Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe: 5-Ingredient Fall Dessert
Craving a warm fall dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is your answer! With just 5 simple ingredients and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a gooey, cinnamon-spiced dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake recipe is exactly what it sounds like – you literally dump all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work! This easy dump cake combines the beloved flavors of apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and caramel sauce into one irresistible dessert that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This cinnamon roll dump cake hits all the right notes for fall dessert lovers. The tender apple pie filling provides fruity sweetness, while the cinnamon roll pieces create a fluffy, bread pudding-like texture. The finishing touch of rich caramel sauce transforms this simple dessert into something truly special.
Perfect for:
- Fall potluck gatherings
- Thanksgiving dessert table
- Cozy family dinners
- Quick weeknight treats
- Holiday entertaining
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling – provides the fruity base
- 1 box refrigerated cinnamon roll dough – creates the cake-like topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and helps browning
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce – for that indulgent finishing touch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – enhances the warm spice flavor
Optional Garnishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Additional caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Dump Cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 12
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Create the Apple Base Open both cans of apple pie filling and spread evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The filling should cover the entire bottom in a relatively even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls Remove the cinnamon rolls from the package (save the icing for another use – we’re using caramel sauce instead!). Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This creates bite-sized pieces that will bake evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Dump Cake Scatter the quartered cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple pie filling. Don’t worry about perfect placement – the rustic look is part of the charm! Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring most pieces get some butter coverage.
Step 5: Add Final Seasonings Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the entire dish. This extra cinnamon amplifies the warm, spicy flavors that make this dessert so appealing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cinnamon roll pieces are golden brown and slightly puffed, and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Finish with Caramel Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the hot dump cake. The heat will help the caramel spread and soak into the cinnamon rolls slightly.
Expert Tips for the Best Dump Cake Results
Choose Quality Apple Pie Filling: While canned filling works perfectly, look for brands with larger apple pieces and minimal artificial ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Butter: The melted butter is crucial for achieving golden, crispy tops on your cinnamon roll pieces. It also adds richness that elevates the entire dessert.
Customize Your Caramel: Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own if you have time. Salted caramel adds an extra layer of complexity that many people love.
Serve at the Right Temperature: This dump cake is best served warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven. This allows it to set slightly while still maintaining that gooey texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
Apple Pecan Dump Cake: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the cinnamon rolls before baking for extra crunch.
Spiced Apple Version: Include 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Maple Twist: Replace half the caramel sauce with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Individual Servings: Divide the recipe among 6-8 ramekins for personal-sized portions perfect for dinner parties.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (serves 12):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 380mg
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage: Cover leftover dump cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This warm apple dessert is delicious on its own but becomes absolutely heavenly when paired with:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A drizzle of heavy cream
- Hot coffee or spiced cider
- Chopped toasted nuts
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The beauty of this easy fall dessert lies in its simplicity and forgiving nature. The apple pie filling provides moisture and prevents the cinnamon rolls from drying out, while the butter ensures proper browning. The combination creates a texture that’s part cake, part bread pudding, and completely irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling? Yes! Use about 6 cups of peeled, sliced apples mixed with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
What if I don’t have cinnamon roll dough? You can substitute with biscuit dough cut into pieces, though the flavor will be less sweet and cinnamon-forward.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the dump cake up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Is this recipe gluten-free? No, but you can substitute gluten-free cinnamon roll dough if available in your area.
Perfect for Fall Entertaining
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake embodies everything we love about fall baking – warm spices, tender apples, and that cozy comfort food feeling. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply want to fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon and apples, this recipe delivers every time.
The best part? You can have this impressive-looking dessert ready with just 10 minutes of prep work. Your guests will never guess how easy it was to make!
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable desserts. This dump cake recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly special. With just five ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The combination of tender apples, fluffy cinnamon rolls, and rich caramel sauce creates a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again throughout the fall season.
Ready to experience the magic of dump cake baking? Gather your ingredients and prepare for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!
