Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 8–10
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup salted butter , melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce , plus extra for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, ensuring most of the surface is covered.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and chopped nuts (if using) over the top for added flavor and texture.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake and return it to the oven to melt slightly.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- Apple Pie Filling Base : Provides a sweet, spiced foundation with minimal prep.
- Cake Mix Magic : Acts as both the topping and the “cake” layer, creating a soft, buttery crust.
- Melted Butter : Ensures the cake mix bakes up crispy on top and tender underneath.
- Caramel Drizzle : Adds a rich, gooey finish that ties everything together.
Variations to Try
- Add Berries : Mix in a can of cherry pie filling for a caramel apple cherry twist.
- Spice It Up : Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Nut-Free Option : Skip the nuts or replace them with crushed graham crackers or oats.
- Gluten-Free Option : Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your caramel sauce is GF.
- Mini Version : Divide the recipe into ramekins for individual servings.
