Description
A delightfully simple and delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake that combines sweet apple pie filling, warm spices, caramel, and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for a comforting dessert served warm with vanilla ice cream and drizzled salted caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling (or 5 cups homemade)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Caramel Layer
- 1 1/2 cups caramel squares (sliced in half)
Cake Layer
- 1 (13.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) melted butter
Toppings (optional)
- salted caramel sauce
- vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the apple pie filling with ground cinnamon and optional ground nutmeg. Stir gently to blend the spices evenly into the apples. Pour this mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Add Caramel and Cake Mix: Evenly arrange the halved caramel squares over the apple filling layer. Then sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly on top of the caramel layer, smoothing it out into an even layer to cover the fruit and caramel beneath.
- Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix, ensuring the entire top gets moist for a golden, crisp crust during baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve: Once baked, scoop warm portions into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce if desired, for a rich, indulgent finish.
Notes
- You can use homemade apple pie filling if you prefer a fresher taste and control over sugar content.
- Nutmeg adds a warm spice note but is optional depending on your preference.
- Make sure to evenly distribute melted butter over the cake mix to get a perfect crispy golden crust.
- Serve the dessert warm for best flavor and pairing with cold vanilla ice cream.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
