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Picture this: you're nestled around a crackling campfire, the crisp autumn air swirling with the scent of woodsmoke. Laughter echoes as stories are shared, and then, the moment everyone's been waiting for arrives – a warm, bubbling caramel apple dump cake, cooked right in your slow cooker over the glowing embers. It's simpler than you think, and trust me, the taste is pure magic. This isn't just a dessert; its an experince that elevetes your camping trip to the next level.
One time, my friend Sarah and I went on a camping trip, and she was determined to make an elaborate dessert. After hours of struggling with a finicky camp stove and a complicated recipe, she ended up with a burnt offering that nobody wanted to touch. That's when I decided there had to be a better way – enter the slow cooker dump cake! It requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy nature and less time stressing over the details. So, are you ready to transform your next camping adventure with this ridiculously easy and delicious treat?
This recipe is easily customizable. Don't like caramel? Use butterscotch. Want to add a bit of spice? Throw in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. The best part about dump cakes is their adaptability. They're forgiving, which makes them perfect for the unpredictable nature of outdoor cooking. Get creative and tailor it to your taste – I bet you'll come up with some amazing variations! Plus, cleanup is super easy. Just scrape the sides and you're done.
Required Equipments
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Liner (optional)
Campfire Grill Rack or Trivet
Lid for Slow Cooker
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Knife
Spoon
Campfire Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Campfire Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Indulge in the warmth of fall with this easy Campfire Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Perfect for camping trips, it combines sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery cake topping for a delightful dessert that cooks effortlessly while you enjoy the great outdoors.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:8 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare your slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. If you don't have a liner, grease the inside of the slow cooker thoroughly with cooking spray. Seriously, don't skip this step, unless you want to spend the next hour scrubbing.
Layer the apples: Pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. If you're using fresh apples (about 6 medium, peeled and sliced), toss them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of sugar before adding them to the slow cooker. This will prevent browning and add extra flavor.
Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple pie filling. Do not stir. This is a 'dump' cake, after all! If you are using a gluten-free cake mix, just be sure to check that it doesn't need eggs or oil; add as needed if so.
Drizzle with caramel: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cake mix. Try to get it as spread out as possible without stirring. Feel free to use store-bought caramel sauce, or make your own if you're feeling ambitious! I've used both, and honestly, the store-bought stuff works great.
Melt the butter: Cut the butter into small pats and arrange them evenly over the caramel sauce and cake mix. This is crucial for creating that golden-brown, crispy topping we all love. If you're using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the cake mix (if the recipe calls for it).
Cook over the campfire (or grill): Place the slow cooker on a grill rack over your campfire embers. Make sure it's not directly over the flames; you want a gentle, consistent heat. Alternatively, you can use a charcoal grill or a propane grill set to low heat. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook time: Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the cake is golden brown and the apples are tender. Check it after 2 hours to make sure it's not burning. Cooking times can vary depending on the heat of your campfire or grill, so keep an eye on it!
Check for doneness: To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), it's ready. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Be carefull it will be hot.
Cool slightly and serve: Remove the slow cooker from the heat and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your tongue (trust me, I've been there!).
Serve and enjoy: Serve warm, scooping out generous portions. For an extra decadent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You deserve it! This is best shared with friends around the campfire.
📝 Notes
Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
If using fresh apples, toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.