Description
The Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, no-mix dessert that combines tart apples with sweet caramel sauce and a buttery yellow cake topping. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and baked to a golden crisp, this comforting dessert is quick to prepare, ideal for busy days, and suitable for various occasions from family treats to holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (room temperature recommended)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
- Additional cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for enhanced spice flavor
- Vegan butter and dairy-free caramel for dairy-free version
- Gluten-free yellow cake mix for gluten-free adaptation
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples. Peel, core, and evenly slice your apples. Toss them lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning and sprinkle with cinnamon (and nutmeg if using) to enhance the warm flavors.
- Layer the Apples and Caramel. Spread the prepared apples evenly in a greased baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, making sure to cover them thoroughly for rich sweetness.
- Add the Cake Mix. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel-coated apples — this layer will bake into a crisp, golden crust providing a delightful contrast to the soft fruit beneath.
- Pour Melted Butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is essential as it seeps into the dry mix, creating buttery pockets and a tender crumb after baking.
- Bake Until Golden. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for even melting and a uniform crisp topping.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice to maintain the apples’ fresh color and add slight tang.
- Allow the dessert to rest after baking to thicken the caramel and perfect the texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for enhanced flavor.
- Assemble the dessert the night before and refrigerate, baking just before serving for freshness.
- Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions briefly for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy apple dessert, no mix cake, fall dessert, caramel apple cake, quick dessert, dump cake recipe
