Fall is here, and with it comes the comforting aroma of caramel apples and cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps autumn flavors in a warm embrace, look no further. The Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the perfect marriage of flavors that tastes like a big hug in a pan. This dessert combines the gooey sweetness of caramel, the warmth of cinnamon, and the delightful bite of apples—all layered into a simple, delightful dump cake.
Make sure to keep this recipe handy, because once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Trust me, their taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Here’s the magic of this dessert—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
- Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking, so your cake comes out effortlessly.
- Deluxe Cinnamon Rolls: The star of the show! Those gooey, sweet rolls bring all the cinnamon goodness that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Apple Pie Filling: Now who doesn’t love apples? This adds that fruity, comforting sweetness that screams fall.
- Caramel Sauce: Because what’s a caramel apple without a velvety drizzle?
- Spice Cake Mix: A warm spice cake mix adds depth and complements the cinnamon and caramel beautifully.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness, helping everything to meld together into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your dump cake the right texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the quartered cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling. Mix gently until coated. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Prepare your baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour the cinnamon roll and apples mixture into the prepared dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top, and then sprinkle the spice cake mix over everything, followed by placing the sliced salted butter scattered on top.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking occasionally until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce, and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious caramel sauce.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, can add color and nutrients to the meal.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just garnish with fresh herbs like mint for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Sprinkle some cinnamon and drizzle caramel sauce over the top for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to give the cake an extra warm kick.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free alternative.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade dessert ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: A Delicious Fall Dessert to Savor
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is a warm, gooey, fall-inspired dessert made with cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and spice cake mix—all baked together in one easy pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 can (12.4 oz) deluxe cinnamon rolls, quartered
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, gently combine the quartered cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling until well mixed.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the cinnamon roll and apple mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the mixture.
- Sprinkle the spice cake mix over the top in an even layer.
- Top with sliced salted butter, distributing evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top if desired.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing included—save the icing for an optional drizzle.
- For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can swap the spice cake mix with yellow cake mix if preferred, and add 1 tsp of cinnamon.
- Check the cake at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute cinnamon rolls with biscuits?
A1: Absolutely! Using biscuits can provide a different texture, but they will still taste fantastic.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I adjust the sweetness?
A6: Yes! You can reduce the amount of caramel sauce or even use unsweetened apple pie filling if you prefer less sweetness.
Q7: Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
A7: Definitely! Just peel, slice, and sauté the apples in a bit of butter and sugar until slightly tender before using.
Q8: What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
A8: You can make a quick version by melting sugar until it caramelizes, or simply omit it for a less sweet dish.
Q9: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
A9: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a great crunch and depth of flavor.
Q10: Is this dish safe for kids?
A10: Absolutely! Just ensure the ingredients used are suitable for their dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that’s super easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Gather your loved ones, dive into the warmth of this incredible cake, and create some unforgettable moments. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!