Caramel Apple Dump Cake with Pistachio and Oreo Crumble: A Sweet Treat

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the warm, cozy flavors of caramel and apples with a delightful crunch, this caramel apple dump cake with pistachio and Oreo crumble is the perfect sweet treat to try. Easy to assemble yet incredibly indulgent, this dessert layers tender, cinnamon spiced apples with luscious caramel, all topped with a crunchy crumble of pistachios and Oreo cookies. It’s a showstopper for any occasion, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. So here’s a step by step recipe to make this irresistible caramel apple dump cake with a nutty and chocolatey twist.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the cake layer:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the caramel sauce:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)

For the pistachio and Oreo crumble:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
• 6 Oreo cookies, crushed into coarse crumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Method:

• Start by peeling and thinly slicing about 6 cups of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel, while Fuji apples offer a sweeter alternative.

• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
• Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spiced apple mixture and saute for about 5 minutes until the apples are slightly tender and coated in the sugary mixture. This step helps reduce excess moisture and intensifies the apple flavors. 

• Once done, transfer the warm apple filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the hot apple filling. Don’t stir since the layers are supposed to remain separate and bake together, creating the classic dump cake texture with a crisp topping and moist fruit underneath.

• Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. Drizzling slowly and spreading it evenly ensures the cake bakes into a golden crust without soggy patches.
• Generously drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the cake mix and apple layers. The caramel will soak into the fruit, giving it a rich sweetness, and create a lovely sticky texture once baked. For an extra decadent touch, use homemade caramel sauce if you have time, or a quality store bought caramel will work perfectly.

• While the cake bakes, prepare the crunchy topping. Roughly chop the pistachios into small but noticeable pieces. Place the crushed Oreo cookies and chopped pistachios in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the mix and stir to combine. The butter helps the crumble stick together and crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. 
• Place the assembled dump cake, without the crumble topping yet, in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
• After 40 minutes, carefully remove the cake from the oven and sprinkle the pistachio and Oreo crumble evenly over the top.
• Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and crisp.
• Once baked, remove the dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. This rest time helps the caramel thicken slightly and the layers settle, making it easier to serve.
• Scoop generous portions onto dessert plates or bowls. For an extra indulgent finish, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

Tips:

• Letting the cake cool allows the caramel to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Flavor variations to try:
  • Substitute pistachios with pecans or walnuts, depending on preference.
  • Swap Oreos for chocolate chip cookies or gingersnaps for a spiced twist.
  • Boost warm spice flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
  • For a sweet and salty flavor, drizzle salted caramel sauce instead of plain caramel.