EASY Caramel Apple Dump Cake with VIDEO

Move over, apple pie! There's a new fall treat in town, and it's even easier to make. Get ready to fall head over heels for individual Caramel Apple Dump Cake, a twist on a classic comfort food.

Made with canned fruit, caramel candy pieces and a cake mix that turns into a crumble topping when baked!

Let me show you how to make another apple dessert recipe that's also one of the cutest!

You would never guess that these elegant ramekins of caramel and apple are so easy to make, but it really is just as effortless as putting (okay - dumping) all your ingredients together in a bowl.

Whether making this for guests or just your family at home, everyone is going to love this dessert. Especially if you top them with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  

Table of Contents

• Why is it called a dump cake?
• Can you freeze a dump cake?
• Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Prep Ahead Tip
• Step-by-Step Directions
• Baking Instructions
• Before You Begin!
• Storage, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
• More Recipes to Love:
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments

Why is it called a dump cake?

The name comes from the incredibly simple preparation method of "dumping" ingredients into a dish without mixing, typically involving canned fruit or pie filling, boxed cake mix, and melted butter.

They gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s with the rise of convenience foods and cake mixes.

Can you freeze a dump cake?

You can easily freeze this delicious dessert, making it a convenient treat to enjoy later. After baking, let it cool completely to prevent ice crystals.

Then, wrap the whole cake or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers.

Frozen cake can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave before serving.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

LE TAUCI Ramekins 4 OZ Oven Safe, Creme Brulee Ramekins, Pudding Custard Cups Souffle Ramiken, Dipping Sauce Dishes, Ceramic Ramekin Bowls Set of 6, WhiteForaineam 6 Colors Oval Porcelain Ramekins 10 oz Oven Safe Creme Brulee Souffle Baking Ramekin Dishes Bowl with Double HandlesCeramic Sugar and Creamer Set, Milk Carton Shaped White Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl with lidVesici 2 Pcs Ceramic Coffee Mug Creative Flower Cup Floral Mug with Handles 8.5 oz Cute Aesthetic Tea Porcelain Mug for Office Home, Dishwasher and Microwave Safe (Vivid)

 

Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

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The recipe calls for Caramel Bits which you can find on Amazon if your local grocery store doesn't carry them.  You can also use melting caramel candies, or traditional caramel candies, but you'll have to unwrap each piece to use in the recipe.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Grease ramekins or single-serving baking dishes, then set aside. In a medium bowl, mix apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Step 2: Generously sprinkle each ramekin with caramel bits, then top with an even layer of yellow cake mix. Gently press the cake mix down to create a smooth, level surface. Cut the butter into thin slices and place a single slice on top of the cake mix in each ramekin.

Baking Instructions

Step 3: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and you see the edges bubbling with anticipation. Allow the cakes to cool slightly before serving them warm, crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Storage, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Cover the dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Wrap individual servings or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. The dump cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Thaw the frozen dump cake in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the oven or microwave as described below.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated dump cake, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

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