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If you’re craving a dessert that’s the perfect blend of spicy warmth, sweet caramel, and cozy apple goodness, look no further than this irresistible Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe. This delightfully easy-to-make treat combines the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic charm of apple pie, topped off with luscious caramel that brings everything together in a warm, gooey hug. The best part? It’s a true dump cake—meaning no complicated dough or tedious steps—just layers of deliciousness dumped into one pan, baked to golden perfection, and ready to impress your family or friends in less than an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward creating this crowd-pleaser. Each item plays a starring role: the apple pie filling provides that luscious fruity base, while cinnamon rolls add soft, cinnamon-swirled richness. Caramel, spices, and butter tie it all together with a buttery, sweet finish that’ll keep your taste buds dancing.
- Apple pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): The heart of the dessert, bringing juicy, tender apple chunks and fragrant spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth that enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice that perfectly complements cinnamon and apples.
- Caramel sauce (1/4 cup plus extra for drizzling): Sweet and sticky, this creates that irresistible gooey texture.
- Cinnamon rolls (1 can, 8 oz, refrigerated): The secret to soft, pillowy layers with cinnamon sugar swirls inside.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brings richness and helps the cinnamon rolls bake up golden.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple preparation ensures your cake won’t stick and will develop a lovely crust while baking.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Spread the entire can of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg on top to infuse those classic warm spices, then drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples for extra sweetness and sticky charm.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Unroll your refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters. Scattering these morsels evenly over your spiced apple mixture creates the perfect mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Drizzle Butter and Nuts
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces to help them bake up golden and moist. If you’re a fan of nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an irresistible crunch and added flavor depth.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cinnamon rolls are puffed up, golden brown, and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
Step 6: Finish with Icing and Caramel
Once your cake is out of the oven, drizzle the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls over the top, followed by an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. This finishing touch brings everything together in an irresistible, glossy finish ready to serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top off each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for creamy contrast. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence. For something heartier, consider serving alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice to highlight the apple’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in rustic ramekins or individual glass jars for a charming presentation. You could even turn this dessert into parfait layers by alternating spoonfuls of the dump cake with whipped cream or yogurt, making it perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness without drying out the cake.
Freezing
This dessert freezes beautifully! Cover it securely with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. Adding an extra drizzle of caramel sauce after reheating restores that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Just make sure they are fully unrolled and cut into pieces as the recipe suggests.
Is it necessary to use caramel sauce?
Caramel sauce is what makes this recipe uniquely delicious, providing sweetness and gooey texture. You could substitute with butterscotch sauce or a homemade caramel drizzle, but it’s best not to omit it entirely.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
You can adapt the recipe by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls and checking that your apple pie filling is gluten-free. The result will still be wonderfully comforting and flavorful.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
To balance the sweetness, try using unsweetened apple slices with a touch of sugar yourself, or reduce the caramel sauce slightly. Serving with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream also tempers the sweetness.
Can this recipe be doubled? What about smaller batches?
Doubling is easy—just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly. For smaller batches, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 inch pan; keep a close watch to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably heartwarming about the Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for cozy nights and festive gatherings alike. Its effortless assembly and show-stopping flavors make it one of those desserts you’ll want to keep in your repertoire forever. Give it a try soon, and prepare for compliments to pour in as happily as the caramel sauce drizzles over that perfect slice.
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Print
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake combines the comforting flavors of spiced apple pie filling and cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make dessert. Layers of apple pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel sauce are topped with quartered cinnamon rolls and chopped nuts, baked to golden perfection, then finished with icing and extra caramel drizzle for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Base Layer
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Apple Pie Filling: Evenly spread the apple pie filling over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the filling, then drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce to add richness and sweetness.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Unroll the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Scatter these pieces evenly on top of the apple pie filling layer.
- Add Butter and Nuts: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces to help them bake golden and moist. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Finish with Icing and Caramel: Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, drizzle the cinnamon rolls’ included icing and additional caramel sauce over the top. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use canned apple pie filling for convenience and consistent flavor.
- Optional nuts add texture and a nutty flavor but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of caramel sauce.
- Can be served with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
