Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert combining tender apple pie filling with rich caramel sauce and a sweet cake topping. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a cozy treat ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Served warm and optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s quick to assemble and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Cake Layer
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for easy serving.
- Add Apple Pie Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform fruit layer.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour and evenly drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling to add richness and flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the layered apples and caramel, covering the entire surface for a consistent cake topping.
- Distribute Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into thin slices and distribute these slices evenly over the cake mix layer. The butter will melt during baking, creating a moist, golden crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set the layers and make serving easier. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use either spice cake mix for a warm cinnamon flavor or yellow cake mix for a milder taste.
- Cold butter helps create a crisp, flaky top crust when baked.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and aid portioning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and ice cream with plant-based alternatives.
