Easy Homemade Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Originating from American kitchens, this apple caramel dump cake recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of caramel to create a decadent dessert. With minimal effort, this dish has become a popular favorite for its simplicity and appealing taste.
Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe
Cuisine
American
Difficulty
Easy
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking
45 minutes
Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe has the following ingredients:
- • 2 can (21 apple pie filling
- • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- • Two sticks of one cup of melted unsalted butter
- • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Substitutions:
- • Fresh apple slices mixed with sugar and cinnamon can be used in place of apple cake filling .
- • If desired, yellow cake mix can be replaced with white cake mix or spiced cake mix.
- • If you don’t have pecans or walnuts, you can omit them or replace them with other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- • If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make a simple caramel sauce by melting 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup cream over low heat until smooth and thick.
Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe Cooking Instructions:
- Directions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Cooking Instructions:
- 1. Open the tin of apple pie filling and pour into the prepared baking dish. Distribute them evenly on the floor.
- 2. If desired, sprinkle the apple pie filling with ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
- 3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling layer.
- 4. Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix.
- 5. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the butter, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- 6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbles appear around the edges.
- 7. After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- 8. Especially delicious served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Key Points:
- • Make sure the dry cake mix is evenly distributed over the apple pie filling for even baking.
- • Melted butter and caramel sauce may become hot, so be careful when handling them.
- • To avoid burns, allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Kitchen tools or equipment: Apple Caramel Cake recipe.
- 1. Mixing Bowl
- 2. Measuring Cup and Spoon
- 3. Whisk or Mixing Spoon
- 4. Baking Pan or Frying Pan
- 5. Knife/cutting board (for cutting apples)
- 6. Can opener (for using canned ingredients such as apple pie filling or caramel sauce)
- 7. Oven gloves
- 8. Cooling rack (optional, for cooling the cake)
- 9. Serving spatula or spoon
- 10. Ice cream scoop or whipped cream dispenser (if desired to serve with ice cream or whipped cream)
Tips for Perfecting the flavor of the Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe:
- 1. Choose the right apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. It bakes well and has a nice contrast with the sweetness of the caramel.
- 2. Fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh apples and high-quality caramel sauce if possible. Using fresh ingredients will make your dump cake taste even better.
- 3. Layers are important. Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure the perfect balance of flavor in every bite. Start with a layer of apples, then caramel sauce and cake mix.
- 4. Refine with spices: Add warmth and depth to your cake with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices complement the apple and caramel flavors beautifully.
- 5. Do not overmix. When combining the cake mix with other ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Some lumps are fine and can create a soft texture.
- 6. Use real butter: Use real butter instead of margarine in the topping for a richer flavor. The buttery flavor adds a new flavor to desserts.
- 7. Test for doneness: Bake the dump cake until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check that the cake pieces are completely baked.
- 8. Serve Warm: Enjoy the Apple Caramel Dump Cake warm, straight from the oven. The gooey caramel and soft apples are best served warm.
- 9. Pair with ice cream: For a particularly tasty treat, serve dump cake with vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess creates a contrast with the warm cake and caramel sauce.
- 10. Try add-ins: Get creative with your dump cake by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even caramel sauce on top before serving. These additives improve the taste and texture of the dessert.
Apple Caramel Dump Cake Serving Suggestions:
- 1. Presentation:
- • Using a spatula, transfer the warm Apple Caramel Dump Cake from the baking dish to serving plates or individual dessert plates.
- • Be sure to show off the layers of soft apples, gooey caramel, and golden cake topping.
- 2. Serving:
- • Serve Apple Caramel Dump Cake warm for best flavor and texture.
- • Serve each serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired, for a nice contrast of temperature and flavor.
- • Sprinkle caramel sauce on top of the cake to make it even more delicious.
- 3. Garnish:
- • Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on desserts for a warm, comforting flavor.
- • Garnish each serving with a few toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, nutty flavor.
- • As a garnish, place slices of apple or mint leaves on top of whipped cream or ice cream.
- 4. Side Dishes:
- • Consider serving Apple Caramel Dump Cake with hot apple cider or coffee to bring out the rich fall flavors.
- • For a richer dessert experience, pair the cake with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced rice pudding or a slice of pumpkin pie.
Apple caramel dump cake storage and leftovers:
- Storing:
- 1. Cooling: Allow leftover cake to cool to room temperature before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container and making the cake soggy.
- 2. Storage Container: Place leftover cake in an airtight container or tightly cover baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent contamination.
- 3. Refrigerate: For optimal freshness, store Apple Caramel Dump Cake in the refrigerator. If properly refrigerated, it will typically keep for 3-4 days.
- 4. Freezing (optional): If you have a lot left over or want to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cakes can be stored for 2-3 months.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Place cake pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 20-30 seconds per piece. Adjust the time depending on the power of your microwave and make sure the cake is fully heated, but not overcooked.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cake is heated through.
- Individual portions: If you have frozen individual portions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using any of the methods above.Nutrition information (1 serving, 12 servings):
Nutrition information (1 serving, 12 servings): Apple caramel dump cake
- • Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- • Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- • Protein: Approximately 2-4 grams
- • Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70 grams
- • Fiber : Approximately 2-4 grams
- Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and quantities.
Health benefits of Apple Caramel Cake Recipe.
- 1. Fruit content: Apple caramel cake recipes usually contain apples as the main ingredient. Apples are rich in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps with weight management.
- 2. Antioxidants: Both apples and caramel contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are involved in the prevention of chronic illnesses like heart disease and some forms of cancer.
- 3. Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. It also contains vitamin A, potassium, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.
- 4. In moderation: Caramel in recipes provides sweetness and flavor, but in moderation it can be part of a balanced diet. Having an occasional dessert like Apple Caramel Dump Cake can satisfy your cravings without compromising your healthy eating habits.
- 5. Indulgence and Mental Health: Enjoying a delicious dessert like Apple Caramel Dump Cake brings pleasure and satisfaction, contributing to overall well-being. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the right amount of reward can lift your mood and reduce stress.
- 6. High-quality ingredients: Choosing high-quality ingredients in your recipes, such as fresh apples and natural caramel sauce, will increase the nutritional value of your desserts. Choosing whole, minimally processed foods provides more nutrients and fewer additives.
- 7. Portion Control: Being mindful of portion control when enjoying Apple Caramel Dump Cake will allow you to enjoy indulgence without overloading yourself with calories or sugar. If you eat a small amount, you can enjoy the taste without feeling guilty.
Try variations of Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe:
- 1. Nutty treats: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake mix for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2. Spice it up: Mix cinnamon and nutmeg into your cake mix or sprinkle it over your apple layer for a warm, comforting touch.
- 3. Maple Magic: To enjoy the rich sweetness of maple, drizzle maple syrup before baking instead of caramel sauce.
- 4. Berry Burst: Mix fresh or frozen berries like raspberries and blueberries with apple slices for an explosion of fruity flavor.
- 5. Creamy indulgence: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luxurious touch.
Why Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is outstanding
- 1. Easy to make: This Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe is very easy to make and requires minimal effort and time. The term “dump cake” itself connotes simplicity, essentially just “pour” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the rest. This makes it perfect for busy people and those new to baking.
- 2. Rich Flavor: The combination of apple and caramel creates a deliciously rich and luxurious flavor. The sweetness of the caramel perfectly complements the tartness of the apples, creating a harmonious flavor blend that will satisfy even your sweet tooth.
- 3. Comforting and Warming: There’s something inherently comforting about the taste and aroma of apple and caramel, especially when baked together as a warm dessert. This cake is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings, cold winter nights, or any time you just want a little warmth and sweetness.
- 4. Versatility: The basic recipe calls for apples and caramel, but there’s plenty of room for creativity and customization. You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients such as nuts, spices, and even different types of fruit. This versatility allows you to customize your dump cake to your liking and experiment with different flavor combinations.
- 5. A crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, this dump cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its irresistible flavor combination and calming appeal keep everyone coming back for more.
Apple Caramel Dump Cake Recipe Notes:
- 1. History and Origin: The dump cake concept became popular in the mid-20th century as a quick and convenient dessert option. It’s called a “dump” cake because you just “pour” the ingredients into a baking dish without much effort or preparation.
- 2. Cultural Significance: Although dump cake originated in America, variations of this dessert have been adapted to many cultures around the world. This special recipe with apples and caramel sauce is a delightful twist on the classic dump cake.
- 3. Ingredient Substitutions: You can always adjust this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can use many different types of apples, including Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. Additionally, you can replace the caramel sauce with butterscotch or chocolate sauce for a different flavor.
- 4. Texture and Consistency: The beauty of this dessert lies in its earthy, comforting texture. The top cake layer will be golden brown and slightly crispy, and the apples underneath will be soft and juicy. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- 5. Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heat each portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through.
- 6. Presentation tip: This dessert won’t win any beauty contests, but its flavor more than makes up for its humble appearance. To dress it up for a special occasion, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
- 7. Family Favorites and Traditions: Many families have their own version of dump cake that is passed down through the generations. Consider starting your own tradition by making this recipe for a special gathering or holiday celebration.
- 8. Experiment and be creative: Don’t be afraid to try different fruit fillings, toppings, and mix-ins. Whether you add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts, the possibilities are endless to create your own dump cake masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe
1.What is a dump cake? Dump cake is a type of dessert that requires minimal effort and skill, simply “pour” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake.
2. Can I use different fruits in this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different fruits such as peaches, berries, and pineapples to create different flavor combinations.
3. How can I store leftover cake? Leftover dump cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
4. Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-intolerant by using a gluten-free cake mix and making sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can make it suitable.
5. Can I use homemade caramel sauce? absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds extra richness and flavor to apple caramel dump cake.
In summary, the Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and easy preparation. Layer apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and cake mix for an easy, satisfying, and delicious dessert. The addition of cinnamon and pecans adds a warm, crunchy feel to every bite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Apple Caramel Dump Cake recipe promises the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.