Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert featuring layers of tender apple pie filling and a crisp, golden cake topping drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert is easy to prepare and bakes into a gooey, comforting treat that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- OR 5–6 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (if using fresh apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for fresh apples)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional for fresh apples)
Cake Layer and Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat & prep your pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, line the dish with foil, leaving an overhang to lift the cake out later. Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve a crisp topping and bubbling filling.
- Prepare the apples: If using canned apple pie filling, open and stir gently to evenly distribute syrup and apples. For fresh apples, peel, core, and slice into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Slicing apples thin helps them become tender but still hold shape.
- Layer the apple base: Spoon the apple pie filling or fresh apples evenly into the greased dish. Use the back of a spatula or spoon to create a mostly flat, even layer by pressing gently.
- Sprinkle the cake mix and spices: Evenly sprinkle the entire cake mix box over the fruit. Avoid smoothing; it should remain a dry layer. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and optional nutmeg evenly over the cake mix. Gently tap sides of the dish to let the dry mix fill any gaps ensuring an even crust after baking.
- Add caramel and melted butter: Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle in a grid pattern over the cake mix. Slowly pour the melted butter evenly in thin streams or dots to moisten the topping without stirring. Butter soaks through the mix to form a crisp golden crust.
- Bake and monitor: Place dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy and apples bubble at the edges. If browning occurs too fast, tent with foil and continue baking. Fresh apples may require an extra 8–10 minutes until tender and bubbling.
- Rest, finish, and serve: Let the cake rest 10–15 minutes to thicken the juices while still warm and saucy. Drizzle extra caramel if desired. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Using fresh apples requires tossing with sugar and spices and may increase baking time by 8–10 minutes.
- Line the baking dish with foil for easy cleanup and to lift the cake out neatly.
- An accurately preheated oven is essential for a crisp topping and bubbling filling.
- Do not stir the butter and caramel into the cake mix; they should soak in during baking to create texture contrast.
- Resting the cake before serving improves scoopability and thickens the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Dump Cake, easy apple dessert, dump cake, caramel apple dessert, autumn dessert, fall dessert, baked apple cake, quick dessert recipe
