Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh apples (approx. 5-6 large), peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup high-quality sea salt caramel sauce
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spiced cake mix
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and sliced into very thin pats
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A fully preheated oven is vital for the butter to melt and crisp the topping simultaneously.
  2. Peel and slice your 6 cups of fresh apples into 1/4 inch thick crescents.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the apples with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until the slices are glossy and coated.
  4. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the bottom of your ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. Drizzle the 1 cup of sea salt caramel sauce in a zig zag pattern until the fruit is ribbons of amber.
  6. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the caramel covered apples.
  7. Use the back of a spoon to lightly level the surface, ensuring there are no large mounds of powder.
  8. Arrange the 3/4 cup of chilled butter slices across the top, covering as much surface area as you can.
  9. Scatter the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the butter layer until the surface looks textured and ready.
  10. Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and shattering, and the juices are bubbling vigorously at the sides.