Save This caramel apple dump cake transforms pantry staples into a mouthwatering dessert that's become my autumn signature. The contrast between the tender spiced apples, gooey caramel, and buttery cake crust creates an irresistible combination that's surprisingly simple to make.
I first made this dessert when unexpected guests arrived one rainy fall evening. The heavenly aroma of baking apples and cinnamon filled my home, and now it's requested at every family gathering from September through December.
Ingredients
- Apple pie filling: provides the perfect tender fruit base without any peeling or slicing. Choose premium brands with large apple chunks for best texture
- Caramel sauce: creates that rich gooey layer that makes this dessert special. Look for thick sauce in glass jars rather than plastic squeeze bottles
- Yellow cake mix: acts as the magical topping that transforms into a buttery crust. Any brand works well
- Unsalted butter: allows you to control the saltiness. Use European style for extra richness if available
- Ground cinnamon: enhances the warm fall flavors. Fresh ground from whole cinnamon sticks provides the most aromatic experience
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, making sure to cover the corners well. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it reaches the proper temperature while you assemble the cake.
- Layer the fruit base:
- Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Use the back of a spoon to distribute the apple pieces evenly, ensuring each serving will have plenty of fruit. The thickness should be about 1 inch throughout the dish.
- Add the caramel layer:
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce in ribbons across the apple layer. Do not mix it in completely. The caramel will melt further during baking and create pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the dessert. For extra decadence, use a bit more caramel than called for.
- Create the cake topping:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple and caramel layers, making sure to cover all the fruit. Pay special attention to the corners and edges. The even distribution ensures proper baking and prevents dry pockets of cake mix.
- Add butter and spice:
- Pour the melted butter slowly over the cake mix layer, trying to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible. Sprinkle cinnamon across the top for extra warmth and aroma. The butter will combine with the cake mix during baking to form a delicious golden crust.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and you can see the fruit filling bubbling around the edges. The cake layer should feel set when lightly touched.
Save The caramel sauce is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered that warming the caramel slightly before drizzling makes it spread more evenly through the apples. My grandmother taught me this trick, and now whenever I make this dessert, I think of Sunday dinners at her farmhouse where she always had some variation of apple dessert waiting after the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Once cooled completely, cover your dump cake with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavor actually develops overnight, making this an excellent make ahead dessert.
To reheat individual portions, microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm. For the entire leftover cake, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of warm caramel sauce just before serving to refresh the dessert completely.
Easy Variations
While the classic version is incredible on its own, this forgiving recipe welcomes creative twists. Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix for delightful crunch. For a holiday version, mix 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves with the cinnamon.
For a more indulgent dessert, try using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. The additional warm spices complement the apples beautifully. You can also add 1/2 cup of toffee bits or butterscotch chips scattered over the cake layer before baking for extra caramel flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dessert shines in multiple settings. For casual family dinners, serve warm scoops in bowls topped with vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cake. For more elegant presentations, portion into small ramekins before baking and serve as individual desserts with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a mint leaf.
The dump cake also makes an unexpected but delicious breakfast treat. Warm a portion and serve alongside Greek yogurt for a special weekend brunch option. During apple picking season, serve it as the sweet ending to a meal featuring other apple dishes for a themed dinner.
Save This dump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays or any fall gathering. Enjoy the comforting flavors and simple preparation that make it a cherished recipe.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes, peel and slice about 6 cups of apples and cook briefly with sugar and spices to replace canned filling.
- → Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?
No, store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade adds a deeper flavor if you prefer making your own.
- → Does this dessert need to be served warm?
Serving warm enhances gooey texture and complements ice cream, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- → How can I add crunch to the topping?
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking for a delightful crunchy layer.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead?
Yes, assemble in advance and bake just before serving for fresh texture, or reheat in the oven if needed.
- → Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely, try spice or white cake mix for an alternative flavor profile that pairs well with apples and caramel.