Ultimate 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dump Cake

There’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of baked apples mingling with the rich essence of caramel. The Ultimate 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for those cozy evenings or family gatherings. With just four simple ingredients, this delectable cake boasts a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Imagine warm, gooey apple filling, a buttery cake topping, and sweet caramel bits melting into every bite. It’s an incredibly easy dessert that can be whipped up in no time. Whether it’s an autumn get-together, Thanksgiving dinner, or a simple weeknight treat, this dump cake is sure to impress both family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling: This provides the sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor and soft texture that form the base of the cake.
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix: The dry cake mix serves as the cake layer and creates a perfectly crumbly topping.
• 1 cup caramel bits or chips: These add rich sweetness and a gooey texture that elevates the entire dessert.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Butter enriches the flavor and helps to create a beautifully baked, golden topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you are baking. For the slow cooker method, lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
2. For baking, pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. If using a slow cooker, pour the filling into the bottom of the insert.
3. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple layer. It’s important not to mix the layers together.
4. Scatter the caramel bits evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring a generous distribution.
5. Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, aiming to cover the cake mix thoroughly.
6. For the oven method, bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For the slow cooker method, cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the topping is set and the edges are bubbly.
7. Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. For an irresistible treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (Oven) or 1.5-4 hours (Slow Cooker)
• Total Time: 50-60 minutes (Oven) or 1.5-4 hours (Slow Cooker)
• Servings: 12
• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Make sure to spread the cake mix evenly to avoid uneven baking. Do not stir the layers once they are in the dish.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: This dump cake can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or sprinkle cinnamon on top of the cake mix for added flavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
   Yes, homemade apple pie filling works great for this recipe.

2. Is there a gluten-free version?
   Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it in advance and bake it later or even the next day.

4. What can I serve with this dump cake?
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly.

5. Can I use different fruit fillings?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like cherry or peach.

6. Can I make this in a smaller slow cooker?
   If using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the recipe or cook it in multiple batches.

People Also Ask

1. How long does caramel apple dump cake last?
   It lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use different cake mix flavors?
   Absolutely! Spice or butter cake mixes also work well with this recipe.

3. Is this dessert difficult to make?
   Not at all! It’s super simple and requires no advanced baking skills.

4. What temperature should I bake caramel apple dump cake?
   Bake at 350°F (175°C).

5. Can I add spices to the apple filling?
   Yes, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

6. Is dump cake the same as cobbler?
   While similar, dump cake usually uses cake mix, whereas cobbler has a biscuit or pie crust topping.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making the Ultimate 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dump Cake as much as we do. Its simplicity and delightful taste make it a must-try for any dessert lover. Let it warm your home and your heart, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Happy baking!