The first bite of this Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake is like a warm memory — the apples tender and yielding, the caramel a sweet, buttery ribbon, and the mascarpone lending a gentle, creamy tang that mellows the whole thing. Steam rises with a cinnamon-scented hush, and the top gives a tender crumble that crackles just enough when you cut into it. Serve it warm and the mascarpone softens into a luscious layer beneath the golden cake topping; cool it slightly and the flavors knit together into something soulful and familiar. If you like the softer side of apple desserts, a slice alongside a simple scoop of vanilla or a wedge of tart cheese will feel right at home, much like the comfort tucked into a good mascarpone apple crumble cake that many of you ask for regularly: mascarpone apple crumble cake.
This is classic comfort food because it asks for very little fuss and returns a lot of warmth. Family gatherings call for dishes that can be made ahead, freed from the stove while conversations curl around the kitchen island. This dump cake fits that bill — apples for a homey fruit base, caramel for an indulgent finish, and mascarpone to add a velvet richness so it doesn’t taste overly sweet. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself reaching for when you want something that feels homemade without needing hours of stirring or delicate shaping. Whether your niece is dropping by after piano practice or you’re bringing dessert to a potluck, this cake feels like a warm hand on your shoulder: familiar, satisfying, and easy to share.
Simple and almost foolproof, this version strips the steps back to the essentials. No rolling or shaping. No tempering or whipping. You layer, pour, and bake — then wait, while the oven does most of the work and the house fills with that cinnamon-caramel perfume. If you prefer a slightly different crust or topping, go ahead and tweak the nuts or swap a spiced cake mix, but for pure ease and reliable results, this straightforward approach rarely disappoints. Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake is designed to be forgiving; if your apples aren’t perfectly uniform or the butter pools a bit unevenly, the final bake smooths those little differences into a warm, cohesive whole.
Why this recipe works
This recipe works because it balances texture and flavor with a minimal number of steps. The apples provide a soft, juicy center that holds up through baking but still releases some of their natural juices. Those juices mingle with the caramel sauce and a touch of water to create a gentle syrup that keeps the interior moist without turning the topping soggy. The mascarpone adds fat and silky mouthfeel; when mixed with caramel and cinnamon, it becomes a creamy layer that tames the sweetness of the caramel and adds a subtle tang that keeps each bite bright.
The yellow cake mix on top is the clever part: it bakes into a golden, slightly crisp topping that captures some of the buttery liquid, forming pockets of tender cake interspersed with caramel-drizzled apple. Pouring melted butter over the dry cake mix allows the fat to distribute across the surface and bake into a crust that’s both crisp at the edges and soft where it meets the mascarpone layer. Adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans brings contrast — a nutty snap against the soft apples and creamy mascarpone. Even if you skip the nuts, the texture contrast between the tender fruit layer and the cakey top keeps every bite interesting.
Ease of cooking is another reason this recipe shines. No rolling pins, no folding, and no complicated emulsions. You’re layering ingredients in a single pan; that simplicity reduces opportunities for error. The water poured over the top may look unusual, but it helps the cake mix hydrate and bake into a soft interior while encouraging the caramel to meld with the apples. The result is a warm, homelike dessert that’s more than the sum of its parts — it’s a relaxed gathering centerpiece that tastes like you spent longer on it than you actually did. If you enjoy seeing how simple techniques create big results, this is a lovely example, and it sits comfortably alongside other cozy puddings and cakes like the Black Forest dump cake with mascarpone cream I mentioned in a recent note: Black Forest dump cake with mascarpone cream.
How to prepare Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake
Think of this as a gentle, three-part assembly: fruit, creamy layer, then cake topping. Start by choosing apples that hold some texture when baked — Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well — and slice them evenly so they cook at the same pace. The mascarpone, caramel, and cinnamon come together into a silky spread; whisk them until smooth so that the mascarpone doesn’t form lumps and the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Pouring this over the apples creates a dreamy barrier between the fruit and the dry cake mix.
The most satisfying part of this process is pouring the melted butter over the cake mix. It looks like a small, humble step, but watching the pale powder transform as the butter beads and soaks in feels almost like magic. Once it goes in the oven, the wait is worth it: the aromas that rise after twenty minutes — caramel, baked apple, warm butter — are deeply comforting. You’ll see bubbling at the edges when it’s nearly done. Let it cool for a short while so flavors settle and the mascarpone layer firms just enough to hold neat slices. Serve slightly warm, and you’ll deliver a dessert that tastes both effortless and thoughtfully made.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup water
Step-by-step
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Add the caramel sauce to the mascarpone and mix.
- Stir in the cinnamon and mix until smooth.
- Pour this mascarpone mixture over the apples.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the mascarpone layer.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix in an even stream.
- If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
- Pour the water evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Look for a golden brown top and bubbling along the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Serving ideas
This cake is lovely on its own warm from the oven, but here are a few classic, simple pairings that feel like home:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen custard for a temperature contrast and creamy sweetness.
- A bowl of simple whipped cream lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla to echo the mascarpone’s richness.
- A small platter of sharp cheddar or a tart goat cheese for those who love a sweet-and-savory finish.
For drinks, a hot cup of black tea or strong coffee complements the caramel and cinnamon flavors, while a spiced apple cider or a light, chilled sparkling beverage adds a festive touch for gatherings. These pairings are meant to be easy — choose one that matches the mood of your meal and the tastes of your family.
Storing this recipe
Leftovers keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you want to reheat a single portion, warm it in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or heat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until just warmed; this helps the mascarpone soften again and brings back the aromas. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to restore texture. If you freeze before baking, keep in mind the water and caramel may shift; it’s best to bake first and freeze finished portions for the most reliable results.
Helpful tips
Choose the right apples: Use apples that hold their shape when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala keep a pleasant bite without turning to mush. If your apples are very sweet, consider cutting back slightly on the caramel or selecting a cake mix with a touch less sugar. If they’re quite tart, the caramel will play nicely as a sweet counterpoint.
Distribute the butter carefully: Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix. If you dump it in one spot, the cake mix can clump and bake unevenly. Use a spoon to guide the butter into gaps if needed so the dry mix is moistened across the surface. This gives you that golden, slightly crisp top with tender cake beneath.
Watch the bake at the edges: Ovens vary, and the caramel can bubble quickly near the pan’s edges once the center is nearly done. If the top is browning too much before the middle is set, tent with a piece of foil over the pan for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the cake to rest briefly after baking; this gives the filling time to set and makes slicing cleaner.
Extra note: if you’re serving to a crowd, bake in a disposable pan for easy transport, and pack utensils and napkins — this cake is meant to be shared and enjoyed with minimal fuss.
Recipe variations
- Make it Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to the mascarpone mixture for a warmly spiced version. Swap out plain caramel for salted caramel to deepen the flavor.
- Nut-Free Comfort: Omit the nuts and replace them with toasted oats for a gentle crunch. You can also sprinkle a little demerara sugar on top before baking for a sparkling crust.
- Boozy Upgrade: Stir 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the mascarpone-caramel mix or brush the apples with a light rum syrup before adding the mascarpone for an adult-friendly layer of flavor.
These small shifts let you tailor the cake to the season or your pantry without changing the simple technique that makes it so appealing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can. Thaw and drain frozen apples first to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry before layering to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Q: Do I have to use mascarpone?
A: Mascarpone gives a unique creaminess and mild tang, but you can substitute full-fat cream cheese softened well, or a mix of cream cheese and a little heavy cream for similar richness. Mix until smooth before spreading.
Q: Can I halve the recipe for a smaller pan?
A: Absolutely. Use an 8×8 inch pan for a half batch and reduce the baking time slightly; start checking at 30 minutes and look for bubbling edges and a set center.
Q: Will this work with a boxed spice cake mix instead of yellow?
A: Yes. A spice or cinnamon cake mix will complement the apples and caramel beautifully. Keep an eye on sweetness levels and adjust the caramel amount if you prefer it less sweet.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake is one of those forgiving, homey desserts that brings people to the table with very little effort and a lot of warmth. If you’d like a quick reference for a similar simple dump cake, see Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Mom Foodie. Whether you bake it for a family supper or a casual get-together, this dessert carries a comforting blend of sweet caramel, tender apples, and creamy mascarpone that feels like a hug on a plate — the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again for simple, satisfying moments of joy. Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake
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Caramel Apple Mascarpone Dump Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting dump cake layered with tender apples, creamy mascarpone, and a sweet caramel sauce topped with a golden cake mix.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Add the caramel sauce to the mascarpone and mix.
- Stir in the cinnamon and mix until smooth.
- Pour this mascarpone mixture over the apples.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the mascarpone layer.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix in an even stream.
- If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
- Pour the water evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Look for a golden brown top and bubbling along the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Leftovers keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be reheated in the microwave or the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American