Ah, the Caramel Apple Dump Cake! Just saying the name makes my mouth water and takes me on a little trip down memory lane. I first stumbled upon this delightful dessert at a potluck dinner a few years ago, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. Imagine the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples mingling with a rich, gooey caramel sauce, all topped with a buttery cake layer. It’s pure magic!
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. You just “dump” the ingredients in a pan, and poof! A delicious dessert appears as if by magic. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, and it always impresses. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and caramel wafting through the house is enough to make anyone hungry! So, let’s get started, shall we?
What’s in Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Apple Filling: The base of this dessert is tender, sweet apples. I always go for Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in a few sweeter apples like Honeycrisp for added depth!
Caramel Sauce: Oh, sweet caramel! This is what makes it a special treat. I usually grab a jar of store-bought caramel sauce to save time, but making your own is also an option if you are feeling ambitious. The richness it brings to the cake is simply divine.
Yellow Cake Mix: This is where the magic happens, folks. A box of yellow cake mix creates that lovely crust. I love using Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker brands as they bake up perfectly every time.
Butter: Butter makes everything better! I use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, and it adds that extra richness to the cake.
Cinnamon: For those warm, cozy vibes, a sprinkle of cinnamon ties all the flavors together. If you’re a cinnamon lover like me, don’t hold back!
Is Caramel Apple Dump Cake Good for You?
While the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is more about indulgence than health, there are still some redeeming factors!
Apples: These fruits are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a great choice for a healthier dessert base. They can aid digestion and even contribute to heart health.
Butter: Of course, we have to be mindful of the amount of butter, as it adds saturated fat. But hey, we’re only indulging once in a while, right?
The caramel and cake mix do add a bit of sugar, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, perhaps enjoy this treat in moderation. After all, life is all about balance!
Ingredients
– 6-8 cups of peeled and sliced apples (I recommend Granny Smith)
– 1 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 box of yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
*Serves about 8-10 people*
How to Make Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Begin by spreading the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly—just toss them in!
3. Drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over the apples. You can be generous here—get that gooey goodness all over!
4. In a separate bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples and caramel.
5. Pour the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer. I like to drizzle it in zig-zag patterns to ensure every corner gets some buttery goodness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling up. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly during this time!
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in (if you can wait!). Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you want to take it over the top.
Sweet Suggestions to Savor!
– For an elevated flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake mix before baking. It adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
– Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top right before serving for an extra indulgent touch—because who doesn’t love more caramel?
– This dessert can also be made with pears or peaches for a seasonal twist; just make sure to adjust the spices accordingly.
I can’t wait for you to try this Caramel Apple Dump Cake! It’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family or to just keep all to yourself. After you whip it up, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your stories and variations! Happy baking! 🍏🍰
