Quick & Delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Caramel apple dump cake is a simple and delicious dessert. It is a type of cake that you make by “dumping” the ingredients into a baking pan. You do not need to mix them in a bowl first. This easy recipe combines the flavors of spiced apples and sweet caramel.
It is a perfect treat for fall, but you can enjoy it any time of the year. The best part is that it requires very little effort. You just layer the ingredients and bake.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This caramel apple dump cake is a favorite for many reasons.
- It is incredibly easy to make. You do not need any baking skills.
- It uses simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
- The result is a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert.
- It fills your home with a wonderful aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.
- It is a great dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Using quality ingredients will make your dessert taste even better. Here is what you will need.
Main Ingredients
- Canned Apple Pie Filling: This is the base of the cake. It provides sweet, soft apples and spices. You will need two 21-ounce cans.
- Caramel Sauce or Topping: This adds a rich, buttery sweetness. You will need one 11-ounce jar. You can also use homemade caramel.
- Boxed Yellow Cake Mix: This is the convenient topping that forms a crust. Use one 15.25-ounce box. Do not prepare the cake mix as directed on the box. You will use the dry powder.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You will need about 1 cup.
- Unsalted Butter: This is melted and poured over the top. It helps the cake mix become golden and crisp. You will need ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks), melted.
Optional Add ins for Extra Flavor
You can make this recipe your own by adding a few extra things.
- A teaspoon of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice mixed with the apple filling.
- A handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
- A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top to balance the sweetness.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any special tools to make this recipe.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish
- A measuring cup
- A spoon or spatula for spreading
- An oven
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your dump cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a common baking temperature. Then, take your 9×13 inch baking dish. You do not need to grease it. The butter in the recipe will prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Open the two cans of apple pie filling. Pour them into the bottom of the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the filling evenly. Make sure it covers the entire bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Sauce
Take your jar of caramel sauce. If it is very thick, you can warm it slightly to make it easier to pour. Drizzle the entire jar of caramel sauce over the layer of apple pie filling. Try to cover as much area as possible.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Open the box of yellow cake mix. Sprinkle the dry powder evenly over the caramel and apple layers. Do not stir the ingredients together. Just let the cake mix sit on top like a blanket. This is what creates the unique texture of a dump cake.
Step 5: Add the Optional Pecans
If you are using chopped pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the dry cake mix layer.
Step 6: Pour the Melted Butter
Melt the unsalted butter. You can do this in a microwave or in a small pot on the stove. Slowly and carefully drizzle the melted butter over the entire top of the cake. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This will help it bake into a crispy, golden topping.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Take the cake out of the oven. Let it cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly so it is not too runny. Serve it warm.
Serving Suggestions
Caramel apple dump cake is delicious on its own. But you can make it even better.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice. The cold ice cream with the warm cake is perfect.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch.
- Extra Caramel: Drizzle a little more caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them for later.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- You can also transfer pieces to an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
You can enjoy your leftover cake cold, but it is best warm.
- Oven: Place a portion in an oven-safe dish. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat a single serving on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade apple pie filling. Just make sure you have about 4 cups of filling. Using homemade filling lets you control the sweetness and spices.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. Spice cake mix is a wonderful alternative. It adds even more warm fall flavors. Devil’s food cake mix can also be used for a chocolate caramel apple combination.
My topping is still powdery after baking. What happened?
This usually means the butter was not evenly distributed. Next time, take a little more care to drizzle the butter over every part of the dry cake mix. You can also use a fork to gently poke areas that look too dry to help the butter soak in.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make slow cooker caramel apple dump cake. Layer the ingredients the same way in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The topping will be less crispy but still very tasty.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can add a can of sliced peaches or pears along with the apples. You could also use cherry pie filling for a different flavor.
Is this dessert served warm or cold?
It is best served warm. The heat helps the caramel be gooey and the flavors are more intense. However, some people enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
An easy, no-mix dump cake that layers spiced apple pie filling, buttery caramel, and yellow cake mix for a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you need a simple sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 jar (11 oz) caramel sauce or caramel topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (dry; do not prepare)
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or apple pie spice (mix into the apple filling)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Pinch of flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour both cans of apple pie filling into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top; do not stir.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the dry cake mix.
- Slowly drizzle melted butter over the entire surface, covering as much dry mix as possible.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, stir cinnamon or apple pie spice into the apple filling before layering.
- If any dry spots remain after baking, gently spoon a little melted butter over those areas next time, or lightly poke the top with a fork before baking to help butter soak in.
- Variations: Substitute spice cake mix for more fall flavor. Try devil’s food cake mix for a chocolate-caramel twist. Add a can of sliced peaches or pears, or swap in cherry pie filling for a different flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 350Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 458mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 3gSugar: 33gProtein: 3g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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