Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a spiced cake topping. With minimal prep and a gooey, golden-brown finish, it’s perfect for a cozy treat or holiday gathering. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Cake Topping
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, sliced
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Apples: Evenly spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base of the dessert.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the layer of apples to infuse rich sweetness throughout.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, forming a crumbly top layer.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter thinly and distribute the pieces evenly over the dry cake mix to help create a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly so the filling can set a bit before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dump cake warm, optionally topping with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either spice cake mix for a warm, cinnamon flavor or yellow cake mix for a milder sweetness.
- Using cold butter is key to achieving a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or quality store-bought caramel.
- This dessert is flexible—feel free to substitute apple pie filling with peach or cherry for a different fruit twist.
