Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Fall Dessert You Need to Try!
Discover the ultimate fall dessert with our Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe! This easy, delicious treat combines fresh apples, creamy dulce de leche, and a buttery crumb topping for a warm, comforting delight. Perfect for cozy autumn nights, this dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing dessert!
Fall is in the air, and nothing says autumn quite like the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and apple. If you’re looking for a simple yet utterly delicious dessert that captures the essence of the season, look no further than this Caramel Apple Dump Cake! This easy-to-make treat combines the sweetness of apples, the creamy richness of dulce de leche caramel sauce, and a buttery crumb topping to create the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, heading to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet and cozy, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is sure to be a hit.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delectable dessert, including step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and serving suggestions. So, grab your baking dish and let's dive into making the yummiest fall treat!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
To create the perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
4 medium apples, sliced: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Honeycrisp are my absolute favorite, that is what I typically use to make this. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramel.
1 cup lightly salted dry roasted peanuts: These add a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that complements the sweet, rich flavors of the cake.
1 squeeze bottle (11.5 oz) dulce de leche caramel sauce: This creamy caramel sauce is the star of the show, adding a luscious, gooey layer of flavor.
1 box cinnamon crumb cake mix: This is the "dump" part of the dump cake! The cake mix forms the base of the dessert and creates a soft, fluffy texture when baked.
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, thinly sliced: Butter helps to create a golden, crispy topping. Make sure it's cold and sliced into small squares for even distribution.
1/3 cup chopped peanuts: These add an extra layer of crunch to the top of the cake.
Crumb topping - Use the packet included with your cake mix.
Optional:
Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to this warm, gooey cake. The cold, creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the hot caramel and apple filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake that will wow your friends and family.
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking. This will also add a bit of extra flavor to the cake edges, making them slightly crispier.
Layer the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into medium-sized pieces. Arrange the apple slices in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. This forms the fruity base of your cake. The apples will soften and release their juices as they bake, creating a deliciously tender filling that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
Add the Peanuts
Sprinkle 1 cup of lightly salted dry roasted peanuts over the apple slices. The peanuts add a delightful crunch and a slightly salty contrast to the sweet layers. This combination of textures is what makes this dump cake so satisfying!
Pour on the Dulce de Leche Caramel Sauce
Drizzle dulce de leche caramel sauce over the apples and peanuts. The caramel sauce will melt and seep through the layers as the cake bakes, creating a gooey, decadent filling that’s hard to resist. I like to add a generous layer here. Feel free to add as desired. I tend to end up with a bit extra in the bottle.
Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon cake mix over the caramel layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the dish for an even bake. Resist the urge to mix—the beauty of a dump cake is in the layering. As it bakes, the cake mix will absorb the apple juices and caramel sauce, creating a soft, fluffy cake layer.
Dot with Butter
Take your stick of cold, unsalted butter and slice it into thin squares. Distribute the butter slices evenly over the cake mix layer. The butter will melt as it bakes, creating a golden, crispy topping that perfectly balances the soft cake and gooey caramel underneath.
Top with Peanuts and Crumb Topping
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of chopped peanuts over the top of the cake. The crumb topping gives an added layer of texture and flavor. This final layer will bake up beautifully crisp and buttery, adding another layer of deliciousness to your dump cake.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; the top should turn golden brown and bubbly.
Cover and Continue Baking
For the last 15 minutes of baking, carefully pull the cake out of the oven and cover it with tin foil. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent the top from becoming too brown.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This gives the caramel a chance to set slightly and makes the cake easier to serve. Scoop out generous portions while the cake is still warm and gooey. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes this dessert to the next level!
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Making a dump cake is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time:
Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramel.
Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a crispy, golden topping. If the butter gets too warm, it can melt too quickly and cause the cake to bake unevenly. Keep the butter in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice it.
Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe calls for cinnamon crumb cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors like spice cake or butter pecan for a different twist.
Use a Deep Baking Dish: A deep baking dish helps to contain all the layers and prevents overflow. If you don’t have a 9x13-inch dish, opt for a deep 9x9-inch square pan.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The top should be golden brown and the caramel should be bubbling up around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey caramel and apples.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle some additional dulce de leche caramel sauce over each serving.
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, dense cake.
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dump cake is perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in.
Delicious Layers of Flavor: The combination of tart apples, creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and buttery cake is truly irresistible.
Versatile: This dessert is perfect for a variety of occasions, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.
Comforting and Cozy: There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, gooey dessert on a chilly fall evening. This cake is sure to become a favorite fall tradition!
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert that’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect choice. With its layers of tender apples, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and buttery crumb topping, it’s a dessert that captures all the best flavors of the season. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but it also delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or even thirds!).
Whether you’re hosting a festive fall gathering, preparing a comforting family dinner, or simply craving a cozy dessert to enjoy by the fire, this Caramel Apple Dump Cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Try this recipe today and embrace the flavors of fall in every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Have you tried our ultimate dark chocolate peanut butter rice krispies treats yet? This is a recipe you definitely need to check out! I also just shared my favorite mexican street corn fries.
