Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a heartwarming, indulgent dessert that captures the flavors of fall and combines them into a simple, quick recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its buttery, crispy topping, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet caramel sauce, this dessert is a delightful way to end any meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those who crave homemade desserts but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The term “dump cake” refers to the method of making the cake: you simply “dump” all the ingredients into a pan, and let the oven do all the work. This method is a fan favorite because of its simplicity and minimal prep work, but the results are always spectacular.
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an even more elevated version, with the addition of caramel sauce that melds beautifully with the apples, creating a sweet, gooey filling. The cake mix forms a crumbly topping that becomes golden and crisp as it bakes. It’s a perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.
History of Dump Cakes
Origins of the Dump Cake
The concept of the dump cake first emerged in the 1980s, gaining widespread popularity in American kitchens. The recipe is based on a concept of simplicity: rather than having to measure out a series of ingredients or mix everything together by hand, the idea was to simply dump a few basic ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy.
Early versions of dump cakes often used fruit pie fillings, cake mixes, and some form of fat like butter. Over time, the recipe evolved, with many cooks incorporating their own creative touches such as adding nuts, spices, or different fruit combinations. The appeal of the dump cake was immediate—it was easy, quick, and could be customized to fit various tastes.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake fits perfectly into this evolution. Apple pie is a classic American dessert, and adding a caramel twist to a dump cake elevates the dessert with a rich, decadent flavor. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the best of fall’s harvest, making it ideal for autumn holidays and gatherings.
Dump Cake in Modern Times
Today, dump cakes are a go-to option for busy home cooks and novice bakers alike. They’re featured on food blogs, Pinterest boards, and in cookbooks, with a variety of versions that suit all tastes and dietary preferences. What started as a simple, convenience-based dessert has now grown into a beloved comfort food.
Why Caramel Apple Dump Cake Works So Well
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: the sweet, soft apple filling, the caramel sauce, and the crunchy, buttery cake topping. The method of creating the cake allows for a lot of variation, and it can be adapted to different tastes or dietary needs.
The combination of caramel and apples is not only a classic pairing but also one that brings warmth, comfort, and indulgence. This cake is perfect for those moments when you want something that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake
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Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is essential to achieving the golden, crispy topping. Be sure to drizzle it evenly over the cake mix to ensure the cake turns out perfectly.
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Use Good Quality Pie Filling: Since apple pie filling is a key ingredient, make sure to use a good-quality product. If you have the time, you can make your own homemade apple pie filling using fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
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Check the Cake Towards the End: Depending on your oven, the cake may take a few extra minutes. Make sure the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling before removing it from the oven.
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Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Caramel Apple Dump Cake is even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Variations on Caramel Apple Dump Cake
While the classic version of Caramel Apple Dump Cake is delicious, there are several variations you can try to customize the dessert to your taste:
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Dump Cake: Add pumpkin spice to the apples for a fall twist. This variation is perfect for the autumn months, adding a rich, warm spice to the dessert.
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Chocolate Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips to the top of the cake mix or drizzle melted chocolate over the cake after it’s done baking for a chocolatey variation.
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Dump Cake: Use cinnamon rolls instead of a cake mix. Tear the rolls into pieces and layer them over the apples before baking for a gooey, cinnamon bun-like experience.
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Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel sauce before baking. This creates a delicious salty-sweet contrast that complements the caramel and apple filling.
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Gluten-Free Version: Swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the caramel sauce is gluten-free for a safe, gluten-free dessert option.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a heartwarming, indulgent dessert that captures the flavors of fall and combines them into a simple, quick recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its buttery, crispy topping, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet caramel sauce, this dessert is a delightful way to end any meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those who crave homemade desserts but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - Layer the Apple Filling:
Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top of the apples for extra warmth and flavor. - Add the Cake Mix:
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not mix, just spread it out as evenly as possible. - Top with Butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. - Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You may want to check after 30 minutes and cover the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly. - Add Caramel Sauce:
Once out of the oven, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the warm cake. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the caramel. - Serve:
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Notes
- Topping Options: You can sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the cake mix before baking for a little crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling for a more complex flavor.