Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy and decadent: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. This dreamy bake brings together everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and caramel-kissed apple pie, all in one warm, bubbling, golden-topped treat. The best part? There’s no need for fancy layering or a mountain of dirty dishes—with just a few store-bought ingredients and minimal prep, this dump cake delivers outrageously delicious results every single time. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekday treat or a casual brunch with friends, it’s sure to become your new favorite go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No hard-to-find or fussy ingredients here—just straightforward, delicious picks that make every bite of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake absolutely irresistible. Each component plays its part in building layers of flavor, gooeyness, and that swoon-worthy aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes.

• Cooking spray: Gives you a nonstick surface so every portion comes out with all its layers intact and easy cleanup after.
• 2 cans (17.5 ounces each) deluxe cinnamon rolls, quartered (icing reserved): Tender cinnamon roll bites add sweet spiciness and a soft, pull-apart texture that melds perfectly with the apple filling.
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling: Ready-made apples bring the essential sweet-tart core, with plenty of syrupy goodness for gooeyness.
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling: Caramel melts into the apples and rolls, infusing a rich, buttery sweetness throughout every layer.
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix: Dry cake mix forms a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced blanket that soaks up all the goo below without getting soggy.
• 3/4 cup salted butter, sliced: Slices of salted butter help the top turn perfectly golden and crisp, and balance all the sweet flavors with just enough richness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, set yourself up for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dump cake goes in. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous misting of cooking spray. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to scoop out perfectly intact portions layered with all that sticky goodness.

Step 2: Spread Out the Apple Pie Filling

Open your cans of apple pie filling and spread them out evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This fruity foundation is where the magic begins—ensure the layer is smooth and even, so every bite has the sweet juiciness of baked apples in it.

Step 3: Layer on the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Grab your tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters (don’t forget to set aside the icing for later). Scatter the cinnamon roll pieces over the apple filling, aiming for even coverage. They’ll puff up while baking, nestling the fruit and caramel together for the ultimate gooey combo.

Step 4: Drizzle Caramel Sauce

Now for the decadent layer: slowly drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over all your cinnamon roll pieces. Let it drip into every nook and cranny—more caramel means extra richness and flavor running through the whole Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Open up your spice cake mix and scatter it evenly on top of everything. No need to stir or combine—just let the dry mix sit right on top. Trust the process! When it bakes, the butter will soak down and create that signature cobbler-style crust.

Step 6: Add Slices of Butter

Cut your salted butter into thin slices and lay them all across the surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the top as you can—these buttery patches help the topping turn a gorgeous golden brown and lock in the flavors underneath.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden and crisp top, with the center bubbling enticingly. The aromatic kitchen is your sign—resist the urge to dig in immediately and let the cake cool for around 10 minutes to set up just enough for perfect scooping.

Step 8: Drizzle with Icing and Extra Caramel

Finally, gently warm the reserved cinnamon roll icing (a quick zap in the microwave does the trick). Drizzle it generously over the baked cake, then finish with a little extra caramel for serious wow-factor. Serve up big, melty spoonfuls and get ready for dessert bliss!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Garnishes

Take things over the top with extra finishing touches! A few dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake downright unforgettable. A dusting of cinnamon adds a cozy look and a little hint of spice.

Side Dishes

This decadent dessert is rich, so it pairs beautifully with lighter companions. Offer up bowls of fresh, crisp apple slices or a green fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside strong coffee or spiced tea to complete the cozy mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try scooping the cake straight into mason jars or heatproof mugs for individual servings. Or layer warm spoonfuls into parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzles for a playful twist. You could even turn it into a DIY sundae bar—spoon the cake over ice cream and let everyone build their own ultimate treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake keeps surprisingly well. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld and the texture stays suitably soft and gooey.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead or stash away extra dessert? Spoon cooled dump cake into an airtight, freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to two months—just be sure to leave a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your leftovers to fresh-from-the-oven glory, heat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until hot and bubbly. For large quantities, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget a new drizzle of caramel and icing before serving!

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have fresh, homemade apple pie filling on hand, it brings an extra burst of flavor and a touch of homestyle charm to your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. Just make sure your filling is soft and sweet, not overly watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Look for gluten-free cinnamon rolls and substitute a gluten-free spice cake mix (or vanilla cake mix with extra cinnamon and nutmeg). Check your caramel sauce label as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dessert the night before and bake it in the morning?

You can assemble most of this recipe ahead by layering everything except the cake mix and butter, then covering and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, sprinkle on the dry cake mix and arrange the butter just before baking for the freshest result.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

No caramel sauce? No problem! You can melt soft caramels with a splash of cream as a stand-in, or even try butterscotch sauce for a slightly different flavor profile. The goal is to add that rich, sweet gooeyness.

Can I substitute a different flavor of cake mix?

Definitely! While spice cake mix brings extra warmth, you can use yellow or white cake mix in a pinch. For more depth, try a butter pecan or even carrot cake mix to put your own spin on Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the cozy flavors of fall in a single swoon-worthy bite, you can’t go wrong with Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. Whether you’re baking for family, celebrating with friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, I know you’ll fall for its gooey-crisp, cinnamon-caramel magic. Give it a try, and get ready for your kitchen to be filled with happy faces and the irresistible scent of something truly special!

Print