Crockpot Apple Dump Cake
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake brings the comforting aroma of warm, spiced apples into your kitchen, topped with a buttery cake layer that practically melts in your mouth.
In our slow cooker dump cake recipe we combine tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery cake topping, all drizzled with salted caramel.
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe Highlights
- Just a few simple ingredients
- Set it and forget it—your slow cooker does all the work
- No need to make a pie crust or cake from scratch
- Great for parties, potlucks, or family dessert night
- Warm, rich flavors that pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
APPLE PIE FILLING – I use canned apple pie for our filling to make this Crockpot Apple Dump Cake recipe super easy. You can use a homemade version if you prefer, but this shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor.
CINNAMON – We add ground cinnamon to enhance the warm, spiced flavor. It gives the filling a cozy, homemade apple pie feel.
YELLOW CAKE MIX – The cake mix creates a sweet, buttery crumble on top of the apples. It’s easy to use and delivers a light, fluffy texture with no extra measuring required.
BUTTER – I use melted, unsalted butter for the cake crumble. It binds the cake mix together and gives the topping a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted works fine—just reduce any additional salt in your recipe.
SALTED CARAMEL TOPPING – Drizzling salted caramel adds a decadent layer of sweetness. It perfectly complements the apples and cake. If you want to make your own caramel, you can, but store-bought works just as well.
PECANS – Toasted pecan halves bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. You can skip them if you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies.
How To Make A Crockpot Apple Dump Cake
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Add the apple pie filling and ground cinnamon to your slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Mix the yellow cake mix with the melted butter in a large bowl, then sprinkle the cake crumble over the apple mixture.
- Drizzle with salted caramel topping.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZE – You can freeze this cake! Let it cool completely, then freeze it in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
REHEAT – Reheat leftover cake in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350º Fahrenheit oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
MAKE AHEAD – While this dessert is best served fresh, you can prepare the apple filling and cinnamon mixture the day before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just add the cake mix topping and caramel.
More Easy and Delicious Dump Cakes
Serving Suggestions
VANILLA ICE CREAM – A scoop of ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
WHIPPED CREAM – A light dollop of whipped cream gives a fluffy texture that balances the richness of the caramel and butter.
CARAMEL SAUCE – If you love caramel, drizzle a bit more on top for an extra indulgent touch.
TOASTED PECANS – Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples.
Recipe Success Tips
ADD A LITTLE EXTRA CINNAMON – If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to sprinkle a bit more over the apples before cooking. This will make the dish even more fragrant and warming.
MAKE THE TOPPING CRISPIER – For a crunchier topping, you can briefly broil the cake for 1-2 minutes after it’s done cooking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
STIR THE CARAMEL – After drizzling the caramel sauce, lightly swirl it into the cake mix with a spoon. This helps the caramel blend into the cake, giving it even richer pockets of flavor.
TOAST PECANS IN ADVANCE – If using the pecans, toast them ahead of time to enhance their flavor and crunch. Just a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes will do the trick.
More Easy and Delicious Apple Desserts
Crockpot Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 20-ounce cans apple pie filling some cans are 21-ounces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter melted, unsalted
- ½ cup salted caramel topping
OPTIONAL
- 1 cup pecan halves optional
- 1 tablespoon butter melted, unsalted
Instructions
- Pour the cans of apple pie filling into the slow cooker. Add the ground cinnamon and stir to combine.
- Combine yellow cake mix and melted butter in a large bowl to make a cake crumble and drizzle the cake crumble over the apple pie filling mixture. Drizzle with ½ cup of salted caramel.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.
Optional
- Toast pecan halves over medium heat on the stovetop in a medium skillet for 3-5 minutes until toasty and fragrant. You can add a dash of flaky salt, too. Sprinkle the pecan halves over the cooked Crockpot Apple Dump Cake.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
Is it ok for this cake to stay on warm in the crockpot?
Yes, it’s fine to leave the Crockpot Apple Dump Cake on warm for about 1–2 hours after it’s done cooking. Just know that the edges might get a little more browned and the topping can soften slightly. If you’re serving later, it’s a good way to keep it cozy without overcooking.