Caramel Apple Dump Cake is that slice of heaven where autumn flavors collide with the ease of a dessert that practically makes itself. Imagine a warm, gooey confection that envelops your senses with the sweet aroma of caramel and spiced apples, all while you hardly lift a finger. It’s like getting a hug from your favorite grandma, but in dessert form comforting, sweet, and just a little bit messy. For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles recipe.
Now picture this: It’s that perfect fall day when the leaves are crunching underfoot, and you’ve invited friends over for a cozy gathering. You want to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter Caramel Apple Dump Cake! This glorious dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up after binge-watching your favorite series. And trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy bakers or last-minute dessert cravings.
- The flavor profile combines sweet caramel with tart apples for an irresistible taste sensation.
- With its golden crust and gooey filling, it’s visually stunning enough to be the star of any dessert table.
- Versatile enough to serve warm with ice cream or cool with whipped cream, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apple Pie Filling: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version—just ensure it’s packed with good apple flavor!
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works wonders here; however, feel free to whip up a batch if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice that provides structure and sweetness—no need to mix anything; just sprinkle it on top.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter will help bind everything together and add richness; don’t skimp on this!
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Add pecans or walnuts for some crunch—just be sure nobody has a nut allergy first.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish—preferably around 9×13 inches—and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks during the baking process.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure each corner gets some love because no one likes being left out—especially when it comes to desserts.
Step 3: Drizzle Caramel Sauce
Pour half of your caramel sauce over the apple filling. Treat it like a waterfall of sweetness cascading onto those apples—it’ll make the cake extra gooey!
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Take your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel-drizzled apples. No mixing required! Just let those dry ingredients sit atop like they’re getting ready for their big moment in the oven.
Step 5: Add Melted Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This step is crucial as it transforms those dry ingredients into something magical while baking.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top. Your kitchen will smell like autumn paradise during this time!
Now, allow it to cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! For an added touch of delight, serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top or whipped cream dolloped generously.
And there you have it! The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is ready to steal hearts (and stomachs) at any gathering or cozy night in! Enjoy every gooey bite—you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
- With its gooey caramel and apple goodness, it’s sure to be the star of any gathering or cozy night in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, prepare your baking dish with butter, layer the apples, then sprinkle cake mix evenly on top. Pour melted butter over it all and finally drizzle with caramel sauce for maximum sweetness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add pecans for a crunchy twist. Experiment with flavored cake mixes like spice or vanilla to elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a delightful warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through, ensuring that gooey texture returns!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Make sure to cover your dump cake with foil while baking to prevent over-browning.
- Always serve this delightful treat warm for that irresistible gooeyness!
I remember the first time I made this Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a family gathering. Everyone devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice! Their smiles were worth every minute spent baking.
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
To make a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you will need a few simple ingredients. Start with canned apple pie filling, which serves as the base. You will also need a box of yellow cake mix, unsalted butter, and caramel sauce. Peach Chaos Cake For an extra touch, consider adding cinnamon and chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. These ingredients come together to create a delightful dessert that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
How long does it take to prepare Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Preparing Caramel Apple Dump Cake is quick and straightforward. The total time required is typically around 10 to 15 minutes for preparation, followed by baking for about 45 to 50 minutes. After you combine the ingredients in your baking dish, simply pop it into the oven and allow it to bake until golden brown. This makes it an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
Can I make Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Caramel Apple Dump Cake ahead of time! If you want to save time on the day of serving, assemble the cake up to the point of baking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions as usual. This way, you can enjoy a warm dessert without much hassle.
Can I customize my Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Absolutely! Customizing your Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a fun way to experiment with flavors. You can substitute the apple pie filling with other fruit fillings such as cherry or peach for a different taste. Additionally, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick. Cherry Lemonade Cookies Cherry Crisp Dump Cake Topping it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances the experience even more. Your creativity will make this dessert uniquely yours.
Conclusion for Caramel Apple Dump Cake:
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that combines rich flavors and simple preparation steps. With only a handful of ingredients, this cake offers delightful taste without demanding too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or just a cozy night at home, its warm, comforting aroma will fill your space with joy. Don’t hesitate to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your preferences. Enjoy this delicious treat any time of year!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm, gooey layers of caramel and spiced apples. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting night in, this treat requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Simply layer your ingredients and let the oven work its magic, resulting in a deliciously messy indulgence that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the dish.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apple filling.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly on top.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving with remaining caramel sauce and ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cake (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
[…] apples beneath. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a cozy blanket, wrapping you in comfort. Caramel Apple Dump Cake It’s the kind of dish that invites family and friends to gather around the table, sharing stories […]