Sweet, gooey caramel apples layered under a buttery cake base and finished with a crunchy oat streusel — the perfect cozy dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm & Comforting – A cozy fall-inspired dessert loaded with caramel apples and cinnamon.
Easy to Make – No mixing bowls required; just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Perfect Texture Combo – Soft, gooey apple base with a crisp oat streusel topping.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, holidays, or a weekend family treat.

Ingredients

For the Apple Layer

4 cups peeled & diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Cake

1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk

For the Oat Streusel Topping

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

For Garnish

1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Extra baked apple slices or chopped nuts (optional)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories per Serving: 420

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, then spread them evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 2: Add the Cake Layer

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk, then drizzle it evenly over the cake mix to moisten.

Step 3: Make the Oat Streusel

In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly on top of the cake layer.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 5: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving. Garnish with extra baked apple slices or chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm with ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Tips & Variations

Make It Extra Gooey – Add an extra 1/4 cup caramel sauce to the apple layer before baking.
Nut-Free Option – Skip the nuts and double up on the streusel topping for added crunch.
Apple Swaps – Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for different flavor profiles.
Shortcut Version – Use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples for a quicker prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes! Use two 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling instead of fresh apples for an easier, faster option.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dump cake, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the streusel topping just before baking for maximum crunch.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes. Bake the dump cake as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Oat Streusel is the perfect combination of gooey caramel apples, soft cake, and crispy, buttery streusel. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s a comforting dessert that will make any gathering extra special.