Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert featuring tender apple pie filling topped with a buttery yellow cake mix crust and luscious caramel sauce. With minimal prep and an easy dump-and-bake method, it’s a perfect comfort dessert for fall or any time you crave the flavors of apples and caramel.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Spread Apple Filling: Evenly pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Add Cinnamon (Optional): Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apple filling if you want a spicier flavor profile.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples to add sweetness and a rich caramel flavor.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layer without stirring, ensuring the apples are fully covered.
- Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, which will help create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Begin checking around 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Add Nuts (Optional): During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top so they toast without burning.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- Using a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix adds extra warm flavors.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans.
- You can make your own caramel sauce or use store-bought for convenience.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
