This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy and warm dessert that’s perfect for fall! With layers of sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery cake mix topping, it’s hard to resist.
Honestly, just dump everything in a pan and let the oven do its magic—no fancy skills needed! I love to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum! 🍏🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Pie Filling: Use canned apple pie filling for convenience. If you want to use fresh apples, about 6 cups of sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon work well. Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness.
Spice Cake Mix: The spice cake mix adds flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have spice cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add 1-2 tsp of cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm spice flavor.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip them or replace them with oats for a different texture.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is easy and saves time. You can also make your own using sugar, butter, and cream if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with flavors like caramel or cinnamon ice cream for a fun twist!
How Do You Ensure the Best Texture for the Cake Layer?
The cake layer can make or break your dump cake! To get a great texture, make sure to distribute the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Here’s how:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly from the box over the apple filling without stirring. This keeps layers intact.
- When drizzling melted butter, try to cover as much of the mix as you can. This ensures every bit gets moist during baking.
- Using room temperature ingredients can help the mixture blend better, leading to a more consistent texture.
Letting the cake cool slightly before serving also helps as it sets up and the flavors meld together nicely. Enjoy this quick and satisfying dessert!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you around 10 minutes of prep time and about 45-50 minutes to bake. After that, give it a few minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy this amazing Caramel Apple Dump Cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. Prepare the Dish:
Take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Apple Pie Filling:
Open the cans of apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This layer of sweet apples acts as the base for your wonderful cake.
4. Add the Cake Mix:
Next, take the dry spice cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apple pie filling. Don’t stir it in—just let it sit on top for now!
5. Sprinkle with Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the cake mix. They add a nice crunch, but it’s totally fine to skip if you prefer a nut-free dessert!
6. Drizzle with Butter:
Take your melted butter and drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible; this will help the top get crispy and delicious.
7. Add the Caramel Sauce:
Finally, drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over everything. This will melt into the cake during baking, adding extra flavor and gooeyness.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool Slightly:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, dish out warm slices of the dump cake onto plates. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a mouth-watering treat. Enjoy every bite!
This simple caramel apple dump cake combines tender spiced apples with a crunchy, crumbly cake topping, enriched with caramel both inside and on top. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Apple Pie Filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, you can use about 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples. Toss them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon to mimic the flavor of apple pie filling before layering in the baking dish.
What If I Don’t Have Spice Cake Mix?
No worries! You can substitute it with a yellow cake mix and add around 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon and nutmeg to replicate that warm spice flavor. It will still taste delicious!
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
You can prep the layers ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for the freshest taste. If you need to prepare in advance, store the unbaked layers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed when you’re ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy it warm again!
