Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of fall right to your table. With its sweet apple pie filling and rich caramel, it’s the perfect treat for gatherings, family dinners, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. The best part? This easy-to-make cake requires minimal effort and just six simple ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious Flavors: With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg combined with sweet caramel and apples, each bite is packed with comforting flavors.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or let it cool for a delightful treat. It’s suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
• Minimal Clean-Up: Since everything is dumped into one pan, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love this cake! Its warm flavors and gooey texture make it a hit at parties and potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing your Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Here are the essentials you’ll need to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 13×9 casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• 13×9 casserole dish: This size is perfect for baking the dump cake evenly, ensuring every slice has that delicious caramel topping.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling, keeping your preparation mess-free.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your cake.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, which makes serving and clean-up much easier.

Ingredients

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and easy shortcut Fall dessert using six simple ingredients. Apple pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, cake mix, and butter are dumped in a pan, baked and the results are amazing!

For the Cake Base

• 2 (20 ounce cans) apple pie filling
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels (unwrapped and each cut in half)
• 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
• 1 cup butter (cut into ¼ inch thick pats)

How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Combine apple pie filling with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
2. Pour this apple mixture into the prepared pan.
3. Smooth out evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Add Caramels

1. Arrange the cut caramels over top of the apple filling.
2. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramels.

Step 4: Add Butter

Place pats of butter evenly over the entire surface of the dessert.

Step 5: Bake the Dump Cake

Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until you see that the top is lightly browned and edges are bubbling.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Allow to cool slightly before serving to let all those delicious flavors meld together perfectly.

Enjoy this easy-to-make Caramel Apple Dump Cake as a satisfying end to any meal!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience and impress your guests.

A La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast to the warm cake.

Whipped Cream Delight

• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top to enhance the sweetness and provide a fluffy texture.

Drizzled Caramel

• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each serving for an extra sweet touch that complements the apple flavor.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing crunch and added fruitiness.

Nuts for Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that balances the soft texture of the cake.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or spiced cider to complete your cozy fall dessert experience.

How to Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Perfecting your Caramel Apple Dump Cake is easy with a few key tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality apple pie filling and fresh spices for the best taste.
• Layer evenly: Ensure that the apple filling, caramels, and cake mix are spread evenly for consistent baking.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the oven; baking times may vary based on your oven’s calibration.
• Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving helps set the layers and makes cutting easier.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices like ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
• Storage matters: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Pair your Caramel Apple Dump Cake with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded meal.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – This classic pairing provides a creamy contrast that enhances the dessert’s flavors.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar add a crunchy element that complements the softness of the dump cake.
3. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and add brightness to your meal.
5. Pumpkin Soup – Warm, spiced pumpkin soup creates a comforting autumn vibe alongside this sweet dessert.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses provides savory options that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Caramel Apple Dump Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the casserole dish can cause the cake to stick. Always use non-stick cooking spray or butter on your dish before adding ingredients.
• Overmixing the apple filling: Mixing too vigorously can break down the apples. Stir gently to combine the ingredients while keeping the apples intact.
• Neglecting to cut caramels: Using whole caramels makes them hard to melt. Cut them in half for better distribution and melting during baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F. Baking at a lower temperature may not achieve the desired golden brown top.
• Not cooling before serving: Cutting into the cake right away can make it messy. Let it cool slightly for easier serving and better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Caramel Apple Dump Cake can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• It will maintain its quality for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Caramel Apple Dump Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Caramel Apple Dump Cake:

What is Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick dessert made by layering apple pie filling, caramel, cake mix, and butter, then baking it until bubbly and golden.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes! You can substitute store-bought apple pie filling with homemade if you prefer fresh flavors in your Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

How do I customize my Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

Feel free to add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or top it with whipped cream or ice cream after baking for extra indulgence.

How long does it take to make Caramel Apple Dump Cake?

It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking time, making it a quick option for dessert!

Can I use gluten-free cake mix?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of Caramel Apple Dump Cake, simply replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy and delightful dessert that captures all the flavors of fall. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins; this recipe’s versatility allows you to make it truly your own!