Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Craving something sweet, warm, and ridiculously easy to make? Look no further than this Caramel Apple Dump Cake! This dessert is a perfect combination of soft, sweet apples, a rich caramel sauce, and a buttery, golden cake topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—just dump the ingredients in a pan, bake, and voilà! A mouthwatering dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth without any fuss. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Easy to Make:

The “dump” in “dump cake” says it all. This dessert couldn’t be simpler—no mixing, no fussing, just dump the ingredients in the pan and bake. It’s practically foolproof!

2. Warm & Comforting:

The warm caramel apple filling is the ultimate comfort food, and the cake topping adds the perfect crunch. The combination of textures is pure magic.

3. Perfect for Fall:

With its apple and caramel flavors, this cake is ideal for fall but can be enjoyed year-round. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

4. Minimal Ingredients:

This dessert calls for only a few ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your pantry—making it both budget-friendly and low-effort.

5. Great for Feeding a Crowd:

If you need a quick dessert for a party or gathering, this dump cake is a great choice. It makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
• 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Evenly spread the two cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the apple filling. Do not stir; just let the dry cake mix cover the apples. The cake mix will form a golden, crumbly topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure a nice, crispy topping. If you’re using cinnamon, sprinkle it on top at this stage for extra warmth and flavor.

Step 6: Add Caramel Sauce

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the entire top of the cake mix. The caramel will melt into the cake as it bakes, creating a luscious, gooey layer.

Step 7: Bake the Dump Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before serving. This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 2% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value
Iron: 6% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. With Ice Cream:

Serve this warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the sweet and gooey filling. The cold ice cream melts into the hot cake, creating an indulgent combination.

2. With Whipped Cream:

If you’re not a fan of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream is a fantastic alternative. It adds a light, fluffy touch to balance the richness of the caramel.

3. With More Caramel:

For extra decadence, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving. This will elevate the caramel flavor even more and make the cake even more irresistible.

4. Serve with a Cup of Coffee:

This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, making it perfect for dessert or even a cozy afternoon treat.

5. Add Nuts for Crunch:

If you want to add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking. The nuts will toast and add a delightful texture to the dessert.

Additional Tips

• Cake Mix Variation: If you’re looking to experiment with flavors, try using a spice cake or cinnamon cake mix instead of yellow for a more autumnal twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dump cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that your caramel sauce and pie filling are also gluten-free.
• Storage: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dump cake a day ahead of time. Just assemble the cake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

A1: Yes! You can use about 4 cups of peeled and sliced fresh apples. Add a bit of sugar and cinnamon to make a quick apple filling, or use store-bought apple pie filling for ease.

Q2: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

A2: Absolutely! Feel free to try a spice cake, cinnamon, or even a butter cake mix. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this cake without caramel sauce?

A3: While caramel sauce adds a lovely richness to the dessert, you can skip it if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious with just the apple filling and cake topping.

Q4: Can I freeze Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this cake. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to the dump cake?

A5: Yes! You can add other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Q7: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A7: Yes! You can assemble the dump cake the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: Can I make a smaller batch?

A8: You can easily halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly—it might take a little less time to bake.

Q9: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A9: Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free caramel sauce to make this dessert dairy-free.

Q10: Can I use a different type of topping for the cake?

A10: Yes! Instead of the classic cake mix, you can use a crumble topping or a biscuit mix for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust baking times as needed.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate easy, delicious, and comforting dessert. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this dump cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it warm with whipped cream or ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s just about perfect.

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