Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Easy Recipe & Delicious Fall Dessert

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn evenings, the scent of cinnamon swirling in the air, and the irresistible combination of sweet and tart. But what if I told you that achieving this autumnal bliss could be as simple as “dumping” a few ingredients into a pan? Yes, you read that right! This recipe is so easy, it practically makes itself, leaving you with more time to enjoy the crisp fall air and maybe even carve a pumpkin or two.

While the exact origins of dump cakes are shrouded in a bit of mystery, they’re believed to have emerged as a convenient and resourceful way to bake, particularly in rural communities where time and ingredients were precious. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity – no mixing bowls, no complicated steps, just layer and bake! It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who sought to create delicious desserts with minimal fuss.

People adore caramel apple dump cake for a multitude of reasons. The warm, gooey apples, infused with cinnamon and topped with a buttery, crumbly cake layer, offer a delightful textural contrast. The addition of caramel elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level of decadence. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, and its ease of preparation makes it a go-to for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a spontaneous weeknight treat. Plus, who can resist the comforting flavors of apple pie combined with the ease of a dump cake? Get ready to experience dessert magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 cup caramel bits
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup milk or apple cider (optional, for drizzling)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Apple Base:

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, and the first step is all about creating that delicious apple base. We’re using canned apple pie filling for convenience, but feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking. While the oven is heating, you can prepare your baking dish.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for this, but you can also use butter or shortening. Make sure to coat the entire bottom and sides of the dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it covers the entire bottom of the dish. This will be the foundation of our delicious dump cake.
4. Sprinkle the caramel bits evenly over the apple pie filling. This adds that wonderful caramel flavor that complements the apples so well. Don’t be shy with the caramel!

Creating the Cake Topping:

Now comes the fun part – creating the cake topping! This is where the “dump” in dump cake comes from. We’re literally dumping the ingredients on top of the apple and caramel mixture.

1. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface. You want a nice, even layer of cake mix.
2. Distribute the cold, cubed butter evenly over the cake mix. This is important because the cold butter will create a crumbly, delicious topping as it melts during baking. Make sure the butter is cold; otherwise, it will melt too quickly and won’t create the desired texture.
3. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

Baking the Caramel Apple Dump Cake:

Now it’s time to bake our masterpiece! The baking time is crucial, so keep a close eye on it.

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so start checking it around 30 minutes. The topping should be nicely browned and the apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.
2. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the cake to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.

Optional Drizzle and Serving:

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the optional caramel drizzle. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and caramel flavor.

1. If you want to add a drizzle, you can melt a few extra caramel bits with a little milk or apple cider in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
2. Drizzle the melted caramel over the warm cake.
3. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. The warm cake with the cold ice cream is a classic combination that’s hard to resist!

Tips and Variations:

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use a different flavor of cake mix: Spice cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or even chocolate cake mix would all be delicious in this recipe.
• Add other fruits: In addition to apples, you could add other fruits like pears, cranberries, or blueberries.
• Use different nuts: Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but you could also use almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves would add a warm, comforting flavor to the cake.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan cake mix, vegan butter, and vegan caramel bits to make this recipe vegan.
• For a richer flavor: Substitute half of the butter with cream cheese, cut into small cubes. This adds a tangy and creamy element to the topping.
• Add a streusel topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats to create a streusel topping for added texture and sweetness. Sprinkle this over the cake mix before baking.
• Individual servings: Bake the dump cake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

Troubleshooting:

Even with a simple recipe like this, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Cake is too dry: Make sure you’re using enough butter and that you’re not overbaking the cake. You can also add a little bit of milk or apple cider to the cake mix to add moisture.
• Cake is too soggy: Make sure you’re not using too much apple pie filling and that you’re baking the cake long enough. You can also add a little bit of flour to the cake mix to absorb excess moisture.
• Topping is burning: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Caramel is burning: Use good quality caramel bits and make sure they are evenly distributed. If they start to burn, cover the baking dish with foil.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can assemble the Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you’re short on time. Just be sure to add the butter right before baking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 400-500 per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams per serving
• Protein: 3-5 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect dessert for those cozy autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight treat when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor profile makes it a winner in my book, and I’m confident it will be in yours too.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the delightful combination of warm, spiced apples, the buttery, crumbly cake topping, and that luscious caramel drizzle that ties everything together. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness? This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the epitome of that!

But the best part is that this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you’re a fan of nuts, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake mix before baking. The added crunch will complement the soft apples and cake beautifully. Or, if you want to kick up the spice level, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling. A little bit of spice can really enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the dessert.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that never disappoints. The cold ice cream melting over the warm cake is pure bliss. Alternatively, you could top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat. For a slightly healthier option, consider serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt will balance out the sweetness of the cake perfectly. And if you’re feeling fancy, you could even garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices.

Serving Suggestions:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle
• With a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
• Garnished with chopped nuts and cinnamon

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, after all. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.

I truly believe that this Caramel Apple Dump Cake will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this irresistible treat.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!