Crockpot Apple Dump Cake
Crockpot apple dump cake is a three-ingredient dessert that tastes like apple pie with a buttery cake topping. You layer it right in the slow cooker, with no mixing bowl and no mess.
12
servings10
minutes3
hoursApple pie filling topped with dry cake mix and butter, baked slowly until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup caramel sauce, optional
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Directions
- Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray, or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Pour the apple pie filling into the cooker. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Do not stir. Pat it gently only to even it out.
- Lay the butter slices over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as you can. Any dry spots will stay powdery.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top.
- Lay a paper towel across the top of the cooker and put the lid on. This catches steam and helps the cake topping bake.
- Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
- The cake is ready when the top looks golden at the edges and set in the middle, and the apples bubble around the sides.
- Turn off the heat, remove the lid and towel, and let the cake rest for 15 minutes.
- Scoop into bowls, drizzle with caramel if you like, and serve warm.
Notes
- Fresh apples work too. Slice 5 apples, toss with sugar and cinnamon, and cook the cake 30 minutes longer. A spice cake mix gives a deeper fall flavor. Leftovers keep for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Why apple dump cake works in a crockpot
A dump cake needs almost no effort, and the slow cooker handles the baking. You layer pie filling, cake mix, and butter, then three hours on LOW turns it into bubbling apples under a tender, buttery crust. It is an easy dessert for a crowd, and no oven is needed. It is also very forgiving, so it works for new cooks.
The magic is that the dry mix absorbs steam and melted butter, so it turns into something between cake and cobbler. The slow cooker keeps the whole pot warm, so you can serve straight from the pot at a party. Kids can help, since there is nothing to measure but the spice.
What to buy for crockpot apple dump cake
Apple pie filling: Two large cans make a full pot. Look for filling with firm apple slices. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to wake up the flavor. If the filling looks loose, stir in a spoon of flour first to thicken it.
Yellow cake mix: Use a standard 15-ounce box, straight from the box with no eggs or oil. A spice cake mix gives a deeper fall flavor.
Cold butter: Slice it thin and spread it across the surface. Cold butter melts slowly, so it bakes the mix more evenly than melted butter. Check the box date, because old mix bakes flat and tastes stale.
Walnuts or pecans: They add crunch against the soft topping. Chopped pecans work too, and you can toast them first for more flavor.
Caramel sauce: A drizzle on top makes it taste like caramel apple pie.
Tips for a dump cake with no dry spots
Cover the mix with butter: The most common mistake is leaving dry cake mix with no butter on it. Place thin slices over the whole surface, and fill any gaps with small pieces. Slice the butter about as thick as a coin, and overlap it a little.
Skip the stirring: Do not mix the layers. The mix needs to sit on top of the fruit. The mix should stay in a loose, even layer on top.
Use a towel: Put a paper towel under the lid to absorb steam. It keeps the top from getting soggy.
Swaps and variations for apple dump cake
Use a spice cake mix, add dried cranberries, or top with oats and brown sugar for more crunch. Peach or cherry pie filling works in the same way. Swap the butter for a dairy-free butter stick for a dairy-free dessert. For a gluten-free dump cake, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. A handful of raisins or dried cranberries works with the apples.
Do not add water or extra liquid. The filling has enough moisture, and extra liquid turns the cake mix into a paste.
What to serve with apple dump cake
Serve it warm in small bowls with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a finishing touch. It fits on a fall dessert table next to hot cider, and on a holiday buffet it stays warm in the slow cooker. Scoop it out with a large spoon and serve from the cooker so it stays hot. Fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon finish each bowl.
Storing and reheating apple dump cake
Cool the cake, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. The topping softens in the fridge. Let it cool completely before you cover it, so steam does not collect inside the container.
Reheat single servings in the microwave for thirty to forty-five seconds. Freezing works for up to two months, wrapped tightly, but the texture softens. Thaw overnight before reheating. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake at a glance
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 servings
- Ingredients: 10, led by (21 oz each) apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice
Tips for Crockpot Apple Dump Cake
Fresh apples work too. Slice 5 apples, toss with sugar and cinnamon, and cook the cake 30 minutes longer. A spice cake mix gives a deeper fall flavor. Leftovers keep for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake FAQ
How long does Crockpot Apple Dump Cake take?
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake takes 3 hours of cooking after 10 minutes of prep.
How many people does Crockpot Apple Dump Cake serve?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What do I need to make Crockpot Apple Dump Cake?
10 ingredients, led by (21 oz each) apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
