Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake is like the warm hug of desserts; it wraps you in a cozy blanket of sweet, gooey goodness. Imagine crisp apples mingling with buttery caramel, all topped with a delectable cake that bakes itself while you sip on your favorite warm beverage and contemplate life’s mysteries—like why we can’t just eat dessert first.
This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy autumn evenings, or anytime you need to impress someone without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you take a bite of this salted caramel apple wonder, you’ll be looking for excuses to whip it up again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its rich flavor profile combines sweet apples with decadent caramel and a hint of saltiness that will tantalize your taste buds.
- The visual appeal is undeniable, as the bubbling caramel creates an irresistible golden crust.
- Not only can you enjoy it warm or cold, but it also pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade will elevate this dessert to gourmet status.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice that provides a sweet and tender base; feel free to use gluten-free if needed.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create that delicious topping; don’t skimp here!
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to the entire dessert—perfect for fall vibes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish (a nice 9×13 inch one will do) and coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and slice your fresh apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a bowl with ground cinnamon and half of your salted caramel sauce. This will make them even more delicious!
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the apples—yes, we’re getting lazy here!
Step 4: Add Butter
Drizzle melted unsalted butter all over the dry cake mix as evenly as possible. This step is crucial because no one wants dry cake!
Step 5: Bake Away
Place your creation in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will have everyone gathering around like moths to a flame.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once baked, let your masterpiece cool slightly before drizzling with the remaining salted caramel sauce. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate indulgence!
Now you have a delightful Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake ready to share—or not; I won’t judge if you keep it all to yourself! Enjoy every gooey bite!
You Must Know
- This Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience.
- With its gooey caramel and tender apples, it’s the perfect way to impress friends or indulge yourself.
- Serve it warm for that cozy feeling, and watch everyone smile!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer sliced apples in a greased baking dish, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and top with cake mix. Pour melted butter evenly over everything. Bake until golden brown and bubbling—about 45 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or even peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with different flavored cake mixes or add nuts for some crunch. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this dessert!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring that gooey goodness returns!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake even tastier, consider using fresh apples instead of canned ones for better texture.
- Ensure your butter is fully melted before pouring it on top to achieve a crispy crust.
- Adding a pinch of sea salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.
I remember the first time I made this Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a family gathering; my cousin declared it “the best thing ever” between mouthfuls! It instantly became a family favorite, with requests coming in faster than I could bake!
FAQs:
What is a Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
A Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of caramel and apple in a simple, easy-to-make cake. This recipe typically features layers of apple pie filling, a sprinkle of salted caramel sauce, and a cake mix topping. When baked, it creates a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion. The best part is its simplicity—you literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work!
How do I store leftovers of Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
To store any leftovers of your Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake, ensure it cools completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions, which will last up to three months in the freezer. Simply reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh apples instead of canned filling for your Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing about six cups of fresh apples. Toss them in sugar and cinnamon to enhance their flavor before layering them in your baking dish. This option gives you a fresher taste and allows for customization based on your favorite apple varieties. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly with fresh fruit.
What can I serve with Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds creamy richness that complements the warm cake beautifully. You can also drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch. For a more flavorful twist, try serving it with a dollop of homemade cinnamon whipped cream or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
Conclusion for Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake:
In summary, making a Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake is both easy and rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Remember to consider using fresh apples for added flavor or pairing it with ice cream for an extra treat. Whether it’s for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this dessert will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake, featuring sweet apples and decadent caramel—a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Toss sliced apples in a bowl with ground cinnamon and half of the salted caramel sauce.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer.
- Drizzle melted unsalted butter over the cake mix as evenly as possible.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with remaining salted caramel sauce and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For an extra touch, add chopped nuts to the topping for added crunch. Try substituting apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
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