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To make a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake, gather these items: - 2 cups of peeled and sliced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup of brown sugar You can enhance the taste with these extras: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving If you don’t have some ingredients, here are swaps: - Use any sweet apples if you can’t find Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. - Swap the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a warm twist. - Replace pecans with walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free dessert. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cake bake evenly. Gather your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of peeled, sliced apples, 1 cup of caramel sauce, and 1 box of yellow cake mix. Don't forget the melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped pecans if you want them. Take a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the sliced apples evenly across the bottom. Make sure every slice gets some space. Now, drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. This will give them a sweet, sticky layer that makes the cake special. Ensure the apples are well-coated; this is key for flavor. In a separate bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This adds warmth and depth to your cake. Sprinkle this dry mix over the caramel-coated apples. Cover them well for the best taste. Next, pour the melted butter evenly on top. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just spread it out a bit. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. To make your dump cake shine, focus on the apples. Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They give a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel. Slice them thinly so they cook evenly. When you mix the cake mix with cinnamon and brown sugar, make sure it's well combined. This adds warmth and flavor. Drizzling the melted butter evenly over the cake mix helps it bake perfectly. You want a nice, golden top. Serve your dump cake warm for the best taste. A scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top makes it extra special. The cold cream melts into the warm cake, creating a wonderful mix. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. They add a nice texture and flavor contrast. One common mistake is not using enough apples. You need at least two cups to keep it moist. Avoid packing the cake mix too tightly; it should be sprinkled evenly. If you skip the melted butter, your cake may dry out. Lastly, watch the baking time. Pull it out when the top is golden brown and bubbly. This ensures a delicious and satisfying dessert. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well during baking and contrast nicely with the sweetness of the caramel. Homemade vs. Store-Bought Caramel: While store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, making your own can elevate the dish. A simple homemade caramel can add a richer flavor and allow you to customize the sweetness. Don’t Skip the Pecans: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, adding chopped pecans enhances the texture and flavor profile. Toast them lightly before adding for an extra nutty taste. Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey dessert. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the caramel flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for fun. Try using ripe pears for a sweet twist. For a spicier kick, add some nutmeg along with cinnamon. You can even mix in a cup of dried cranberries for a tart burst. If you love chocolate, sprinkle chocolate chips over the apples. This will create a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with caramel. Top your cake with more than just whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a hit. You could drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds also provide a nice crunch. For a gourmet touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Check the label to ensure it fits your needs. You can swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Use dairy-free ice cream or whipped cream to keep it creamy without the dairy. These simple swaps will keep the dessert tasty and inclusive for all diets. After you enjoy your Caramel Apple Dump Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely first. Place it in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just warm it for about 30-45 seconds. Freezing this dump cake is simple. Cut the cake into pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. This way, your cake stays tasty for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other fruits! Pears, peaches, and cherries work well. You can mix fruits too. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit's natural flavor. For example, cherries may need a bit more sugar. Experiment and have fun with different flavors! Making caramel sauce is easy. Start with these simple steps: - Ingredients: - 1 cup sugar - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream 1. In a pot, heat sugar over medium heat. Stir it until it melts and turns golden brown. 2. Add butter and stir until melted. 3. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Be careful; it can bubble up! 4. Let it cool before using. Enjoy your fresh caramel! Serve Caramel Apple Dump Cake warm for the best taste. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold cream melts slightly, adding a nice touch. You can sprinkle some cinnamon or chopped pecans on top for extra flavor. Enjoy every bite! This blog post covered how to make a Caramel Apple Dump Cake. We looked at key ingredients and possible substitutions to fit your tastes. I shared step-by-step instructions, including tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers properly. In the end, this dessert is simple and tasty. Enjoy creating your own version to impress family and friends!

Caramel Apple Dreams

A delicious dessert featuring caramel-coated apples topped with a buttery cake mix.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • to taste whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the sliced apples evenly across the bottom.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with cinnamon and brown sugar.
  • Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix mixture over the caramel-coated apples.
  • Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix layer.
  • If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the butter-covered cake mix.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with caramel.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm, topped with a generous scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Keyword apple, cake, caramel, dessert