There’s something magical about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel—it brings back memories of crisp autumn days, the warmth of a kitchen filled with the scent of baked goods, and the joy of sharing dessert with family. My nonna used to make a rustic apple cake every Sunday, and I’ve put a spin on her tradition with this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake.
This dessert is a modern twist on classic apple pie and cinnamon rolls. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-decadent. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to make it! Whether you’re planning a winter holiday meal or a summer potluck, this dump cake is your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Only 10 minutes of prep time!
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples.
- Crowd Favorite: Serves 8 and disappears in seconds.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Apples and caramel offer winter warmth, while cinnamon rolls bring sweet summer indulgence.
- No Mixer Required: Toss, layer, and bake—simple as that!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this irresistible dump cake:
- 1 can (15 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, quartered (icing reserved)
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Tip: You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but if you’re feeling fancy, try making your own. It adds an extra homemade touch!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Quarter the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls.
- Set the icing aside for later.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and layer them evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 3: Add the Apples
- Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir until the apples are coated, then spread them over the cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Pour the Caramel
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Add Butter and Bake
- Pour the melted butter over the entire mixture.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Ice and Serve
- Let the dump cake cool slightly.
- Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing on top.
- Add a final drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm cake.
- For Brunch: Yes, it doubles as a decadent brunch treat!
- Holiday Table: The perfect dessert to follow Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas lunch.
Variations & Tips
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- More Fruit: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a tart twist.
- Spice it Up: Add cloves or allspice for deeper warmth.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and ensure all ingredients are certified GF.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the butter and bake it fresh when you’re ready. Drizzle the butter just before baking.
What other apples can I use?
Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji are great alternatives, but Granny Smith gives the best tart balance to the sweet caramel.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re slightly underbaked before using them in the dump cake to prevent them from becoming too soft.