Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and sweet caramel in an ultra-easy-to-make cake. This recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that can transform any gathering into a cozy celebration. With tender apple filling and a buttery cake topping that bakes to golden perfection, this dessert is not only delicious but also oozes warmth and nostalgia.
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I remember the first time I made Caramel Apple Dump Cake–it was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something sweet to warm up the house. As the cake baked, the rich aroma of caramel-filled apples filled my kitchen, mingling with the scent of ground cinnamon. It’s a wonderfully low-effort dessert that allows you to enjoy the flavors of fall without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to share this gem with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dump cake comes together in about 10 minutes of prep before baking, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm apple filling, spices, and gooey caramel creates a heavenly taste that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden crisp topping and bubbling caramel make for a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Great for parties, family dinners, or just a cozy night in – who can resist a slice of this fantastic cake?
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable if you need gluten-free cake mix, you can find suitable substitutes quite easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling: This shortcut ingredient saves time while still providing that beloved apple flavor. If you’d like, you can also use homemade apple filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth; you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg brings a subtle earthiness; if it’s not on hand, a little extra cinnamon can suffice.
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half: These caramels melt beautifully, creating that gooey, caramel layer. You can use caramel sauce if you prefer.
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: A classic choice that easily bakes into a soft, cake-like topping. You can try butter or vanilla cake mix for a different taste.
- 1 cup butter, cut into ¼ inch thick pats: The butter enhances flavor and creates a deliciously golden top. For a lighter option, stick with unsalted butter.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9 casserole dish and grease it with non-stick cooking spray—this prevents sticking, making serving easy.
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the two cans of apple pie filling with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir thoroughly until well mixed. Pour this beautifully spiced apple mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add the Caramels: Now, scatter the halved Kraft caramels over the apple filling; this will create pockets of gooey goodness as it bakes.
- Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the layer of caramels. No mixing is necessary – we’re keeping it simple!
- Top with Butter: Distribute the pats of butter generously over the cake mix; this will melt and create a richly flavorful crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling. Keep an eye on it as the smell will be tempting!
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This lets the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or all on its own for a delightful treat!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Caramel Apple Dump Cake, cover it and keep it at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. If you need to store it for even longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped. For reheating, place the portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The texture may change slightly, but a dollop of whipped cream or a bit of ice cream can refresh the experience.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to evenly distribute the butter. Not covering all areas may leave some spots dry when baked.
- Keep your apple pie filling at room temperature for easy spreading.
- For even better flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, either in the apple layer or on top.
- Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors such as spice cake or butter pecan for unique variations.
- If you want a more caramel flavor, add an additional drizzle of caramel sauce on top once it’s out of the oven.
There’s something truly comforting about enjoying a warm, home-baked dessert. The blend of apple and caramel flavors in this cake creates a nostalgic sensation that is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to try different variations of this recipe by using different fruits, spices, or cake mixes. I encourage you to take a slice and relish in the deliciousness you’ve created.
Recipe FAQs
How can I make my Caramel Apple Dump Cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the regular yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy this delectable dessert!
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh ingredients, peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of fresh apples. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little flour to mimic the pie filling texture.
What’s the best way to serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
It’s delightful served warm right from the oven! Scoop it into bowls and top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
How long does Caramel Apple Dump Cake last?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week, although I’d be surprised if it lasted that long in a house filled with dessert lovers!
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📖 Recipe Card
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake combines rich flavors of caramel and apple in a straightforward dessert. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and offers wonderful comfort food that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels, unwrapped and each cut in half
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, cut into ¼ inch thick pats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
- Arrange the caramels over the apple filling. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the caramels.
- Place the pats of butter evenly over the top of the dessert.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
