Caramel Apple Crisp

This 4-ingredient caramel apple crisp is the perfect easy dessert when you want something warm, comforting, and incredibly simple. With canned apple pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter, and soft caramel squares, you can make a delicious caramel apple dump cake with almost no prep work.

As it bakes, the apples become warm and tender while the caramel melts into rich, gooey pockets underneath a buttery golden topping. It has all the cozy flavors of a classic caramel apple dessert without the time-consuming preparation.

Serve this easy apple crisp warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible weeknight dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crisp

• Only 4 ingredients: You need just a few simple pantry and grocery-store staples.
• Quick and easy preparation: There is no peeling, slicing, or complicated mixing.
• Perfect comfort dessert: Warm apples, melted caramel, and a buttery topping make this ideal for fall and winter.
• Great for busy nights: Assemble it quickly and let the oven do the work.
• Family-friendly: The sweet apple-and-caramel combination is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for gatherings: A 9×13-inch baking dish makes enough for a crowd.
• Easy to customize: Add cinnamon, nuts, or swap the cake mix for a spiced variety.

Ingredients

• 2 cans apple pie filling, about 21 ounces each
• 1 box yellow cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 whole unwrapped caramel squares

How to Make 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Crisp

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch ceramic or oven-safe casserole dish.
2. Add the apples: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Add the caramel: Distribute the unwrapped caramel squares evenly over the apple filling. Try to spread them across the entire dish so every serving gets some gooey caramel.
4. Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box directions.
5. Add the butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Rest and serve: Let the crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the caramel to cool slightly and the topping to firm up.

Easy Variations

Add Cinnamon

Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon over the apple pie filling before adding the caramel. Cinnamon gives this dessert an even stronger fall apple flavor.

Try Spice Cake Mix

Replace the yellow cake mix with a box of spice cake mix. The warm spices pair beautifully with apples and caramel and make this an excellent easy Thanksgiving dessert.

Add Chopped Nuts

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the melted butter.

Make It Extra Gooey

For an even richer caramel flavor, serve each warm portion with a small drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

Spread the butter evenly: The butter helps create the golden, crisp topping. Drizzle it slowly over the cake mix to minimize dry spots.

Don’t stir the layers: This is a dump-style dessert, so simply layer the ingredients. Stirring can change the texture of the finished crisp.

Let it rest: Give the dessert about 10 minutes after baking before serving. The caramel will remain gooey while becoming easier to scoop.

Serve it warm: This caramel apple crisp is especially delicious when served fresh from the oven with vanilla ice cream.

Reheat leftovers: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat individual portions before serving.

What to Serve With Caramel Apple Crisp

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve this warm apple crisp with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Hot coffee
• Apple cider

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes. Yellow cake mix works well, but spice cake mix is an excellent alternative for a warmer, more seasonal flavor.

Do I need to prepare the cake mix first?

No. Use the cake mix dry and straight from the box. The melted butter combines with it during baking to create the golden topping.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat individual servings gently before serving for the best texture.

How should I store leftovers?

Cover the cooled crisp and refrigerate it. For the best quality, enjoy leftovers within a few days