Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dessert that’s become my favorite. Once the leaves start changing: what is the process? Caramel apple dump cake. I know the name dump cake doesn’t exactly scream gourmet, but trust me on this one. If you love the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie but are looking for something about a million times then you have come to the right place. Is it easier to make, this is your answer? Think of it as a super simplified apple crisp, but instead of carefully arranging apples and making it, you make it yourself. a crumble topping, you’re basically layering everything in the pan and letting the oven do its magic. Is it easier than apple crumble? Is this caramel apple dump cake dangerous? Is it true that you make it every night?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is a caramel apple dump cake?
What is a caramel apple dump cake? Is it essentially layers of apple pie filling, cake mix, butter, and caramel, baked until golden and crispy? The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No mixing, no complicated steps, just baking. What is a lazy baker’s apple pie? What is a semi-homemade dessert that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen? What is the best way to prep a meal in ten minutes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I’m obsessed with this caramel apple dump cake, but let me give you the highlights. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get that warm, comforting apple pie spice, the sweetness of the caramel, and the buttery, slightly crunchy topping all in one bite. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The simplicity is another huge win. I always do this when I need a quick dessert for a potluck or when my kids are begging for something sweet. It takes minimal effort, which is always a plus in my book! And let’s not forget about the cost – the ingredients are pretty basic and affordable, meaning you can whip this up without breaking the bank. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle extra caramel on top, or even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also easy to customize to your liking. It’s seriously better than most apple pies I’ve tried, and that’s saying something! This is a game changer when you are wanting a treat and not wanting to make a lot of mess in the kitchen.
How do I make caramel apple dump cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a caramel apple dump cake? How do I make an apple pie filling in a baking dish? What’s the best way to serve a cake mix with apples? What is caramel sauce? What is the best way to bake a golden brown cake? What’s the best part about mixing? What is a “dump and bake” recipe? I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. If you’re not a baker, you can nail this one.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling: Look for a good quality apple chunks. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make homemade apple pie filling!
* 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix: I usually go for a classic yellow cake mix, but you could also use spice cake mix for an extra layer of flavor.
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) melted butter: Use real butter for the best flavor. Melt it completely, but don’t let it brown.
* ½ cup caramel sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade caramel sauce takes this cake to the next level. I like to use a thick, gooey caramel for the best results.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use baking spray to make sure nothing sticks, but you can also butter and flour the pan if you prefer. Getting the pan prepped ensures the cake releases easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Layer Apple Filling
Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. What is the base of a cake? If your filling is super chunky, you might want to chop the apples a bit so they’re more evenly distributed.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Make sure the entire surface is covered. Don’t mix it in! The dry cake mix will bake on top, creating a delicious, slightly crunchy topping.
Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter
How do I spread the melted butter evenly over the cake mix? How do you drizzle cake mix? What is the secret behind that golden brown, buttery topping? If you miss a spot, don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious!
Step 5: Swirl in Caramel Sauce
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake mix and melted butter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the topping. This creates beautiful caramel ribbons throughout the cake. Don’t over-swirl, just a few gentle swirls will do the trick.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Is it necessary to remove a cake from the oven and let it cool before serving? This allows the filling to thicken up a bit and prevents you from burning your mouth on molten food. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for an even more decadent treat. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
What should I serve it with?
This caramel apple dump cake is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple additions. For breakfast or brunch, try serving it with a scoop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. The yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake, and the granola provides a satisfying crunch. As a dessert, I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm cake is pure bliss. And for cozy snacks, a simple mug of hot coffee or tea pairs perfectly with a slice of this cake. I’ve even been known to sneak a piece with a glass of milk before bed – don’t judge!
How do I make caramel apple dump cakes?
Okay, so I’ve made this caramel apple dump cake more times than I can count, and I have learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way? First, don’t overbake it! The topping should be golden brown, but you want the filling to still be a little bubbly. What should I do if I overbake my cake? What is the best way to make homemade caramel sauce? Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake mixes. What are some good spice cake mixes? I’ve even thrown in a handful of chopped pecans into the dry mix to give it more crunch. What is your secret? If you want an extra crunchy topping, try adding a tablespoon or two of oats to the cake mix before serving. How do you sprinkle it over apples? What makes a difference? One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and honestly, it made the cake even more delicious. The salt really enhanced the sweetness of the caramel and apples. Is it possible to mess this up?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big “if” in my house), you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Again, make sure it’s tightly covered to prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze the cake, cut it into individual slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds, or bake the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Pro tip: if you’re freezing the cake, wait to drizzle the extra caramel sauce on top until after you’ve reheated it. This will prevent the caramel from getting too hard or sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This caramel apple dump cake is truly one of those recipes that you’ll make again and again. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping treat for a holiday gathering, this cake has you covered. And the best part? It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other dump cake variations, like my cherry dump cake and my blueberry dump cake. They’re just as easy and delicious! Now go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!
caramel apple dump cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 21 oz apple pie filling
- 0.75 cup butter, melted
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour apple pie filling into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
