Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Deliciously Easy Fall Dessert

Looking for a quick and indulgent dessert that captures the flavors of fall? The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect solution. This easy-to-make dessert combines the sweetness of apple pie filling, the richness of caramel, and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to create a comforting treat that everyone will love. With minimal preparation, you can enjoy this golden, gooey cake in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel apple dump cake is a dessert that brings together all the cozy flavors of apple pie with the ease of a dump cake. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat. The best part? It requires just a handful of ingredients and very little effort.

This dessert is a delightful balance of flavors and textures—sweet, tart apples, buttery cake, and rich caramel. Every bite is a little bit of heaven, and it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings in no time.

What Makes Dump Cakes So Special?

A dump cake is a type of dessert that lives up to its name—you essentially “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing and complex preparation, dump cakes are simple and incredibly forgiving. This ease makes it a perfect recipe for beginners, busy families, or anyone looking to whip up a dessert quickly without too much fuss. Plus, the end result is always delicious, and this caramel apple version is no exception!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

To make this delicious dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cans (20 ounces) apple pie filling: The foundation of the dump cake, the apple pie filling provides sweetness and the rich, spiced apple flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling, enhancing its flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon and gives the cake a lovely, cozy aroma.
  • 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels: These add gooey sweetness to the dessert. Be sure to unwrap and cut them in half so they melt evenly.
  • 1 box dry yellow cake mix: The cake mix acts as the topping, forming a delicious, slightly crispy layer that contrasts with the gooey apples and caramel.
  • 1 cup butter: Cut into 1/4-inch thick pats, the butter helps create a golden, crisp top and adds richness to the entire dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the dessert bakes evenly and achieves the perfect golden-brown crust on top. While the oven is heating up, grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir to mix well, making sure the apples are evenly coated with the spices. This step will infuse the apples with that warm, comforting flavor we all associate with fall. Once mixed, pour the apple mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom of the pan.

3. Add the Caramels

Next, arrange the cut caramels evenly over the top of the apple filling. The caramels will melt during baking, creating pockets of rich, gooey caramel throughout the cake. It’s important to place the caramels evenly to ensure that every bite of the dump cake gets that indulgent caramel flavor.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Take the dry yellow cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over the caramels and apple filling. Do not mix or stir—just scatter the cake mix on top. The cake mix will form a slightly crumbly, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and gooey layers beneath it.

5. Add Butter

Place pats of butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes, helping to form a crispy, golden-brown crust on top. Make sure to space the pats of butter out so that the cake mix is evenly moistened during baking.

6. Bake the Cake

Now, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. During this time, the cake will rise and form a golden-brown, slightly crispy top. The edges will begin to bubble, and the caramels will melt into the apple mixture, creating a rich, gooey texture. Keep an eye on the cake in the final minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.

7. Let it Cool and Serve

Once the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling, remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the caramel to thicken a little bit, making it easier to serve.

Serve your caramel apple dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Variations

  • Apple Varieties: If you prefer, you can use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling. Just slice about 6 cups of apples and cook them with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg before adding them to the casserole dish.
  • Toppings: For an added burst of flavor, try sprinkling some chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) on top of the cake mix before baking. This will give the cake a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
  • Adding Caramel Sauce: If you’re a caramel lover, consider drizzling extra caramel sauce over the top of the finished cake before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Cake Mix Substitutes: You can experiment with different types of cake mixes. A spice cake mix will add a deeper, more intense flavor to complement the apples, or a butter cake mix will create a richer texture.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This caramel apple dump cake is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. The beauty of this dessert is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare yet delivers the same mouthwatering result as more complex cakes. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want a warm, homemade dessert without a lot of effort. The sweet, spiced apple filling combined with rich caramel and a buttery cake topping will leave everyone coming back for more.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the flavors of apple pie and caramel into one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself, it’s sure to become a fall favorite. With its sweet, gooey filling, crispy topping, and melt-in-your-mouth caramel, it’s an unforgettable dessert that everyone will enjoy.

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