Caramel Apple Crumble Dump Cake An Autumn Classic Simplified
Caramel Apple Crumble Dump Cake An Autumn Classi
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave a dessert that tastes like autumn in a dish? Honestly, who doesn’t?
This caramel apple dump cake is pure comfort. It's also ridiculously easy! Think warm apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery, crumble topping. This recipe is your new best mate!
Quick Hook
Fancy an easy caramel apple dessert ? This is it! Our caramel apple dump cake is simple to make. It's packed with the taste of caramel apple recipes .
It's a total winner!
Brief Overview
Dump cake recipes are a classic American invention, like a lazy crumble. This simple apple cake takes only an hour, from start to finish.
It serves about 8-10 people. Perfect for sharing or, you know, not sharing.
Main Benefits
This apple dessert idea is lighter than traditional cakes. Baking with apples brings out their natural sweetness. Serve it at your next autumn get-together. It's guaranteed to be a hit.
I can’t wait to tell you about the Ingredients of this apple crumble dump cake .
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Caramel Apple Masterpiece
Right, let's talk grub! Before we dive into this caramel apple dump cake , you'll need your ingredients and gear.
Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. Honestly, even I, the queen of kitchen chaos, can manage this one.
Main Ingredients: Apple-licious!
- Apples: You'll need 6 medium apples (about 6 cups/720g diced). I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. They give a nice sweet-tart balance.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . A must to stop your apples from browning.
- Sugar: ½ cup ( 100g ) granulated.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose. Helps thicken the apple juices.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ( 1 ml ) each of ground nutmeg and salt. These warm spices are the heart of all great fall dessert recipes .
- Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 ounces/432g) . I usually grab Betty Crocker, but any will do.
- Butter: ¾ cup ( 170g ), unsalted and melted. Don't skimp on this!
- Nuts: ¾ cup ( 170g ) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). But, trust me, they add a lovely crunch.
- Caramel Sauce: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). Store-bought is fine, but homemade is divine .
- Caramel Bits: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) (optional)
For the apples, make sure they're firm and smell...well, appley! Mushy apples = mushy cake. No one wants that.
The aroma of baking with apples with cinnamon and the caramel will fill your home.
Seasoning: Spice Up Your Life
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic apple dessert ideas dream team. But a tiny pinch of ground cloves or ginger? Game changer.
For a richer flavour, a dash of vanilla extract in the apple mix is great. Out of nutmeg? Allspice works too.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
- Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) dish is perfect.
- Bowls: A large one for the apples and a small one for melting the butter.
- Peeler, Knife, Cutting Board: Standard apple-prep gear.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: You know the drill.
Don't have a fancy peeler? A paring knife works just as well. The goal is this simple apple cake and not to have a stressful baking experience.
If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a large skillet, but keep an eye on it in the oven, as it might cook a bit faster.
The Easy Caramel Apple Dessert That'll Make You Famous
Honestly, folks, this caramel apple crumble dump cake is a game-changer. You know? Some fall dessert recipes are just too complicated.
But this apple crumble dump cake is the ultimate lazy-baker win. Picture this: warm, gooey apples, a crispy, buttery topping, and that divine caramel drizzle.
This quick apple dessert is practically foolproof and will have everyone begging for seconds. You'll find yourself baking with apples all season long.
Prep Like a Pro (Even if You're Not!)
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Peel and dice those 6 apples – I love a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for that sweet-tart balance.
Then, juice about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to stop 'em turning brown. Nobody wants brown apples, right? Mix your dry apple filling ingredients in a large bowl: ½ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
That's your flavor base done! Safety alert: Wash your apples before cutting into them.
Step-by-Step to Simple Apple Cake Heaven
- Apples first! Spread that apple mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cake mix time! Sprinkle one 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Get all those nooks and crannies!
- Butter bath! Pour ¾ cup of melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Don't be shy!
- Nuts are next! Sprinkle in ¾ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. They add such a satisfying crunch!
- Bake it! Pop it in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for 40- 45 minutes . Look for a golden-brown top and tender apples.
- Caramelize! Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce and 1/4 cup of caramel bits over the hot cake.
My Secret Weapon for Caramel Apple Recipes and Dump Cake Recipes
Want to take this apple dessert ideas to the next level? Melt the butter and combine with about a teaspoon of cinnamon before pouring it over the dry cake mix.
Honestly, it’s game-changing. The dump cake recipes are already simple. But a common mistake is using cold butter. It won't distribute evenly.
If you're making this ahead, assemble everything except the butter. Then, drizzle right before baking. Enjoy your caramel apple dump cake !
Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Right then, let’s dive into some handy tips for your caramel apple dump cake . Honestly, this easy caramel apple dessert is pretty foolproof.
But, a few tweaks can make it amazing .
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Let’s be real, this apple crumble dump cake is rustic charm in a dish. But, we can zhuzh it up a bit.
Think a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting oh-so-perfectly on top. Or, a cloud of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon.
Fancy, eh? I also love adding a sprig of mint for a pop of colour. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce? Always a good shout!
Storage Like a Pro
So, you've baked this glorious fall dessert recipes masterpiece. What if you have leftovers, I'm sure! Pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days.
Want to freeze it? Cut it into portions and wrap them individually. Then, defrost and reheat gently in the oven.
Job done! I find this simple apple cake tastes just as good the next day. Trust me.
Twists on a Classic
Want to shake things up? For a dietary twist, grab a gluten-free cake mix. I've tried it. It works a treat.
You might need a touch of xanthan gum. For the season, why not swap in some blackberries with the apples in autumn? Other than caramel apple recipes this variation makes the cake even more special.
Nutrition Quick Look
Alright, so this caramel apple crumble isn't exactly health food. But, apples do give you fibre! A serving is roughly 450-550 calories.
It depends on how much butter and caramel you slosh on, of course. Every bit of the cake helps to bring you the most happiness possible in quick apple dessert .
Baking with apples has never been easier or more rewarding. Don't be scared to experiment and put your personal stamp on this caramel apple dump cake .
Happy baking! You can explore apple dessert ideas and more recipes if you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this caramel apple dump cake?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, spice cake mix adds a lovely warmth that complements the apples and caramel beautifully. You could even try a butter pecan cake mix for an extra nutty flavour – think of it as putting your own spin on it, like adding a cheeky bit of Marmite to your toast!
My caramel apple dump cake is soggy! What did I do wrong?
Soggy dump cake can be a bit of a bummer. The most common culprit is too much moisture. Make sure you aren't using overly juicy apples and that the butter is evenly distributed. You can use a knife to cut the butter into little pieces on top of the cake mix if melting it makes the top too soggy.
How do I store leftover caramel apple dump cake? Does it need to be refrigerated?
To keep your caramel apple dump cake tasting tip-top, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for about 3-4 days. You can also gently warm it up in the microwave or oven before serving – a bit like reviving yesterday's cuppa!
Is there a way to make this caramel apple dump cake a bit healthier?
You can lighten it up a tad! Using unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter can cut down on fat. You could also look for a lower-sugar cake mix or use whole wheat flour in a homemade version, and reduce the amount of added caramel. But let's be honest, sometimes a proper pudding is just what the doctor ordered!
Can I prepare this caramel apple dump cake ahead of time?
You can prep the apple mixture and layer it in the baking dish a few hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. However, it's best to add the cake mix, butter, and nuts just before baking to prevent the cake mix from getting soggy. Think of it like getting your ducks in a row before the bake-off!
Can I add other fruit to my Caramel Apple Dump Cake?
For sure! Feel free to mix in other fruits in the Caramel Apple Dump Cake mix to make the recipe your own! Pears or Berries would go well with this recipe
