This delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the epitome of comfort food, combining the flavors of spiced apples, rich caramel, and a buttery cake topping. With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings during the fall season. Simply layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Perfectly sweet and subtly spiced, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of preparation—making it an ideal dessert for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. The combination of warm apple pie filling, gooey caramel, and a crispy cake layer is bound to delight your taste buds, and if you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it will be a hit at any gathering.
Introduction:
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season. Caramel Apple Dump Cake embodies the spirit of fall with its delightful apple and caramel combination. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a sweet treat for family movie night, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this cake is sure to please. Best of all, it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dessert that evokes the nostalgia and warmth of home baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 box spice cake mix (or yellow/white cake mix)
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer for the base of your cake.
Step 3: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apple filling. Allow the caramel to seep into the apples slightly for extra flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top of the caramel and apples. Make sure to cover the mixture completely for an even bake.
Step 5: Arrange the sliced butter pats evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. As the butter melts during baking, it will create a beautiful crust and enhance the flavors.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers to set a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish shines when served warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top, or even additional caramel drizzle. It’s a fantastic dessert to bring to potluck gatherings, and it transports well for family gatherings or holiday parties. Serve it with a hot cup of apple cider or a chai latte to warm your spirits even more.
Tips:
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to use homemade apple pie filling if you prefer, and experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as chocolate or carrot cake, to create unique variations of this dish.
- Add Texture: For extra crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts with the cake mix, or top it off with chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Garnish: Serve with a sprinkle of chopped apples or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a fancy touch.
- Batch Bake: This recipe can be doubled easily if you need to serve a larger crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion:
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is truly a simple yet indulgent dessert that carries the warmth of fall in every bite. Its combination of flavors and textures—from tender apples to rich caramel to a buttery cake crust—creates a perfect harmony that resounds with cozy memories. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also on ease, allowing anyone to become a baking hero in their kitchen. Next time you find yourself in need of a sweet treat, remember this dump cake—it’s bound to become a beloved favorite.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes! If you prefer fresh apples, peel and slice them, and toss them with some sugar and cinnamon to mimic the flavor of apple pie filling. This will add a fresh taste to the dump cake.
2. What if I want to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, and the recipe will still work beautifully!
3. How can I make the caramel sauce homemade?
To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir until smooth, then add a pinch of salt and let cool before using.
4. Is it possible to freeze this dump cake?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake once cooled. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the oven.
5. Can I add extra spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice to the cake mix or the apple layer to enhance the fall flavor profile even more.