If you adore the cozy blend of tart apples and luscious caramel, then the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a warm, comforting treat that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, but with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or whenever you crave that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need for a dessert that feels indulgent and homemade. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy apples providing tender texture to the cake mix creating a light, crunchy topping infused with buttery flavor.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, about 21 ounces each): This pre-made filling adds the perfect mix of sweetness and tartness, simplifying prep while giving the cake a tender fruit base.
- Caramel sauce (½ cup, plus extra for serving): Caramel brings a rich, buttery sweetness throughout the cake and a glossy finish when drizzled on top.
- Spice or yellow cake mix (1 box, 13.25 to 15.25 ounces): The dry cake mix serves as an easy-to-use, crumbly topping that crisps in the oven and soaks up the luscious juices beneath.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, 6 ounces): Dotting slices of cold butter atop the cake mix ensures a golden, tender crust with a delicious richness.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving): These creamy extras are the perfect companions that elevate every warm bite into pure comfort.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), a moderate temperature that allows the cake topping to become crisp and golden while the filling bubbles happily below. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add a hint of richness around the edges.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Start by spreading the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This foundational layer is juicy and flavorful, ensuring every bite bursts with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples.
Step 3: Add the Caramel
Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apples. This step is where the magic happens as the caramel melts into the warm fruit, infusing the dessert with its signature sweet, buttery depth.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. This dry layer will bake into a satisfyingly crumbly top, perfectly contrasting the soft filling beneath.
Step 5: Dot with Butter
Cut the cold unsalted butter into thin slices and distribute them evenly on top of the cake mix. These buttery bits melt throughout baking, creating a gorgeously golden crust and enhancing the richness of the entire dessert.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. The scent filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Drizzle
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool just enough to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an irresistible glossy finish and burst of sweetness.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Optional Toppings
Serve the Caramel Apple Dump Cake warm, topped happily with cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. This contrast between warm and cold adds a delightful balance to each spoonful.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of charm, consider a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top right before serving. These simple garnishes enhance both texture and aroma, making the dessert look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For special occasions, serve alongside spiced cider or a lightly sweetened herbal tea to complement the warm spices in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. Alternatively, layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a beautiful, shareable presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making it just as delicious, if not better, when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its best quality for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the cake in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream right after reheating creates a dream dessert experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer a fresher approach, peel and slice about 6 cups of apples, then toss them with sugar and spices before layering. Just keep in mind this may require a longer baking time to soften the fresh fruit completely.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully for convenience, but homemade caramel or salted caramel sauce can add an extra layer of richness and complexity that takes this dessert to the next level.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter helps create that signature crispy, golden topping by melting slowly in the oven. Using melted butter will result in a denser, less flaky crust.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version, and make sure any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Keep a close eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to protect it while the filling finishes bubbling.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet soulful desserts. With just a handful of ingredients and an easy assembly, you get a warm, caramel-spiked apple treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to bring smiles and seconds around your table.
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightfully easy and comforting dessert perfect for any season. Featuring layers of apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a buttery cake topping, it bakes into a golden, bubbly treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this dump cake recipe is an effortless way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Cake Layer
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
Topping
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
Optional Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Apple Filling: Evenly spread the apple pie filling over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the cake.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer to enhance the dessert’s sweetness and richness.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly distribute the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, covering them completely.
- Top with Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly atop the cake mix to promote a moist, golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Add Final Touches: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added flavor before serving.
- Serve: Serve the caramel apple dump cake warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the best texture and to achieve a crisp, golden topping.
- Spice cake mix adds a warm flavor that complements the apples; yellow cake mix offers a lighter sweetness.
- If desired, use homemade caramel sauce for a richer taste.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version.
