3-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Evenly spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring the apples cover the entire surface for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling to add a rich, sweet layer that will melt into the fruit during baking.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apple layers without stirring; this layering helps create the signature dump cake texture with a crisp top and gooey filling underneath.
5. Pour the remaining half cup of caramel sauce evenly over the dry cake mix to infuse the topping with extra caramel flavor as it bakes.
6. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges, signaling the cake is cooked through. Note that because no butter is added, some dry patches on top are normal.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the dessert to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
8. Scoop generous portions into dessert bowls and enjoy warm for a cozy, comforting fall treat. Serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended for added creaminess and contrast.

Variations

• Substitute the caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a deeper, creamier caramel flavor.
• Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts with the apple filling for added crunch and texture.
• Use a cinnamon-spiced cake mix instead of plain yellow cake mix to boost the warm spice notes.
• Add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or allspice over the apple layer before topping with cake mix for extra fall spice aroma.
• Top the finished cake with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup to complement the caramel and apple flavors.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the caramel sauce is gluten-free as well.

Tips

• This dump cake keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm.
• Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
• Do not stir the layers after assembling to maintain the distinct textures of gooey filling and crumbly topping.
• If you prefer a richer topping, lightly dot the cake mix with small pieces of cold butter before drizzling the final caramel layer, though this adds a fourth ingredient.
• Use good-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor and smooth texture, as it plays a key role in this simple dessert.
• Letting the cake cool slightly before serving helps the filling thicken and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
• For an extra indulgent touch, serve warm caramel apple dump cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the sweetness and add creaminess.