Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

If there’s one dessert that screams cozy autumn vibes, it’s this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. Imagine the warm spice of cinnamon rolls, the gooey richness of caramel, and the tart-sweet bite of apples—all bubbling together in a golden-brown dream. Yep, this is the dessert that’ll have your kitchen smelling like fall and your guests asking for seconds (and thirds).

But here’s the best part: it’s ridiculously easy to make. Forget rolling dough or using fancy gadgets—there’s none of that here. You don’t even need a mixing bowl. Just dump, bake, and enjoy. It’s the ultimate lazy baker’s dream—with minimal prep and maximum payoff.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning a fall potluck, or just want something sweet for your Sunday brunch, this dump cake is your go-to recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt—even though it comes together in minutes.

So grab your favorite baking dish and let’s bring some caramel apple magic to your oven!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. It combines two beloved classics—cinnamon rolls and apple pie—in a way that’s totally fuss-free.

No mixing bowls needed, no tricky techniques. You literally just layer everything into a pan and bake. That’s it.

The result? A sweet, gooey, caramel-laced dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time in between. The cinnamon rolls puff up and bake into the apple filling, creating the most irresistible texture—like bread pudding meets cobbler.

This recipe is also super kid-friendly. Not just to eat, but to make!
Bold Tip: Let your little ones help arrange the cinnamon roll pieces or drizzle the caramel—they’ll feel like mini chefs.

It’s a win-win for everyone: less mess, more flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for the Perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Let’s break down the short but mighty ingredient list that makes this cake shine:

Canned Cinnamon Rolls

No need to reinvent the wheel here—store-bought cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury) are ideal. They’re pre-portioned, perfectly spiced, and bake up tender and golden. Just pop them open and dice them into bite-sized pieces for even layering.

Apple Pie Filling

Go ahead and grab a can or two of your favorite apple pie filling. It’s sweet, spiced, and saves loads of time. If you want more control over flavor, you can use homemade apple filling—but honestly, the canned version works beautifully.

Caramel Sauce

You’ve got options here:

• Classic jarred caramel sauce (like Ghirardelli or Smucker’s)

• Dulce de leche for a richer vibe

• Salted caramel for that sweet-savory balance

Pro Tip: Warm it slightly to make drizzling easier.

Butter

A few pats of butter help everything bubble and brown. You can use salted butter for a little extra flavor or unsalted if you prefer to control the salt level.

Optional Add-ins

Want to jazz it up? Try:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

• A pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness

• A splash of vanilla extract for depth

Quick Ingredient Tip: Chop your cinnamon rolls into 1-inch pieces so they spread out evenly while baking!

Best Equipment for Making a Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

This dessert is as low-maintenance as it gets, but using the right tools helps:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for even cooking and easy layering.

• Lightly grease the pan or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• If you’re trying the slow cooker version, use a liner or coat the insert well with butter or spray.

Oven vs. Slow Cooker?

• Oven: Crispier top and quicker bake (30–40 minutes).

• Slow Cooker: Ultra gooey and hands-off, but takes 2.5–3 hours on low.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Ready to dive in? Here’s exactly how to make this cozy treat:

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Add the Apple Layer

Pour in your apple pie filling, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. For extra warmth, feel free to sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg here.

Step 3: Dice and Scatter the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your canned cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters. Scatter the pieces evenly over the apple filling layer. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they have room to puff and bake properly.

Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel and Butter

Warm up your caramel sauce slightly for easier pouring, then drizzle it generously over the top of the cinnamon rolls.

Dot the top with small pats of butter—this helps everything brown and bubble beautifully.

Step 5: Bake

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are puffed, the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbly.

Watch for signs of doneness:

• Caramel bubbling at the edges

• Rolls puffed and lightly browned

• No raw dough visible in the center

If it starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving—it will thicken as it cools and be easier to slice.

Pro Tips for a Gooey, Golden Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Want your dump cake to turn out bakery-worthy? Follow these pro tricks:

• Bold Tip: Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes if the top is browning faster than the inside is cooking.

• Use a quality caramel sauce—cheap brands can be overly sweet or artificial.

• Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt before baking to balance the sweetness.

• Let it cool slightly before cutting—it’ll firm up and slice more cleanly.

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Bonus: It’s even better the next day, once all the flavors settle together.

Fun Variations to Try

One of the best things about this dump cake? You can make it your own! Here are some fun, delicious variations to shake things up:

Pecan Caramel Apple

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple filling before adding the cinnamon rolls. They toast up beautifully in the oven and add a perfect nutty crunch.

Boozy Twist for Adults

Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the apple filling for a deeper, more complex flavor. It gives the dessert a cozy, grown-up twist—perfect for holiday dinners.

Fresh Apple Upgrade

If you’re not into canned filling, slice up fresh Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples. Sauté them in a bit of butter, cinnamon, and sugar until just tender before layering. It adds a fresher, less sweet bite.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls (some brands are available in the freezer section) and a GF-friendly pie filling. Be sure to double-check the caramel sauce too!

Slow Cooker Version

Want to keep your oven free? Cook this dessert in your slow cooker on low for 2.5–3 hours. Line the insert or grease it well, and check that the rolls are cooked through before serving.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

This dump cake is best served warm and gooey, fresh from the oven—or gently reheated to bring it back to life.

Here are some top ways to serve it:

• Scoop of vanilla ice cream: It melts right into the warm caramel and apples… heavenly.

• Drizzle of extra caramel sauce: Because there’s no such thing as too much caramel.

• Dusting of powdered sugar: For a rustic, bakery-style finish.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

• Thanksgiving dessert table (a cozy twist on pie!)

• Sunday brunch (serve with coffee and cozy socks)

• Potlucks and bake sales (easy to transport, crowd-pleasing)

It’s comfort food in every bite—sweet, sticky, and full of love.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

This dessert is super make-ahead friendly and stores surprisingly well.

To Store:

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld over time, and it becomes even more delicious.

To Reheat:

• Microwave: 30–45 seconds per slice works great.

• Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

Bold Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist and gooey.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, but with a small caveat—while the flavor stays great, the texture may soften a bit.

• Freeze in individual portions.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

Whether fresh or day-old, this dump cake delivers every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Even simple recipes can have a few sneaky pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid for best results:

Using Raw Apples Without Pre-Cooking

Fresh apples are great, but they must be pre-cooked. Raw apples can stay too firm and watery in the final dish.

Overbaking

Keep a close eye on the bake time—too long = dry, chewy cinnamon rolls. Start checking at the 30-minute mark.

Going Overboard With Caramel

It’s tempting to drown the dish in caramel—but too much can make the bottom overly soggy. A light drizzle is perfect.

Not Dicing Cinnamon Rolls

Leaving them whole creates uneven cooking and awkward textures. Always chop them into small chunks before layering.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a dreamy, gooey dump cake every time!

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Here are the most common questions people ask—answered!

Can you make dump cake with cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Cinnamon rolls act like a ready-made pastry layer. When baked with fruit and caramel, they puff up into a rich, dessert-like cobbler. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.

What other fruit fillings work with this recipe?

You can mix it up with:

• Peach pie filling

• Cherry and cinnamon (think cherry Danish!)

• Blueberries or mixed berries with lemon glaze

Just be sure to adjust spices accordingly.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes! Homemade filling brings more control over sweetness and spice. Just cook your apples until soft before layering them in. This adds a fresher, more personalized touch.

What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?

While both are layered desserts, a dump cake uses pre-made or boxed ingredients (like cake mix or rolls) and doesn’t require mixing. A cobbler usually has a biscuit or homemade topping made from scratch.

How do you know when dump cake is done baking?

Look for:

• Golden-brown cinnamon rolls

• Bubbling caramel and filling at the edges

• No visible raw dough in the center

A quick poke with a fork should come out clean from the roll pieces.