Description: This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. It combines the ease of a dump cake with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls, all drizzled with luscious caramel. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in. The combination of flaky cinnamon rolls, tender apples, and a buttery spice cake topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 2 cans (17.5 oz each) deluxe cinnamon rolls, quartered (icing reserved)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- ¾ cup (6 oz or 1 ½ sticks) salted butter, sliced
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and prevents the cake from burning. Thoroughly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking, making it easier to serve and clean up. Using a non-stick spray is recommended.
Step 2: Base Layer: Apple Pie Filling
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure the filling is distributed uniformly, creating a consistent base for the cinnamon rolls. You can use any type of apple pie filling you prefer, but a classic variety with chunks of apple works best. Feel free to add a dash of cinnamon or apple pie spice to the filling for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
Step 3: Cinnamon Roll Distribution
Quarter each of the cinnamon rolls. This allows them to bake more evenly and integrate better with the apple pie filling. Scatter the quartered cinnamon roll pieces over the apple pie filling. Distribute them as evenly as possible, ensuring that each bite will contain a piece of cinnamon roll goodness. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly; they will expand during baking.
Step 4: Caramel Drizzle and Cake Mix Topping
Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the cinnamon roll pieces. The caramel adds a rich, decadent flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon. Use a good-quality caramel sauce for the best results. You can even make your own homemade caramel sauce if you’re feeling ambitious. Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the top of the cinnamon rolls and caramel. Make sure to break up any clumps in the cake mix before sprinkling to ensure a uniform topping. The spice cake mix creates a delicious, buttery crust that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Butter and Bake
Place the sliced butter evenly on top of the dry cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a moist and tender cake topping. Distribute the butter slices evenly across the surface to ensure consistent browning and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cake is deeply golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake and adjust the time accordingly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cooling, Icing, and Caramel
Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This will prevent the cake from falling apart when you cut into it. While the cake is cooling, warm the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls in the microwave for a few seconds until it is easily drizzled. Drizzle the warmed icing over the cooled cake. Finally, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving. This adds an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut into squares and serve warm. The warm cake with the melty caramel and icing is simply irresistible!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, caramel, and spice cake creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any special occasion.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adding different types of fruit, nuts, or spices.
- Dump Cake Simplicity: The “dump cake” method means no complicated mixing or measuring – just layer the ingredients and bake!
- Utilizes Pantry Staples: This recipe relies heavily on pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Perfect for Beginner Bakers: Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with this straightforward recipe.
- Wonderful Texture: The cake provides a wonderful mix of soft apple filling, chewy cinnamon rolls, and a crumbly cake topping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
- Serve as a dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in place of regular butter.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake mix for added texture and flavor.
- Use a different type of fruit filling, such as peach or cherry.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as yellow or chocolate.
- If the cake starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- For a more intense apple flavor, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the apple pie filling.
- Don’t overbake the cake, as it can become dry.
- Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450-550 (This can vary greatly depending on specific brands and portion sizes)
- Protein: 5-7g
- Sodium: 400-500mg
Conclusion:
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, combined with its incredible flavor and comforting aroma, makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy treat for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress. The layers of apple pie filling, gooey cinnamon rolls, buttery spice cake, and decadent caramel create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this delightful dessert!
Questions and Answers about Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! While spice cake mix is traditionally used and complements the apple and cinnamon flavors wonderfully, you can certainly experiment with other cake mix flavors. Yellow cake mix will provide a more neutral, buttery flavor, while a butter pecan cake mix would enhance the nutty notes. Even a chocolate cake mix could be interesting for a richer, more decadent twist. Just be mindful of how the flavor profiles will interact with the apple pie filling and cinnamon rolls.
Q2: What if I don’t have salted butter? Can I use unsalted?
A2: Yes, you can definitely use unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the dry cake mix to compensate for the missing salt in the butter. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the cake and enhance the other flavors.
Q3: Can this dump cake be made ahead of time?
A3: While this dump cake is best served warm and fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time, with a few considerations. If you make it a few hours in advance, store it at room temperature, loosely covered. However, for longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate it. Keep in mind that refrigerating can slightly dry out the cake. When ready to serve, you can gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive its texture and flavor.
Q4: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Adding nuts is a fantastic way to enhance the texture and flavor of this dump cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts are excellent choices, as their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the apples, cinnamon, and caramel. You can sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon rolls before adding the cake mix, or even mix them directly into the cake mix itself. About ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
Q5: Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
A5: Yes, using homemade apple pie filling is a wonderful way to elevate this dump cake! Homemade filling will typically have a fresher, more vibrant flavor than canned filling. Just make sure your homemade filling isn’t too liquidy, as this could make the cake soggy. If your filling is very juicy, you might want to drain off some of the excess liquid before adding it to the baking dish. Aim for a filling that is thick and chunky for the best results. The total quantity of filling should be roughly equivalent to two cans (21 oz each) of commercially prepared filling.
