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
Scale
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.
