Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dessert that’s effortless yet oozes flavor, look no further than this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a sweet, tender celebration of tender apples, luscious caramel, and that hypnotic golden crust from a simple cake mix. This recipe is the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence, where pantry staples transform into a dreamy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients will allow you to whip up this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe with ease. Each element plays an important role in building layers of taste, texture, and inviting color that make this dish irresistible.

• Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): The star ingredient providing juicy, spiced apple chunks that bring softness and natural sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds warm spice notes for those who want an extra flavor kick.
• Caramel sauce (1/2 cup): Offers a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the apples with its gooey goodness.
• Yellow cake mix (1 box): Creates the perfect golden crust with a tender crumb, easily turning the dessert into a cake with minimal effort.
• Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Ensures the cake topping crisps up beautifully and infuses a rich, buttery flavor.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth when sprinkled on top.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brings subtle aromatic notes that round out the flavors wonderfully.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure your dump cake slides out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling

Open your cans of apple pie filling and spread the contents evenly across your baking dish. This juicy, cinnamony layer sets the delicious foundation for the dessert’s moist and flavorful middle.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon (If You Like)

If you’re craving a hint of spiciness, sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the apple filling. This little touch elevates the cozy autumn vibe with extra warmth.

Step 4: Drizzle the Caramel

Pour your caramel sauce evenly over the apples, letting the syrupy richness seep into every corner. This caramel layer promises pockets of lusciousness in every bite.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of your apple and caramel layers. Resist the urge to stir; the cake mix acts as the crisp topping that bakes into golden perfection.

Step 6: Pour Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter over the cake mix carefully, aiming to distribute it as evenly as possible. This is the secret to getting that sought-after golden crust that crunches just right.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust with bubbly fruit underneath—this signals your dump cake is ready to come out and cool briefly.

Step 8: Add Nuts (Optional)

About 10 minutes before baking finishes, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top if you want a toasty nutty crunch. This extra touch adds texture and flavor complexity.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

When your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is baked to perfection, remove it and let it rest for 10 minutes to set slightly before scooping. This ensures a lovely balance of warm, gooey filling and fragrant cake.

Step 10: Optional Toppings

Don’t forget to serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for decadent indulgence that turns every forkful into a sensory delight.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices on top can elevate the cake’s appearance and add an inviting hint of freshness. For added richness, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the plated slices just before serving.

Side Dishes

Although the cake is a star on its own, pairing it with a simple glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea can complement the warm caramel and apple notes beautifully. Vanilla ice cream is always a welcome sidekick to amp up the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dump cake in rustic ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation perfect for gatherings. You can even layer portions in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chopped nuts for a fancy twist everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and enjoy warm or cold slices that taste just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! After cooling completely, wrap portions in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and defrost in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. A scoop of ice cream on top makes the perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute with about 5 cups of peeled and sliced fresh apples tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for a fresher, homemade vibe. Just be sure to cook the cake a few minutes longer until apples are tender.

Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix?

While yellow cake mix gives that classic sweet crust, you can experiment with spice cake or even butter pecan cake mixes for exciting flavor variations that pair beautifully with caramel and apples.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, swap the cake mix for a gluten-free yellow cake mix option, and confirm that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe.

What’s the purpose of not stirring the cake mix with the filling?

The dry cake mix sits on top and bakes into a crunchy, golden crust while moisture from the apples and butter cooks the inside to cakey perfection. Stirring would mix layers and affect the signature texture contrast.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. Keep an eye on baking time since different pan sizes may require slight adjustments. This recipe scales beautifully for sharing with more loved ones.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is pure magic in a dish—easy to throw together yet utterly satisfying every time. Whether you need a quick dessert for unexpected guests or a cozy treat to brighten chilly nights, this cake delivers joy by the slice. Don’t hesitate to give it a try, share it with friends, and savor the simple deliciousness that only a true dump cake can bring.

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