What Is a Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake?
A Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is a ridiculously easy and utterly indulgent dessert that layers store-bought cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and a buttery cake mix. True to its name, this is a “dump and bake” recipe no mixing, no fuss. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
The result? A gooey, sticky, cinnamon-spiced treat with tender baked apples, golden cinnamon roll bites, and a rich caramel topping. It’s part cobbler, part cinnamon roll casserole, and part dump cake a perfect fusion of classic fall desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5–6 ingredients — most are store-bought
- No mixer, no prep bowls needed
- Ideal for holidays, brunch, or potlucks
- Customizable with different toppings and fillings
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Can opener
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
- Optional: slow cooker (for crockpot variation)
Why These Tools Matter
- A ceramic or glass baking dish ensures even baking
- A spatula helps spread ingredients evenly
- Oven mitts are a must for handling bubbling caramel topping
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
- ¾ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup caramel sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Pinch of nutmeg or allspice
- Sea salt flakes on top for salted caramel flavor
- Vanilla extract (mixed into pie filling)
- Maple syrup drizzle before baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cut and Layer Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll cans. Set icing aside. Cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Add Apple Pie Filling
Spoon both cans of apple pie filling over the cinnamon rolls. Use a spatula to spread evenly. Sprinkle optional cinnamon or nutmeg here if desired.
4. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Pour caramel sauce over the apple layer. This adds richness and prevents the cake from becoming dry.
5. Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the dish. Do not mix it in.
6. Pour Melted Butter
Pour melted butter evenly across the dry cake mix. Make sure as much of the surface is covered as possible for best texture.
7. Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Add Icing
Once removed from the oven, let the dump cake cool for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing across the top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Dump Cake
- Use spice cake mix for extra seasonal flavor
- Cut cinnamon rolls small for even baking
- Drizzle butter evenly to prevent dry cake patches
- Don’t overbake — it should be gooey and soft in the middle
- Let it rest before slicing to help the layers set
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter — it won’t soak into the cake mix
- Overcrowding with too many cinnamon rolls — stick to 2 cans max
- Mixing the layers together — dump cakes bake in layers; don’t stir
- Skipping the resting time — hot filling needs time to thicken
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
- With a dollop of whipped cream and caramel drizzle
- Cold with morning coffee (it works!)
- On a holiday dessert table with other seasonal treats
- In ramekins for individual portions
Pairing Suggestions
- Hot cider or mulled wine
- Fresh fruit salad
- Pecan or walnut topping for crunch
- Vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
- Salted caramel sauce on top
- Cream cheese frosting drizzle instead of icing
- Candied pecans
- Light dusting of powdered sugar
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in microwave for 20–30 seconds or until warm.
Freezing
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheating
- For best texture, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer as directed in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours. Drizzle with icing before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat when ready to serve.
What cake mix works best?
Spice or yellow cake mix is ideal. White or butter cake mix also works well.
Can I use homemade apple filling?
Absolutely. Use about 4 cups of cooked, sweetened apples.
Can I leave out the caramel?
Yes, though it adds richness. You can also swap it with maple syrup or brown sugar.
How gooey should it be?
The center should be soft and moist, but not raw. Let it cool slightly to firm up.
Final Tips
- Drizzle extra icing right before serving for visual appeal
- Use glass or ceramic baking dishes to prevent overbrowning
- Sprinkle with sea salt for salted caramel flavor
- Serve with brunch as a cinnamon roll casserole alternative
- Add pumpkin pie spice for a holiday twist
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is everything you want in a fall dessert — quick, cozy, sweet, and satisfying. With gooey cinnamon rolls, warm apple pie filling, and sticky caramel, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want a weeknight treat, this dump cake is always a hit. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long.
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