, everything comes up pumpkin spice for them, but for me, September is all about the apples! Don’t get me wrong, I love pumpkin, but I think that apple season deserves some love too! If you love apples, don’t miss my Apple Pie Pinwheel Cookies! So simple and impressive!
What is a dump cake?
Not only do I love apple desserts, but I especially love easy ones. This dump cake couldn’t be more simple.
While not the most attractive name, a dump cake is delicious and so easy! It involves some sort of filling being topping with a cake mix, then melted butter. A little mixing, a little dumping into a casserole dish, and you have a simple dessert. Top this vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you will seriously be in love.
How pretty is the casserole dish I used? It is one of my favorites for serving guests!
I didn’t use to love recipes with caramel, but I am really coming around to them lately. Caramel is so gooey and good and I love the sweetness that it adds to recipes. I think I may officially be a caramel convert and will be adding it to lots of recipes this fall!
This easy cake is perfect for serving to guests because it is so hands off.
It also takes nearly an hour to cook, so you can throw it together before they come and eat dinner while it is cooking. It is best served warm, so pull it out, serve with coffee, and your guests will never want to leave!
If you don’t love pecans, you could definitely sub walnuts. I wouldn’t eliminate the nuts completely though, because they add such great texture and a little bit of saltiness to this recipe. It breaks up the richness a little and pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavors. I know you will love this Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake recipe so make it soon so you can enjoy it again and again this fall!
Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
This easy Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake has so many amazing flavors of fall!
Ingredients
- 2 28 cans apple pie filling you can substitute homemade
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup quick-cook oats
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 2 sticks butter melted
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a mixing bowl, stir together apple pie filling, cinnamon, and caramel. Pour into the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish. Spread into an even layer.
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In another bowl, mix together cake mix and oatmeal. Pour over the apple pie filling into a single layer. I only used about 3/4 of this mixture. Discard the rest.
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Top with pecans and evenly pour butter over the entire cake. Then place in the oven.
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Cook for 40-55 minutes, or until caramel bubbles through the topping and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. If your pecans or corners start to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
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Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.
Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake: Easy Ingredient Swaps, Delicious Add-Ons, and Mom-Approved Tips for a Perfect Fall Dessert
As a mother who loves to bake from the heart—especially when the weather cools and the leaves start to fall—this caramel apple pecan dump cake recipe is a staple in our home. It’s the kind of warm, comforting dessert that fills the kitchen with sweet cinnamon spice and brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. What I love most about this recipe is how simple and foolproof it is, yet it tastes like something you’d spend all afternoon baking.
Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a Sunday dinner, or just a cozy night in, this easy caramel apple dump cake can be customized in so many delicious ways. Below, I’ll walk you through my favorite ingredient alternatives, flavor-boosting add-ons, and useful baking tips—all designed to help your recipe stand out in search results and bring more value to your readers.
Ingredient Alternatives for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This dump cake with apple pie filling and pecans is highly adaptable. Here are a few tried-and-true substitutions to accommodate different preferences or pantry limitations:
1. Cake Mix Alternatives
- Classic yellow cake mix is traditional, but spice cake mix adds extra warmth and fall flavor
- Butter pecan cake mix enhances the nutty richness
- For a less sweet option, use white cake mix or even a sugar-free cake mix
2. Fruit Filling Variations
- Swap canned apple pie filling for fresh sliced apples mixed with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar
- Add a few sliced pears to the apple filling for depth
- For a twist, try using caramelized bananas or a layer of cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast
3. Nut Alternatives
- If pecans aren’t available, substitute with walnuts or sliced almonds
- For nut-free households, try using granola or toasted oats for crunch
Add-Ons to Elevate Flavor and Texture
Here’s how to take your caramel apple pecan dump cake to the next level while naturally integrating keywords like fall apple dump cake and easy apple dessert with caramel sauce:
1. Extra Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the filling before adding the cake mix
- Add more on top after baking for an ooey-gooey finish
2. Warm Spice Additions
- Sprinkle the apple filling with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice
- Add vanilla extract or a hint of maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile
3. Crunchy Toppings
- Add a handful of toffee bits or crushed graham crackers over the top
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and sea salt for a sweet-and-salty upgrade
4. Serve with Style
- Top warm servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or creme fraiche
- For holiday gatherings, pair this dump cake with a hot apple cider bar or pumpkin spice lattes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dump cake dessert with apples and pecans is great for busy moms like me who like to prep ahead:
- Assemble the cake up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate, unbaked
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat gently before serving
- This dessert can also be frozen in individual portions for a ready-to-go fall treat anytime
A Mother’s Final Note on Comfort Baking
This caramel apple pecan dump cake is one of those recipes that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your family. It’s the dessert I pull out when I want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of fall flavor. As a mother, I love recipes that don’t require perfection but always deliver comfort. And this one? It delivers every single time.
Looking for more easy apple recipes for fall?
