Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat. The combination of sweet caramel, tender apples, and a golden cake topping makes this dump cake an irresistible crowd-pleaser. You can use fresh or canned apples, making it a versatile dessert for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
For Fresh Apples:
- 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Or for Canned Apples:
- 1 (20 oz) can apple pie filling
- 1 (11 oz) jar caramel sauce (or homemade caramel)
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Using Fresh Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple-caramel mixture, covering it completely.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
- Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Using Canned Apple Pie Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the apple mixture.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is highly customizable; you can swap out the yellow cake mix for another cake flavor like spice cake or white cake if you prefer.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, try making your own homemade caramel sauce.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
- Make sure to serve the dump cake warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American