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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, you need to try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a gloriously simple, yet utterly delicious combination of tender apples, luscious caramel, and a buttery, golden cake topping that all come together in one easy dish. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the ease and comforting flavors of this dessert will have you reaching for seconds and sharing it with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each one plays a key role in creating the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet apple pie filling to the crunchy pecans, every addition brings something special to the table.
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling: The star of the show, packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples for that classic fall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural apple sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle spicy aroma that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix: Creates the golden, cake-y crust that seals in all the juicy flavors beneath.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Rich and buttery, it soaks into the cake mix, giving it that perfect crumb and crisp edge.
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): Adds luscious, sticky sweetness that makes this dessert truly decadent.
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional): Toasty crunch on top, offering a delightful contrast to the soft filling below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Spread the canned apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples and gently stir to blend the spices throughout. This step infuses the fruit with cozy flavors that bake into every bite.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caramel
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apple mixture. This luscious layer brings that irresistible, sticky sweetness we all crave in a caramel apple dessert.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Cover the apple and caramel layer with the dry yellow cake mix, spreading it out so the entire surface is covered. This layer will bake into the crispy, buttery topping that makes the cake so addictive.
Step 5: Add Melted Butter and Pecans
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, aiming to soak as much of it as possible to create the perfect texture. If you love a crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped pecans over the butter for added flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden brown top—that’s your sign it’s ready! Let it cool slightly so the caramel thickens just enough before serving.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle even more warm caramel sauce on top for a heart-stopping finish. For an extra touch of indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully to balance the sweet and spice.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a meal, keep sides simple. A warm cup of spiced apple cider or a mildly flavored tea can make the experience feel extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars. Layer a little caramel sauce at the bottom, add the warm dump cake, and top with whipped cream and pecans for a beautiful, shareable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen dump cake can last up to 2 months and still taste like fresh-baked when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Adding a little extra caramel sauce before reheating can help revive that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Using about 5 cups of peeled and sliced fresh apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon is a fantastic way to make a less sweet, more natural version of the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe. Just keep in mind it may take a little longer to bake due to the moisture content.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The traditional version isn’t gluten-free because of the cake mix, but you can substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make a delicious gluten-free dump cake without compromising flavor.
Can I skip the pecans or use another nut?
Yes, pecans are optional and can be omitted if you have nut allergies or preferences. You can also try walnuts or even sliced almonds for a different but equally delightful crunch.
How sweet is this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe?
It’s delightfully sweet, thanks to the combination of apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and cake mix, but the spices add a lovely balance so it’s never overpowering. If you prefer less sweetness, try using fresh apples and reducing the caramel sauce slightly.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dump cake and refrigerate it uncovered for up to a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it bakes through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that’s as easy as it is irresistible. With its combination of warm spiced apples, buttery golden cake, and indulgent caramel, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to for cozy gatherings and sweet moments at home.
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Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Caramel Apple Dump Cake that combines spiced apple pie filling with a buttery yellow cake topping, finished with a drizzle of caramel and optional crunchy pecans. Perfect for a cozy fall dessert, this one-pan treat is baked to golden perfection and best served warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Layer
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
For the Cake Layer
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the dessert doesn’t stick during baking.
- Layer the Apples: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then gently stir to combine the spices with the fruit for a flavorful base.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple mixture, bringing a rich sweetness that complements the spices.
- Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layer, making sure to cover all the fruit to create the cake topping.
- Pour Melted Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible to ensure a moist and golden crust when baked.
- Optional Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor if you desire.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, then drizzle with additional caramel sauce for extra decadence. Best enjoyed warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, substitute canned apple pie filling with about 5 cups of fresh sliced apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon.
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for enhanced flavor and texture contrast.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a pleasant crunch and nutty taste.
