The sweet, gooey aroma of caramel mingling with crisp apple fills the air, teasing your taste buds and making your mouth water. Imagine biting into a slice of warm, buttery cake, where pockets of tender apples meet rich caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. zesty lemon poppy seed bars This is not just any dessert; it’s the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe that promises to deliver nostalgia and comfort in every bite.
Now picture this: it’s a chilly autumn afternoon, and you’re surrounded by friends and family, all gathered for an evening of laughter and storytelling. The centerpiece? A pan of this delightful dump cake, bubbling away with deliciousness. As you serve generous portions topped with vanilla ice cream, everyone’s faces light up in anticipation. You know they’re about to experience something magical!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Its flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of tartness from the apples, creating a delightful experience.
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and luscious caramel drizzle, it steals the show at any dessert table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round—whether in autumn or at summer barbecues!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Apples: About 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples work best; Granny Smith adds tartness while Honeycrisp provides sweetness.
- Cake Mix: One box of yellow or white cake mix creates the fluffy base; feel free to use gluten-free if needed.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works great; choose a rich sauce for maximum deliciousness.
- Butter: One stick of unsalted butter enhances the flavor and texture; melt it for easy mixing.
- Cinnamon: A teaspoon adds warmth and depth to the apple filling; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so that your cake doesn’t play hide-and-seek when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice about four cups of fresh apples. Toss them into a large bowl with cinnamon to coat evenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra kick.
Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients
Spread the cinnamon-coated apples evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle an entire box of dry cake mix over the apples. Don’t mix it! We want those layers intact like a surprise waiting for you at dessert time.
Step 5: Melt That Butter
Melt one stick of unsalted butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix layer. Make sure every inch gets some buttery goodness—no one likes dry spots.
Step 6: Bake Away!
Pop your creation in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The smell will drive you wild as it bakes!
Once done, let it cool slightly before drizzling with remaining caramel sauce for that perfect finishing touch. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience!
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe truly captures cozy moments filled with laughter and love. Whether you’re enjoying it alone after a long day or sharing it at family gatherings, each bite offers comfort wrapped in deliciousness. So go ahead—bake up some memories today!
You Must Know
- This Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- With its gooey caramel and tender apple filling, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Just dump, bake, and enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your home.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, prepare your baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Layer the sliced apples first, then sprinkle the cake mix on top before drizzling with melted butter. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix it up! Add nuts for a crunchy texture, or swap in different fruits like peaches or pears. A dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavors, while caramel sauce drizzled on top makes it even more decadent.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use an apple variety that holds its shape well during baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Ensure even distribution of cake mix for consistent baking.
- Don’t skip the butter drizzle; it enhances the richness and creates that delicious crust.
I remember making this Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a family potluck. My cousin took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now that’s high praise coming from someone who usually prefers store-bought desserts!
FAQs:
What is a Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe?
A Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is a simple dessert that combines the flavors of caramel and apple in an easy-to-make cake. It typically involves layering canned apple pie filling, a cake mix, and caramel sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as you just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. delicious carrot cake roll It’s perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without extensive preparation.
How long does it take to make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Making a Caramel Apple Dump Cake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. This means you can have a warm, comforting dessert ready in less than an hour. The minimal prep time makes it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling in my dump cake?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh apples in your Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe! Just peel, core, and slice the apples before cooking them down with sugar and cinnamon until soft. While using canned apple pie filling saves time, fresh apples provide a delightful texture and flavor that elevates the dish. soft gooey cinnamon rolls Easter poke cake recipe Adjust the baking time slightly if using fresh fruit to ensure it cooks through.
What toppings go well with Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
There are many delicious toppings that complement a Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Consider adding whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast to the warm cake. Drizzling extra caramel sauce on top enhances the flavor, while chopped nuts can add crunch. You could also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and spice.
Conclusion for Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe:
In summary, the Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is an easy yet delightful dessert that anyone can make at home. With its minimal preparation time and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings. Using either canned or fresh apples allows for versatility while ensuring great taste. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable treat! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples recipe recipe.
Print
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines sweet caramel and tart apples in a delightfully easy-to-make treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, this warm cake features a golden crust and gooey apple filling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience that will surely impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Toss sliced apples with cinnamon in a large bowl. Spread them evenly in the baking dish and drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top.
- Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the apples without mixing.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce on top before serving warm.
Notes
– For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruits.
– Experiment with different apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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