Imagine a dessert so decadent and effortless that it transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece in just minutes! This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the secret weapon every home baker needs in their recipe arsenal. With layers of tender, caramel-soaked apples and a perfectly golden cake topping, this dessert is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking to impress guests or satisfy a sudden sweet craving, this recipe promises pure culinary magic with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Wash, peel, and slice fresh apples into uniform thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Ensure all seeds and cores are removed during preparation.
- Spread the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
- Drizzle the entire cup of caramel sauce uniformly over the apple slices, ensuring complete coverage and allowing sauce to seep between apple pieces.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the caramel-coated apples to enhance the flavor profile and add warmth to the dessert.
- Open the yellow cake mix and pour it directly over the apple and caramel layer, creating an even, dry layer across the top of the dish.
- Slowly and evenly pour the melted unsalted butter over the dry cake mix, ensuring complete and uniform moistening of the mix.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the caramel and apple layers to set properly.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or additional caramel sauce drizzled on top for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Even Distribution is Key: When layering apples and pouring caramel, ensure an even spread to guarantee every bite is equally delicious.
- Butter Technique: Melt the butter completely and drizzle it slowly over the cake mix to create a perfectly moist and crispy top.
- Oven Positioning: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven for consistent baking and golden-brown results.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to let the caramel and apple layers set properly.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for ultimate indulgence.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
