This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is super easy and totally delicious! With sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a gooey caramel topping, it’s like a hug in a dish.
Who knew “dump” could sound so tasty? Just mix, dump, and bake. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure comfort food bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances nicely with the sweetness of the cake. You could also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix different varieties for depth in flavor!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but if you’re cutting back on sugar, you could replace half of it with a sugar substitute like stevia or use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake, but if you have dietary restrictions, look for gluten-free cake mixes, or you can make your own cake mix using flour, baking powder, and sugar.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts will give a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them if nuts aren’t your thing. You can also use sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients Properly?
Layering is crucial for this dump cake to come out perfectly. Start by spreading the apple mixture evenly on the bottom, ensuring every bit is coated with sugar and spices for that flavorful kick. Then, sprinkle the cake mix right on top of the apples. There’s no need to mix; the baking process will do the magic!
- Drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix, which helps it bake beautifully.
- Remember to add dollops of caramel sauce last. This will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the cake.
It’s super simple and ensures a deliciously layered dessert experience each time!
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix (dry)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 45-55 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want a few minutes to let it cool slightly before digging in. Overall, it’s an easy and satisfying dessert you can whip up quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every slice is coated nicely. Once done, spread this delicious mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
3. Add the Cake Layer:
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. If you love nuts, go ahead and sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix.
4. Drizzle with Butter:
Take the melted butter and drizzle it evenly across the entire top of the cake mix. This step is key to getting that crunchy, golden topping!
5. Top with Caramel:
Now, spoon dollops of caramel sauce over the top. You don’t need to cover it entirely; just random spoonfuls will create delightful pockets of caramel as it bakes.
6. Bake the Cake:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and bubbling apples underneath. The aromas will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy this warm, gooey caramel apple dump cake that’s a perfect fall dessert with minimal fuss!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of different varieties for added flavor. Just make sure they’re not too sweet if you’d like to balance the dessert.
Can I Make This Cake Without Nuts?
Yes, if you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy or just prefers to skip them, feel free to leave out the pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be delicious without them!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until hot. You might want to add a bit of caramel sauce on top when serving leftovers to refresh the flavor!
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
You can slice the apples and mix them with sugar and spices a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This will save you some prep time when you’re ready to enjoy the cake!
