If you’re craving a dessert that brings warm, comforting flavors together with just a handful of pantry staples, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a breeze to make, yet incredibly satisfying, capturing the cozy essence of caramel and spiced apples all wrapped in a buttery, golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want a sweet treat without fuss, this cake is pure magic with minimal effort. The sweet caramel drizzle combined with tender apple pie filling and a crisp cake topping creates a lovely harmony of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in making the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe a delicious success. From the sweetness and spice of the apple pie filling to the buttery richness that crisps up the cake topping, every component shines.
- 2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling: Packed with tender apples and spices, this is the juicy, flavorful base that gives the cake its classic autumn vibe.
- ⅓ cup caramel ice cream topping: Adds luscious sweetness and a gooey texture that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: Creates the crumbly, golden crust that balances the soft filling with a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup butter, melted: Essential for moistening the dry cake mix and helping it bake to a golden, buttery perfection.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving a quick spritz of cooking spray to a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures the dessert won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze – a great start to an easy recipe.
Step 2: Layer the Apples and Caramel
Pour the entire contents of the apple pie filling into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Next, drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the apples. This step is where the luscious, rich flavor begins to build and soak into the cake topping later on.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel-covered apples. Make sure to cover the whole surface so every bite is balanced. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix; this trick softens the dry mix and helps create that signature, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dump cake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and bubbling. Once out of the oven, let it cool just a bit – this allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier without losing the warmth everyone loves.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this humble dessert, try sprinkling some chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe from simple to sensational, adding creaminess that melts into every bite.
Side Dishes
Freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte pairs wonderfully, offering a warm counterpoint to the sweet, buttery cake. For a festive twist, serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice—it’s a timeless combination that expertly balances sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, spoon the cake into individual ramekins and top each with a drizzle of extra caramel. You can even layer this dessert parfait-style, alternating with whipped cream or Greek yogurt in clear glasses for a stunning look and delightful bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for dessert prep or enjoying later as a quick snack.
Freezing
This dump cake also freezes well! Cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it slightly for that “fresh-baked” feel.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or warm the whole pan in a 325ºF oven for about 15 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream right after reheating is a game-changer you won’t want to miss.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you opt for fresh apples, make sure to peel, core, and slice them thinly, then toss with sugar and spices to mimic the pie filling flavor before layering.
What kind of cake mix works best?
A yellow cake mix is preferred as it offers a buttery, sweet base that crisps up nicely. However, a white or spice cake mix can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and confirm that your apple pie filling and caramel topping are gluten-free brands to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute butter with something else?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, melted coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine can be used in the same amount to accommodate dietary needs or preferences.
How do I prevent the cake from being soggy?
Be sure to evenly sprinkle the cake mix and drizzle the melted butter thoroughly over the top. Baking until the edges are golden and bubbly also helps ensure the perfect crispy topping every time.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is proof that the simplest desserts are often the most delightful. With minimal fuss and maximum heartwarming flavor, it’s a must-try for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this sweet, buttery, caramel-and-apple treat as much as I do. Happy baking!
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting apple treat. Combining tender apple pie filling with rich caramel and a buttery cake topping, this recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers a warm, delicious dessert that’s perfect served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
- ⅓ cup caramel ice cream topping
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the fruit and caramel: Pour the apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the apples to add sweetness and extra flavor.
- Add the cake mix and butter: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apple mixture. Then, pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible to help it bake into a moist cake topping.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Notes
- You can substitute the caramel ice cream topping with caramel sauce if preferred.
- Using room temperature butter will help it melt more evenly over the cake mix.
- This dessert is best served warm but can also be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
