Craving a sweet treat that’s both simple and delicious? Let me introduce you to my Caramel Apple Dump Cake! With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a warm, gooey dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. This easy dessert recipe brings together apple pie filling, caramel, and cake mix for a mouthwatering treat. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This dump cake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy bakers!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of caramel and cinnamon with apples creates a delightful flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or coconut for extra texture and taste, making it your own!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dessert is great for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in!
Ingredients
To make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Optional ingredients: chopped pecans, shredded coconut, brown sugar
These ingredients come together to create a warm and sweet dessert. The apple pie filling gives it a fruity base, while the caramel adds a sweet touch. The yellow cake mix forms a lovely crust on top when baked.
If you want to add more flavor, consider the optional ingredients. Chopped pecans add crunch, and shredded coconut brings a tropical twist. Brown sugar helps create a nice crust.
Gather these items, and you’re ready to start!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Mix and Layer
– In a large bowl, mix two cans of apple pie filling with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
– Spread the spiced apple filling evenly in the bottom of your greased baking dish.
– Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling.
Top with Cake Mix
– Open a box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly on top of the caramel and apple layers.
– Pour half a cup of melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
– If you want, add one cup of chopped pecans or shredded coconut on top of the buttered cake mix for extra flavor.
Baking
– Finally, sprinkle a quarter cup of brown sugar on top.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges to know it’s done.
– Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Serving Suggestions
Serve your caramel apple dump cake warm for the best flavor. I love to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. It adds a sweet touch. Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even better. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm cake. This combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is overmixing the layers. This can make the cake too dense. Just spread the apple filling and cake mix without mixing them together. Another mistake is not covering the apples with enough caramel. Make sure to drizzle it evenly. This will give you that rich caramel flavor in every bite.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add extra toppings to boost flavor. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. Shredded coconut gives a tropical twist. If you like, you can also sprinkle on some chopped chocolate. This adds depth and richness. Experiment with different mix-ins to find your perfect flavor!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality apple pie filling or make your own from scratch with fresh apples.
- Layering is Key: Layer the ingredients carefully to ensure even baking and a delicious combination of flavors in every bite.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like walnuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
Variations
Flavor Swaps
You can change the pie filling for more fun. Try cherry or peach pie filling. Each swap gives a new taste. You can also use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. A chocolate twist adds a rich flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free cake mix. This way, everyone can enjoy it. To make it vegan, switch the butter for coconut oil. You can also use a vegan caramel sauce. These swaps keep the taste while meeting dietary needs.
Seasonal Twists
In the fall, add spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices bring warmth and comfort. For the holidays, use cranberry pie filling. It gives a festive touch. You can even top it with whipped cream for extra cheer.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your caramel apple dump cake fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the cake cool before sealing it. Store it in the fridge if you have leftovers. It can last up to five days.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat the dump cake in two ways: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in a safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. For the microwave, put a slice on a plate and heat for about 30 seconds. If you want to keep the texture nice, avoid reheating too long.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze the dump cake, let it cool completely first. Cut it into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag. This helps save space and keeps them fresh. To thaw, take a slice out and place it in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it straight from the freezer in the oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert. You “dump” the ingredients into a pan. It needs no mixing. In our recipe, we use apple pie filling and cake mix. The layers create a sweet, rich cake as it bakes. It’s easy to make, and the taste is amazing!
How do I know when my dump cake is done?
You can tell your dump cake is done by looking at it. The top should be golden brown. You will see bubbles around the edges. A toothpick in the center should come out clean. If it is still wet, bake it a little longer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead of time. To do this, make the layers and store them separately. Keep the apple filling and cake mix covered in the fridge. You can bake it when you are ready to serve. This way, it stays fresh and tasty!
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious dump cake using simple ingredients. You learned the key steps: mixing apple pie filling, cinnamon, and toppings before baking. We discussed tips for serving, common mistakes, and ways to enhance flavors. You can also try different pie fillings or adapt for dietary needs. Remember, storing and reheating your cake properly will keep it tasty. Enjoy your baking, and have fun experimenting with flavors and variations for every seaso
