When I want a dessert that’s warm, sweet, and bursting with fall flavor—but without a lot of work—I make this caramel apple cinnamon roll dump cake. It’s the kind of recipe where I can just layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a rich, gooey treat with buttery cinnamon rolls, tender apples, and ribbons of caramel running through every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dump cake because it’s ridiculously easy and tastes like I spent hours baking. The cinnamon rolls bake up soft and golden, the apple pie filling brings natural sweetness, and the caramel adds a gooey, decadent finish. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever I need a comforting dessert that feels special without being fussy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
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Apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
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Ground cinnamon
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Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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I cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
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I spoon the apple pie filling over the cinnamon rolls and sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon over the top for extra flavor.
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I drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apple mixture.
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If I want it extra gooey, I add a few small pats of butter across the top.
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I bake the dish for 30–35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and golden and the filling is bubbling.
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I let it cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10.
Prep time is 10 minutes, bake time is 35 minutes, and it’s ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes total.
Variations
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I add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
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For a spiced kick, I mix a little nutmeg or apple pie spice into the apple filling.
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I’ve made it with peach or cherry pie filling for a fruity twist.
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I swap the caramel for maple syrup or brown sugar sauce when I want a different sweet finish.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I don’t recommend freezing—it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely. I use peeled and sliced apples, cooked with cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch until soft and syrupy.
Do the cinnamon rolls bake through completely?
Yes, as long as they’re spread out evenly. I make sure they’re not buried too deep under the filling so they rise and bake properly.
Is this dessert overly sweet?
It’s sweet and rich, but the apples and cinnamon add a nice balance. I adjust the caramel amount to suit my taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. I bake it fresh before serving.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s heavenly either way.
Conclusion
Caramel apple cinnamon roll dump cake is one of those desserts that hits all the right notes—sweet, spiced, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make. It brings together all the best fall flavors in one cozy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m baking it for a crowd or just because, it always disappears fast.
Print
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: A Gooey, Cozy Dessert Made Effortless
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert, layered with buttery cinnamon rolls, warm spiced apples, and gooey caramel sauce. This ridiculously easy recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or when you need a no-fuss sweet treat that tastes like pure comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packets included)
- 1 can (20–21 oz) apple pie filling (or homemade)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling, optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, cut into small pieces)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
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Spoon apple pie filling over the cinnamon rolls and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
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Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer. Add butter pieces on top for extra richness if desired.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until cinnamon rolls are golden and cooked through.
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Let the dump cake cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls.
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Serve warm as-is or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Use maple syrup or brown sugar glaze in place of caramel for a fun twist.
- Try with different pie fillings like peach or cherry for seasonal variations.
- For homemade apple filling, simmer sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch until soft.
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