-
2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
-
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling, optional)
-
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
-
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
-
A pinch of salt
-
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions):
1. Preheat & Prep:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
-
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
-
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
-
Sprinkle cinnamon and a pinch of salt over the filling if using.
-
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top—do not stir.
-
Pour melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
3. Bake:
-
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
-
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving (the filling will thicken as it sits).
Serving and Storage Tips:
-
Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
-
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
-
Make ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked up to 1 day ahead—just bake fresh before serving.
Variants (Delicious Twists to Try):
-
Salted Caramel Version: Use salted caramel sauce and top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
-
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for texture.
-
Spice Cake Mix: Swap yellow cake mix for spice cake for even more fall flavor.
-
Fresh Apples: Replace pie filling with 4–5 sliced, peeled apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar.
-
Mini Servings: Bake in ramekins for individual portions—great for dinner parties!
FAQ:
Q: Do I need to stir the ingredients together?
A: Nope! Just layer everything and let the oven do the magic. Stirring will change the texture.
Q: Can I use homemade apple filling?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure it’s sweet and saucy to mimic canned pie filling.
Q: Is this overly sweet?
A: It’s rich and sweet, but the balance of tart apples and buttery topping keeps it from being overwhelming. Adjust the amount of caramel if needed.
Q: Can I use other fruit fillings?
A: Yes! Try peach, cherry, or even blueberry for delicious variations.
Q: What if parts of the cake mix look dry after baking?
A: You can gently press any dry spots into the filling halfway through baking or add a few pats of butter over those areas before baking.
Conclusion:
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is proof that simple can be spectacular. With hardly any prep and zero fuss, it delivers everything you love about fall desserts—warm fruit, gooey caramel, and a buttery, golden topping. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or just treating yourself on a weeknight, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all season long. 🍎🍰
