Simple Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This Simple Caramel Apple Dump Cake transforms basic pantry staples into a decadent dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when in reality, it's one of the easiest treats you'll ever make. Perfect for capturing the warm, comforting flavors of fall!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Apple Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling or 5-6 fresh apples, peeled, cored and sliced, mixed with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling
Cake Layer
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter thinly sliced (1 stick)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
- 1/4 tsp salt if using unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread your apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using fresh apples, toss your peeled and sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon before spreading them in the pan.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apple layer in a zigzag pattern. (Pro tip: Warm your caramel sauce for 15 seconds in the microwave for easier drizzling.)
- Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. Resist the urge to mix it in.
- Place thin slices of butter evenly across the cake mix surface, ensuring most of the dry mix will be covered as the butter melts.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the top.
- If using nuts, scatter chopped pecans over everything.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an additional drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- This dessert can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- The flavors actually intensify after 24 hours, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- For a healthier version, consider using unsweetened apple pie filling, substituting half the cake mix with whole wheat flour, and replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- The flavors actually intensify after 24 hours, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- For a healthier version, consider using unsweetened apple pie filling, substituting half the cake mix with whole wheat flour, and replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSodium: 310mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 32g
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