Fall is the perfect time for warm, sweet treats, and Caramel Apple Dump Cake hits the spot! This easy dessert combines rich caramel and tart apples into a gooey, comforting cake. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dessert and make your fall gatherings unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dump cake requires minimal effort with no complicated steps, making it perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of spiced apples, caramel, and buttery cake creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone loves.
- Customizable Toppings: You can enhance it with your favorite nuts or coconut, allowing for personal touches to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dessert is great for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in, making it versatile and appealing.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
– 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Measurement Conversions (for different serving sizes)
If you want to make a smaller cake, use half the ingredients. For a larger cake, double the ingredients. Here’s a quick guide:
– For 4-5 servings, use:
– 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 box yellow cake mix
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– For 16-20 servings, use:
– 3 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
– 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 3/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1.5 boxes yellow cake mix
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1.5 cups chopped pecans (optional)
– 1.5 cups shredded coconut (optional)
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
Suggested Ingredient Brands (for quality assurance)
– For apple pie filling, I like Libby’s or Comstock. They have good taste.
– Use Knott’s Berry Farm caramel sauce for a rich, smooth flavor.
– Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker make great yellow cake mixes.
– Land O’ Lakes is my go-to for unsalted butter. It melts well.
– For nuts, I trust Diamond for fresh pecans.
– Baker’s Angel Flake coconut adds nice texture and sweetness.
These ingredients will help you create a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake that’s perfect for any fall gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting an even bake. While the oven heats, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use cooking spray or butter. This will help the cake come out easily after baking.
Combining Ingredients for Perfect Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the two cans of apple pie filling and the teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir it well so the cinnamon mixes in nicely. This adds warmth and depth to the apples. Once mixed, pour the apple filling into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over the apples. Make sure to cover the filling well; this adds a sweet touch.
Layering the Cake for Best Results
Now comes the fun part. Without mixing, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of the caramel and apples. This creates a textured topping once baked. Next, pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover all the dry mix. This butter makes a lovely, golden crust. If you want, add one cup of chopped pecans and one cup of shredded coconut on top. These add great crunch and flavor. Finally, sprinkle a quarter cup of brown sugar across the surface. This will caramelize as it bakes and enhance the sweetness.
Now, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges to know it’s done. Once it’s ready, let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your warm slices with extra caramel and ice cream for a treat!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring a Perfect Bake
To make your Caramel Apple Dump Cake just right, follow these tips:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps bake your cake evenly.
– Bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges.
– Use a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size allows for even cooking.
If you notice uneven baking, rotate the dish halfway through. This can help any hot spots in your oven.
Enhancing Flavor
Add extra flavor to your cake with these simple tips:
– Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with the apple pie filling. This will give it a warm taste.
– Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. It enhances the sweetness of the cake.
– For a spicier kick, try a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
These small additions can make a big difference. They create a more complex flavor profile that everyone will love.
Using Leftover Ingredients
Got extra caramel or pie filling? Here’s how to use them:
– Drizzle leftover caramel over slices when serving. It adds extra sweetness and looks great.
– If you have extra apple pie filling, use it in pancakes or yogurt. It makes a tasty breakfast or snack.
– You can also freeze leftover pie filling. It stays fresh for later pies or cakes.
These ideas keep waste to a minimum and make sure every bite is delicious.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Apples: For an even more vibrant flavor, consider adding some fresh apple slices along with the canned pie filling. This enhances texture and freshness.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
- Serve Warm: This dump cake is best enjoyed warm, so consider reheating individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and assemble the cake the night before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Variations
Different Fruit Options
You can swap out the apple pie filling for other fruits. Peach or cherry pie filling works great. Each fruit brings its own flavor and sweetness. You can also mix fruits for a fun twist. Try combining apple and peach for a juicy treat. Just remember to adjust the spices. Different fruits may need more or less cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer great options. Look for ones that taste good and give a nice texture. You can also make your own mix with almond flour, coconut flour, and a gluten-free baking powder. This way, you still enjoy the same delicious cake without gluten.
Nut-Free Version
To make a nut-free dump cake, simply leave out the pecans. If you want crunch, try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. For the coconut, you can skip it or use a nut-free coconut alternative. This keeps your cake safe for those with nut allergies while still being tasty.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Caramel Apple Dump Cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It stays good for about 3-5 days. This helps keep the flavors rich and the texture nice.
Freezing Instructions for Longer Shelf Life
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Cut the cake into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Your dump cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Guidelines
For the best taste, reheat your slice in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cake soft and the flavors bright. You can also microwave it for about 30-45 seconds. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t overheat. Enjoy with a drizzle of extra caramel for a treat!
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use homemade apple pie filling. Just make sure it is thick and spiced well. This will keep the cake from being too watery. Your own filling can add a nice, fresh taste.
How do I make it ahead of time?
To make this dessert ahead, prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with other flavors?
Yes, you can swap the yellow cake mix for other flavors. Chocolate or spice cake mix works well. Each will give a unique twist to the dump cake. Feel free to experiment with different tastes.
What can I serve with Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream balances the warm cake. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. Whipped cream is another great addition.
In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake. You learned about the ingredients, useful measurements, and brands to ensure quality. I shared step-by-step baking instructions and vital tips to achieve the best bake. We explored fun variations, storage options, and addressed common questions.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is easy and adaptable. Try it soon, and enjoy every bit
