Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Caramel Apple Dump Cake, where sweet caramel meets warm apple goodness in the most comforting way. Picture a rich, buttery cake, bursting with the flavors of fall, all wrapped up in a simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a recipe that captures the essence of home cooking: warm, inviting, and oh-so-satisfying. Not only does this treat bring joy to your taste buds, but it’s also a quick and nutritious option that balances comfort and simplicity.
Serving Versatility
One of the best things about Caramel Apple Dump Cake is its versatility. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle on extra caramel for a decadent treat, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence. You can even layer it over pancakes for a breakfast twist or pack it in a lunchbox for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The options are endless!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep a 9×13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the apple pie filling (or fresh apples if you prefer) with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Step 3: Spread the apple mixture evenly at the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the apple base.
Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter and caramel sauce over the top.
Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake is as easy as pie literally! You get quick preparation with budget-friendly ingredients. The big, cozy flavors melt in your mouth while delivering some nutritional benefits from the apples. Plus, this dish is easily customizable; add walnuts for a crunchy texture or swap the cake mix for gluten-free options if you prefer.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This charming dessert falls under the category of dump cakes, which is a stress-free cooking method where you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish without any complicated steps, making it a favorite for many home cooks.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair it with whipped cream for a light and fluffy finish.
- Enjoy it for breakfast by layering it over pancakes or waffles!
- Pack it in a lunchbox as a sweet treat for the afternoon.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is just melted and not too hot to avoid soggy cake.
- If using fresh apples, slice them thinly for even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even cloves for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F or microwave it for about 30 seconds until warmed through, keeping those flavors vibrant.
Closing Paragraph
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this warm, comforting Caramel Apple Dump Cake in your own kitchen! Remember, every dish tells a story, so make it yours by adding your special touch. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please share your experience, rate the recipe, or leave a comment!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this delicious adventure! Cooking is a wonderful way to connect with those we love. I can’t wait to hear about all the sweet memories you create with this recipe.
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling Or fresh apples if you prefer.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Plus extra for drizzling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Optional.
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter Melted (2 sticks).
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla ice cream For serving.
- Whipped cream For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep a 9×13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it.
- In a bowl, combine the apple pie filling (or fresh apples if you prefer) with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly at the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the apple base.
- Drizzle the melted butter and caramel sauce over the top.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.