If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the warm, cozy flavors of fall with the ease of a quick and simple recipe, you’ve landed in the right place! This Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake is not only a delightful sweet treat, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. Picture this: gooey caramel, tender apples, and a buttery cake topping that meld together beautifully in each bite. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dessert.
What makes this dessert extra special is its versatility. You can serve it at Thanksgiving, share it with friends during a cozy get-together, or indulge in a personal slice while curled up with a book. The minimal effort it takes to prepare means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sweet moments with loved ones. Plus, it’s made with ingredients that many of us already have on hand, making it a go-to recipe when inspiration strikes.
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How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Let’s dive into the steps for making this comforting dessert. Trust me, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! With just a handful of ingredients and about an hour of your time, you can whip up this delicious dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start your baking adventure:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: This forms the base of our cake, providing that familiar flavor and texture.
- 1 can apple pie filling: Using a can saves time and offers the perfect blend of sweet and tart apples.
- 1 cup caramel sauce: A must for that indulgent flavor—who can resist caramel?
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a golden crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice complements the apple pie filling beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Nuts add a delightful crunch and extra flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Directions:
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step for a perfectly baked cake.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. It’s okay to let the filling be a bit messy—part of the charm is in its rustic look!
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apple filling. Use a spoon to make sure that everyone gets a little taste of that sweet goodness.
In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and cinnamon. This simple combination adds a warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Don’t worry about covering it perfectly. The cake mix will soak up the flavors as it bakes.
Slice the butter into small pieces and place them on top of the cake mix. This will help it melt and create that deliciously moist texture.
If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top. They can add that delightful crunch we talked about earlier!
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!
Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. This makes for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Let cool slightly before serving. It’s tough to resist, but letting it cool will help everything set a bit and make for easier serving. Enjoy warm!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Mixing Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels unwrapped and cut in half
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix dry mix only
- 1 cup butter cut into 1/4-inch thick pats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the apples.
- Scatter the halved caramels across the apple mixture.
- Evenly pour the dry yellow cake mix over the apple-caramel layer. Do not stir.
- Arrange the butter pats evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling at the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving so the caramel can set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Serving this Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake is part of the fun. You can scoop generous servings directly from the dish, but presentation can elevate this cozy dessert even more. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve warm: Nothing beats the comfort of a warm dessert, especially on a chilly evening.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The combination of hot cake and cold ice cream is simply heavenly. The melting ice cream over the warm cake creates a deliciously creamy effect.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on individual servings for an indulgent touch. You can never have too much caramel, right?
- Garnish with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can lighten up the sweetness and add a beautiful presentation.
- Add chopped nuts on top: If you skipped the nuts in the baking process, sprinkle some on top for an extra crunch.
How to Store Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh:
- Let it cool completely before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup that could make the cake soggy.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors can deepen over time, which makes leftovers even more enjoyable!
- To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes—but be sure to cover it with foil to keep the top from getting overly brown.
Tips to Make Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Want to make your baking even smoother? Here are a few tips to keep in mind while preparing this delightful cake:
- Use a high-quality caramel sauce: Homemade or store-bought, quality matters! A good caramel will enhance the dessert’s flavor immensely.
- Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, you could also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Choose unsweetened apple pie filling: This can help balance the sweetness of the cake for more complex flavors.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature: This allows the butter to melt more evenly throughout the cake mix as it bakes.
- Customize with your favorite nuts: If walnuts or pecans aren’t your favorites, try almonds or even skip them altogether!
Healthy Notes About Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
While this dessert is indulgently sweet, there are a few health tips worth considering:
- Apple filling is a source of fiber: Apples are known for being high in dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. If you can find one, opt for a filling that uses no added sugars for a healthier option.
- Nuts provide healthy fats: If you opt to include nuts, you’re adding in some healthy fats and protein. Nuts can help improve heart health and provide essential nutrients.
- Control portion sizes: Since this dessert is rich, serving smaller portions can allow you to enjoy it without going overboard. This way, you can savor the flavors without feeling guilty.
- Try using a sugar-free cake mix: This will reduce the overall sugar content and provide a healthier alternative, especially for those watching their sugar intake.
Variation
This Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few variations you might consider trying out:
- Berry Blush: Swap out the apple pie filling for cherry or mixed berry pie filling. It changes the flavor profile entirely and can bring a fresh twist to the dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-themed treat, use a pumpkin pie filling instead of apple and add pumpkin spice to the cake mix.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle chocolate syrup alongside the caramel or swap the nuts for chocolate chips for an even sweeter dessert experience.
Read as well :
Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling is a great choice. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and thick enough to hold up in the cake.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just remember that it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but the leftovers are still tasty for a few days!
3. What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
No problem! You can use two smaller baking dishes or even a large round dish. Just adjust the baking time as needed and watch for the golden brown topping.
Now you’re ready to make this Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake! With its simple steps and comforting flavors, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So roll up those sleeves, and let’s bake!