Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, fruity treat. With layers of sweet apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a crispy cake topping made effortless by using boxed cake mix and cold butter, this dessert comes together in minutes and bakes to golden perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (about 21 ounces each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Cake Topping
- 1 box (13.25 to 15.25 ounces) spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ sticks (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, sliced thinly
Serving (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even browning.
- Layer Apples: Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful and juicy base.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling to infuse rich sweetness throughout the dessert.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly distribute the dry spice or yellow cake mix over the apple and caramel layers, forming the crumbly topping.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter thinly and scatter the pieces evenly over the cake mix layer; this will melt and create a golden, crisp crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Serve: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence and serve the cake warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Notes
- Be sure to use cold butter and slice it thinly to get an even topping texture.
- Using spice cake mix adds warm flavors, but yellow cake mix is a great neutral option if preferred.
- If you like a thinner or thicker cake topping, adjust the amount of cake mix slightly to your taste.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
