Description
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made by layering apple pie filling, soft caramels, yellow cake mix, and melted butter, this easy-to-make treat bakes into a warm, bubbly dessert with a crispy cake topping and a rich caramel flavor. Garnished with chopped peanuts and drizzled caramel sauce, it’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, served best with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
 - 14 ounces soft Kraft caramels, unwrapped
 
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
 
Garnish
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce
 - Additional peanuts for garnish
 
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
 - Layer Apple Pie Filling and Caramels: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Scatter the unwrapped soft caramels evenly on top of the apple layer.
 - Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix gently over the caramel and apple layers. Shake the pan lightly to distribute the cake mix evenly across the top.
 - Pour Melted Butter: Slowly pour the melted unsalted butter over the cake mix layer. Tilt the pan as needed to help the butter coat as much of the surface as possible, which helps create the crispy top as it bakes.
 - Sprinkle Peanuts: Evenly sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top to add texture and a nutty flavor.
 - Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the top looks mostly dry and golden, and the edges are bubbly with the fruit filling.
 - Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the dessert set slightly for easy serving.
 - Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the dump cake warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving and sprinkle with additional chopped peanuts for a perfect finishing touch.
 
Notes
- You can substitute the peanuts with walnuts or pecans if preferred or to accommodate allergies.
 - Make sure the caramels are soft for easier melting and better texture integration with the apple filling.
 - For a richer dessert, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as suggested.
 - The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 45 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American