caramel apple dump cake starts with layers of crisp, tart Granny Smith apples tossed in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of creamy caramel sauce, all nestled beneath a buttery vanilla cake topping. You’ll simply dump, sprinkle, and bake to golden perfection, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma that feels like a warm autumn hug. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast of tender fruit and slightly crisp cake, while a final swirl of warm caramel and a pinch of sea salt elevates every bite. It’s effortless, joyful baking that turns humble pantry staples into a showstopping dessert everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This caramel apple dump cake
- It’s a breeze to make—just dump and bake!
- Delicious layers of caramel and apple goodness.
- Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings.
caramel apple dump cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange apple slices evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle them with a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Drizzle caramel sauce or melted caramels over the apples. This will create a deliciously gooey layer.
- Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the caramel-coated apples. No need to mix; just let it sit on top!
- Drizzle melted butter over the top layer of cake mix. This will help it brown beautifully while baking.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 55g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a delicious caramel apple dump cake!
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples – your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith or Fuji
- 1 (14 oz) bag of soft caramel candies – or substitute with ¾ cup caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – any brand will do
- 1 cup unsalted butter – that’s 2 sticks, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – for a warm, spicy kick
- pinch of salt – enhances the flavors
How to Make caramel apple dump cake
This delightful caramel apple dump cake is a breeze to make! With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45–50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, gooey dessert ready to enjoy in no time. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Arrange apple slices evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle them with a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add the Caramel
Drizzle caramel sauce or melted caramels over the apples. This will create a deliciously gooey layer.
Step 5: Pour the Cake Mix
Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the caramel-coated apples. No need to mix; just let it sit on top!
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the top layer of cake mix. This will help it brown beautifully while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with ice cream or whipped cream! |
Pro Tips for Making caramel apple dump cake
- Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a decadent finish.
- Use a mix of cake flavors for a unique twist.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
How to Serve this caramel apple dump cake
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice for added sweetness.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finish.
- Pair with a cup of hot apple cider for a cozy autumn treat.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh apple slices for a refreshing crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep it in an airtight container.
Freezing
- Cool the cake completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when making a dump cake is not layering the ingredients properly. Make sure to spread the fruit evenly on the bottom and sprinkle the cake mix on top without mixing. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and the flavors meld beautifully. Also, avoid using too much butter, as it can make the cake overly greasy instead of moist and delicious.
2. What are the ingredients in caramel apple dump cake?
The ingredients for caramel apple dump cake are quite simple and include sliced apples (fresh or canned), caramel sauce, a box of yellow cake mix, and butter. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavor. This combination creates a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
3. What is the best apple for apple dump cake?
The best apples for caramel apple dump cake are those that hold their shape well during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are excellent choices. They provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, which complements the caramel beautifully and adds depth to the flavor of the cake.
4. Does caramel apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Caramel apple dump cake can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, but it’s best to refrigerate it if you want to keep it fresh for longer. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its deliciousness and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy it warm or cold, as both are delightful!
Final Thoughts
As you dive into this delightful caramel apple dump cake, remember the joy of simple pleasures! It’s a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. So grab your ingredients, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite. You’ve earned this delicious treat!