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?
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.
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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.
Prep Ahead Tip
If you're making this recipe for company, prepare the mini caramel apple dump cake early in the day and put them in the oven as you sit down to eat the main meal. Can you imagine the amazing smell that will fill your house? Your guests won't be able to wait for dessert!
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.
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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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📖 Recipe Card
EASY Caramel Apple Dump Cake with VIDEO
Ingredients
Video
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the inside of ramekins or single serving baking dishes and set aside.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together apple pie filling, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Divide among the ramekins and smooth with a spatula
- Sprinkle with caramel bits and top with yellow cake mix.
- Smooth cake mix into an even layer. Cut butter into thin slices and layer a slice in each ramekin on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving with a scoop of ice cream or freshly made whipped cream.
Kim~madeinaday says
Looks so yummy and pretty easy to make! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Lois says
Thank you for visiting today!
Joanne/ says
This is fantastic, a delicious, EASY dessert for anytime. Love using individual ramekins. Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe. Pinning/sharing.
http://kitchentuts.com/ says
You ever share important stuff, i love all your post.
LARR says
This looks like a perfect fall dessert to quickly prepare for company. Thanks for sharing the recipe on Share Your Style.