Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an effortless and delicious fall dessert combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with rich caramel and a golden, crumbly cake topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion craving comforting sweetness with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 cups tart yet sweet apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (around 15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice about six cups of apples into even pieces. Toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar to ensure every bite is bursting with spice and sweetness.
- Assemble the Base: Spread the coated apples evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a juicy, flavorful foundation for the cake.
- Add the Caramel Sauce: Drizzle an even layer of caramel sauce over the apples, making sure it covers the fruit well but doesn’t drown it—this helps meld the flavors beautifully as it bakes.
- Top with Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apples without stirring. Then, gently pour melted butter evenly across the top to ensure the cake mix browns perfectly and crisps up.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled dump cake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma during baking is simply irresistible!
Notes
- Cut apples uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Do not stir after adding cake mix to maintain the signature texture.
- Pour melted butter slowly and evenly for a crisp, buttery topping.
- Use fresh caramel sauce if possible, homemade or store-bought works.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the caramel thickens for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg