Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines sweet apple filling with a buttery cake topping and rich caramel. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or an easy weeknight treat with minimal prep required.
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 (11-ounce) bag caramel bits
- 1 (14-ounce) bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to caramel bits)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples, then stir lightly to blend.
- Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix across the apple filling. Do not stir—just spread it into an even layer.
- Step 4: If using soft caramels, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Step 5: Drizzle the caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add nuts or oats if desired.
- Step 6: Slice butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top. The butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes.
- Step 7: Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Use caramel bits for convenience or melt soft caramels with cream for a richer caramel topping.
- Add chopped nuts or oats on top for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- Try using a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the whole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This cake is best enjoyed warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple filling instead of canned?
Yes, homemade apple filling works great. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery to avoid a soggy cake.
What if I don’t have caramel bits or soft caramels?
You can omit the caramel or drizzle store-bought caramel sauce on top after baking. The cake will still be delicious.
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines tender apple pie filling with a sweet cake mix base, topped with rich caramel and buttery goodness. Easy to assemble and perfect for cozy fall evenings, it’s enhanced with warm spices and optional nuts or oats for added texture.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 2 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Cake & Toppings
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow or spice cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 11-ounce bag caramel bits
- OR 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels, unwrapped (alternative to bits)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting soft caramels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), sliced
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the apples, then gently stir to blend the spices throughout the filling.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple filling. Do not stir at this point; simply spread it into a smooth, even layer.
- Melt Caramel (If Using Soft Caramels): If you are using soft caramels instead of caramel bits, melt them with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Add Caramel and Optional Toppings: Drizzle the melted caramel sauce or scatter caramel bits evenly over the cake mix. Add the chopped nuts and/or old-fashioned oats on top if desired to add crunch and flavor.
- Top with Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the top of the cake mix and caramel layer. The butter will melt during baking and help create a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Choose yellow or spice cake mix depending on your flavor preference; spice will add additional warm notes.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, the chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Old-fashioned oats add a nice chew and rustic texture but are optional.
- Letting the cake cool slightly prevents burns and allows the caramel to set properly.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Dump Cake, easy apple dessert, caramel apple dessert, fall dessert, dump cake recipe
