Let me share with you this irresistible treat: my very own recipe for a scrumptious Caramel Apple Dump Cake! Picture warm apples infused with caramel, nestled between layers of buttery cake and topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Trust me, this dessert is simplicity at its finest. All you need to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and wait for the magic to happen. With just a few effortless steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone at your table. Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with each delicious bite!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- 2 cans (20 ounce) apple pie filling
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels unwrapped and each cut in half
- 1 box dry yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter cut into ¼ inch thick pats
Instructions for Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Before you begin cooking, heat up the oven to a temperature of 350°F. Use some non-stick cooking spray to grease a casserole dish that measures 13×9, and keep it aside for later use.
- Combine apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, pour the mixture of apples into the pan that has been prepared and spread it out evenly.
- Place the caramels on the apple filling in an organized manner. Scatter the dry cake mix evenly on top of the caramels.
- Evenly distribute the butter chunks on the surface of the entire dessert.
- Cook the dump cake in an oven preheated to 350F for approximately 45 minutes, or until the surface becomes slightly browned and the edges start to bubble.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake Variations
Making it gluten-free or vegan
For those who have dietary restrictions, there are ways to make Caramel Apple Dump Cake gluten-free or vegan. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix. For a vegan version, use a vegan cake mix and substitute the butter with a vegan alternative like coconut oil or margarine. Use a caramel sauce that is vegan and dairy-free.
Adding extra fruit or nuts
To add more flavor and texture to the dessert, bakers can add extra fruit or nuts to the recipe. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cake mix for a nutty crunch. Sliced bananas or pears can be added to the apple pie filling for extra fruit flavor. Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates can also be added to the filling for a burst of sweetness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Choosing the right baking dish
Choosing the correct baking dish plays a vital role in creating the perfect Dump Cake. A suitable dish should be deep enough to hold all the ingredients, with enough space for the cake mix to rise without overflowing. A 9×13 inch baking dish is the perfect size for this dessert.
Mixing the ingredients correctly
Mixing the ingredients correctly is also essential for making the perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake. The apple pie filling should be evenly distributed at the bottom of the baking dish. The cake mix should then be sprinkled evenly over the top of the apples. Finally, melted butter should be poured over the cake mix, making sure that all areas are covered.
Once everything is mixed, it is crucial not to stir or mix the ingredients further. The layers should remain separate and untouched. This will create the signature texture of the Caramel Apple Dump Cake once it is baked.
Storing and Reheating Caramel Apple Dump Cake
How long will it last in the fridge?
After making a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake, it’s natural to want to store any leftovers for later. However, the question remains, how long can it last in the fridge?
If the Caramel Apple Dump Cake is stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 days in the fridge. Any longer than that, and the cake may start to lose its texture and flavor.
To ensure the cake stays fresh for as long as possible, it is essential to store it correctly. Make sure to cover the container with a tight lid or plastic wrap to keep it airtight. This will help prevent any moisture or outside flavors from seeping into the cake and causing it to spoil.
Can Caramel Apple Dump Cake be frozen?
While storing it in the fridge is a great way to keep it fresh for a few days, freezing it is an even better option for preserving it for longer periods. Caramel Apple Dump Cake can be frozen, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it inside a freezer-safe container. Label and date the container so you can easily identify it later. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
How to Reheat Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Reheating Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple process that can be done either in the oven or in the microwave. Both methods work well, and the choice often comes down to convenience and personal preference.
To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it is heated through.
To reheat in the microwave, cover the cake with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Heat the cake on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it is heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow-cooker to make this cake?
Yes, a slow cooker can be used. Simply follow the recipe instructions and instead of baking it in the oven, place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the cake is cooked through.
What is the difference between dump cake and regular cake?
The main difference between a dump cake and a regular cake is the method of preparation. A dump cake is made by layering ingredients like fruit, cake mix, butter, and sometimes nuts or spices in a baking dish and baking them together. The result is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. A regular cake, on the other hand, is made from scratch with specific measurements of flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, and then baked in the oven until it is cooked through.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, It can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it inside a freezer-safe container. Label and date the container so you can easily identify it later. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cans 20 ounce apple pie filling
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft caramels unwrapped and each cut in half
- 1 box dry yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter cut into ¼ inch thick pats
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before you begin cooking, heat up the oven to a temperature of 350°F. Use some non-stick cooking spray to grease a casserole dish that measures 13×9, and keep it aside for later use.
- Combine apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, pour the mixture of apples into the pan that has been prepared and spread it out evenly.
- Place the caramels on the apple filling in an organized manner. Scatter the dry cake mix evenly on top of the caramels.
- Evenly distribute the butter chunks on the surface of the entire dessert.
- Cook the dump cake in an oven preheated to 350F for approximately 45 minutes, or until the surface becomes slightly browned and the edges start to bubble.
- Cool slightly before serving.
