Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake – Gooey, Cozy & Fall-Inspired Bliss!
There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven on a crisp fall day. This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings together everything you love about fall baking: warm spices, gooey apples, sticky caramel, and soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a holiday celebration, this dessert will steal the show.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing the dish)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives the dessert those delicious golden-brown edges.
Step 2: Build the Apple Layer
Open the can of apple pie filling and pour it into the bottom of the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon on top to boost the warm, cozy flavor. If you’re a cinnamon lover, don’t be shy—add more to taste.
Optional: Drizzle a few tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apple filling for extra gooey richness. This step takes the flavor to another level!
Step 3: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packet (you’ll use it later). Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters or bite-sized pieces, and place them evenly over the apple filling. Try to distribute them across the surface without overlapping too much—they’ll expand while baking.
Step 4: Add Nuts and More Caramel (Optional)
For added texture and a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top. Drizzle another tablespoon or two of caramel sauce across everything to lock in the moisture and bring that sticky-sweet caramel flavor to life.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed, golden brown, and fully cooked. The edges should be bubbling slightly, and the top should look glossy and irresistible.
Tip: If the rolls are browning too quickly before the center is fully baked, loosely cover the top with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool & Drizzle
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes the dessert easier to serve. Warm the icing packet (you set aside earlier) slightly by running it under warm water or microwaving it for 5–10 seconds. Then, drizzle it generously over the baked cake.
Optional: Add a final swirl of warm caramel sauce just before serving.
How to Serve:
- Serve warm straight from the dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold ice cream is pure heaven.
- Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for a café-style touch.
- It also makes a decadent breakfast treat—no judgment here!
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the texture of the cinnamon rolls can change.
Tips & Variations:
- Swap the filling: Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for a fruity twist.
- Add crunch: Crushed graham crackers or a streusel topping add texture.
- Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum or bourbon to the apple layer for adults-only flavor.
Why This Recipe Is a Blog Favorite:
This recipe has all the right ingredients for success—both in your kitchen and on your blog or social media:
- High click-through potential: “Dump cake,” “caramel apple,” and “cinnamon roll” are all highly searched fall keywords.
- Viral visuals: The gooey texture and caramel drizzle make it perfect for short-form videos and food reels.
- Low effort, big reward: Readers love recipes that are quick, easy, and use store-bought shortcuts without compromising flavor.
- Seasonal goldmine: Ideal for autumn, Thanksgiving, or holiday dessert roundups.
Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the dessert equivalent of a cozy blanket and a mug of hot cider. It’s rich, indulgent, and requires almost no prep—but delivers a wow factor that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, this cake is pure fall magic in a dish.