Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are my favorites for their perfect balance of sweet and tart. If you can’t find these, feel free to use any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn. For a less tangy flavor, try Gala apples.

Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the filling. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia, but adjust the quantity according to the product instructions.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and flavor to the dish. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can skip it or use allspice as a substitute. A dash of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor!

Cake Mix: Yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, but if you prefer, a spice cake mix can add even more depth to the flavor. Gluten-free cake mixes are also widely available for those with dietary restrictions.

Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a crunch, but you can skip them if nut allergies are a concern. You could also use granola for crunch or oats mixed with a bit of brown sugar.

Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is convenient, but homemade caramel can be richer in flavor! If you’re avoiding refined sugar, a date caramel could be a delicious alternative.

How Do I Ensure the Apples Are Perfectly Cooked?

To get the best texture in your dump cake, focus on properly preparing the apples. Start by choosing firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Here’s how to do it right:

• Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Mix the apples with sugar and spices before adding them to the baking dish. This helps them soften and absorb flavor.
• Spread the apple mixture in an even layer in the dish. This promotes even cooking and creates that nice gooey filling.

Keep an eye on the baking time; the apples should be tender yet still have some bite. You can gently poke through the mixture with a fork to check their doneness!

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Apple Filling:

• 5-6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For The Cake Topping:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Total time will be around 1 hour, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure nothing sticks.

2. Mix the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, gather your sliced apples and sprinkle them with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

3. Assemble in the Baking Dish:

Next, spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out well for even cooking.

4. Add the Cake Mix Layer:

Now it’s time to sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. If you’d like a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts on top of the cake mix.

5. Pour the Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix layer. This will help it become nice and crispy as it bakes, so don’t skip this part!

6. Add the Caramel Goodness:

Finally, dollop spoonfuls of caramel sauce over the top. The more, the merrier—because who doesn’t love caramel?

7. Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

8. Cool and Serve:

Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will let the flavors settle!

9. Enjoy Your Treat:

Serve generous scoops of the warm caramel apple dump cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with additional caramel sauce. Enjoy the warm, gooey apple filling under a crispy buttery topping every bite!

Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Mixing different varieties can also add interesting flavors!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Caramel Apple Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and assemble everything in the baking dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, you can pour the melted butter and caramel over the top and then continue with baking.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Cake?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the dessert safe for those with gluten sensitivities.