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Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe 5-Minute Quick Fall Dessert

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A quick and easy fall dessert combining gooey caramel, tender spiced apples, and a crisp golden cake topping. Perfect for busy days and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith preferred)
  • 14 oz jar caramel sauce
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the spiced apples evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Drizzle the entire 14-ounce jar of caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
  6. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel and apples.
  7. Cut 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly on top of the cake mix.
  8. If using, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Let the dump cake rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use cold, thinly sliced butter for even melting and crisping. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Apples can be prepped and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled. Frozen apples can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple dump cake, easy fall dessert, quick apple dessert, caramel apple cake, dump cake recipe, autumn dessert, kid-friendly dessert