Easy Walnut Caramel Apple Dump Cake with a Creamy Dairy Milk Drizzle

If you’re looking for a simple, show stopping dessert that combines warm, comforting flavors with a luscious finish, this walnut caramel apple dump cake with Dairy Milk drizzle is exactly what you need. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal prep, and delivers layers of tender, caramelized apples, crunchy walnuts, and a moist, buttery cake base, all topped off with a rich, creamy Dairy Milk chocolate drizzle that takes it to the next level. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, last minute desserts, or whenever you crave that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty goodness.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 5 medium sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dairy Milk drizzle:

• 100 grams Dairy Milk chocolate (or any milk chocolate), chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cake from sticking.
3. Place the sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the apples. The walnuts add a lovely crunch and depth to the moist, caramelized apples.

4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples and walnuts. These spices create that warm, cozy fall flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
5. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the entire surface of the apple mixture. Don’t stir, as this is the “dump” part of the cake, where layers remain separate until baking.
6. Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter melts into the cake mix during baking, creating a rich, buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft fruit underneath.

7. Finally, drizzle the vanilla extract over the butter for enhanced flavor.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Insert a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

9. While the cake bakes, it’s a great time to prepare the delicious Dairy Milk drizzle that will add a creamy, chocolatey finish. Place the chopped Dairy Milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium to low heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to boil.

10. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften. Then add the tablespoon of butter. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creamy drizzle will add a luscious texture and rich flavor to the dessert.
11. Once the cake is cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes after removing it from the oven, drizzle the warm Dairy Milk chocolate sauce generously over each serving.
12. This dump cake is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, especially with the chocolate drizzle. The contrast of warm, gooey cake and cool chocolate sauce is a delight.
13. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds and drizzle again with warm Dairy Milk chocolate before serving.

Tips:

• Tart apples hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the caramel and cake mix.
• Walnuts add essential texture and a nutty depth. Toast them lightly beforehand for an even richer flavor, or use pecans for a buttery twist.
• The drizzle is the finishing touch. Using authentic Dairy Milk chocolate guarantees a smooth, creamy texture and classic milk chocolate taste.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup or substitute with coconut sugar for a caramel like flavor with fewer calories.
• Flavor variations to try:
  • Toss a handful of raisins or dried cranberries over the apples before layering the cake mix.
  • Use pecans or chopped hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
  • Use a vegan cake mix, dairy free butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for the drizzle.
  • Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.