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Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake
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Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a warm, cozy fall dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples layered with rich caramel sauce and topped with a golden, buttery yellow cake mix crust. Effortlessly baked in one dish, this quick and delicious treat brings the perfect blend of autumn flavors to your table, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit & Flavorings

  • 6 medium-sized fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (regular or salted, per preference)

Topping

  • 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Optional Add-ons

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice about 6 medium-sized apples. Toss them with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1/4 cup sugar until evenly coated to create a sweet, spiced fruit base.
  2. Layer the caramel and apples: Evenly spread the spiced apples across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce generously over the apples to infuse rich, buttery sweetness.
  3. Add the cake mix and butter: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples without stirring. Slowly pour the melted, slightly cooled butter evenly over the dry cake mix to ensure a moist topping that bakes to a golden crust.
  4. Optional nuts and bake: If desired, scatter 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  5. Cool and serve: Let the dump cake cool slightly for about 10 minutes so the caramel thickens. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel drizzle.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
  • Do not stir after adding the cake mix to maintain a crisp, golden crust.
  • Melt butter and let cool slightly before pouring to avoid prematurely baking the cake mix.
  • Check that the topping is bubbling and golden brown to confirm doneness.
  • Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and caramel to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, fall dessert, autumn dessert, easy apple cake, dump cake, caramel apple, quick dessert, gluten-free apple cake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/caramel-apple-dump-cake/