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
Scale
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.
