Apple pie filing, cake mix and butter come together to make this crockpot apple dump cake an easy slow cooker dessert that is absolutely fantastic and oh, so easy.
Just a few steps and some expert tips make mine the best dump cake recipe you’ll find.
Crockpot Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
I’m not even going to try and hide the fact that easy recipes are my jam. That’s what makes this crock pot apple dump cake the perfect recipe for me. We’re at a point with our family that family dinners are few and far between, but it’s ok because we’re still always together.
In our family it’s just the four of us, so my husband and I will usually divide and conquer with the kids activities but then convene at the end of the day. We’ve got a pretty good thing going, which also makes easy desserts like this awesome.
Not to pat myself on the back or act like I’m begging for compliments but I look pretty darn good when I make this dump cake crock pot dessert. 🙂
Gathering your ingredients will likely be the toughest part.
Crockpot Cake Mix Cobbler Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounce
- 2 cans 21 oz each apple pie filling
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1/2 cup caramel sundae syrup
How to make this Apple Crockpot Dump Cake
In preparing your slow cooker for this recipe, you’ll want to spray the Crock Pot with non-stick spray – this will make sure that nothing is sticking too much to the sides of the pot.
When I say this is a dump and go recipe, I’m definitely being honest.
[adinserter block=”3″]
The first step is to simply “dump” cans of apple filling in to slow cooker and spread the mixture so that it’s even as possible.
You really could use any kind of pie filling for this crock pot cake – I’m thinking peaches, cherries, raspberries and so many more amazing fruits.
Spread caramel syrup on top of apples using the back of a spoon or spatula. This last ingredient and step is completely optional and not necessary at all if you don’t care for the extra sugar.
Mix cake mix and melted butter together. You will not be constructing the cake mix based on the cake mix directions on the box. You’ll literally only combine the dry cake mix and melted butter.
Lastly, place a paper towel on top of the crock pot, placing the lid over the paper towel securing it that way. I use 2-3 paper towels to make sure it covers the entire crock pot lid.
The last step is the most important. Don’t skip the paper towel or the topping on your slow cooker dump cake won’t turn out how you want it to.
Placing a paper towel on top of the crock pot keeps the condensation from dripping down into the crock pot.
Cook the apple cobbler on high for 2 hours letting all of the flavors come together and get warm and crumbly.
The last step before serving will entail broiling and is completely optional. I would only recommend broiling if you’re prepared to be present at the oven the entire time.
This is what the dump cake recipe in the crock pot will look like after it’s been broiled for just a couple minutes:
You’ll put the ceramic part only into the oven for 1-2 minutes on the broil setting in the oven. This will make the crumble topping get crispier and you’ll be able to break into the topping to get to that delicious apple filling.
Remove the apple dump cake crockpot recipe from the oven and place on a hot pad to serve.
This crock pot dump cake is delicious served with ice cream or whipped topping!
[adinserter block=”3″]
More crock pot dump cake recipes:
Crockpot Lava Cake
Crockpot Candy
Dump Cake recipes:
Strawberry Poke Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake
What is the easiest crockpot recipe you know?
Well besides this apple dump cake recipe (I mean, can it get any easier??) I’d say that my Instant Pot Crack Chicken or the crock pot Crack Chicken Recipe.
Those are my personal favorites! Try them, I guarantee you’ll love them!
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Apple pie filling
Two twenty one ounce cans. This is the fruit, the sugar, and the thickener all in one, which is why the recipe has only four ingredients.
Yellow cake mix
One box of yellow cake mix, used dry. You are not making batter. The dry mix and the melted butter bake into a crumb topping over the apples.
Butter
One stick, melted. It is what turns the dry cake mix into a crumble. Pour it in slowly and stir until there are no dry pockets left.
Caramel sundae syrup
A half cup drizzled over the apples before the topping goes on. It is optional, and it is the step that makes people ask for the recipe.
Step by Step, With the Details
Spray the crock pot
A good coat of nonstick spray up the sides, or a slow cooker liner. Caramel and sugar stick, and a liner makes cleanup a thirty second job.
Apples in, spread even
Dump both cans of filling into the crock pot and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Thin spots cook faster and scorch.
Caramel over the apples
Drizzle the caramel over the apples and spread it a little with the back of a spoon. It does not need to be perfect.
Mix the topping
Stir the dry cake mix and the melted butter together in a bowl until it looks like wet sand with some bigger clumps. Spread it over the apples and level it.
Paper towel, lid, two hours on high
Lay a paper towel across the top of the crock pot and set the lid over it. Cook on high for two hours.
Optional broil
For a crisper, browner topping, slide the whole insert under the broiler for one to two minutes. Watch it the entire time. Serve warm with ice cream or Cool Whip.
Why the Paper Towel Matters
Steam collects on the lid of a slow cooker and drips back down. On a roast that is fine. On a crumb topping it makes a soggy, pale layer of wet cake mix.
The paper towel catches the drips. It is the single easiest trick for any crock pot dessert, and the apple crisp underneath comes out dry on top the way it should.
What the Texture Should Be
This is closer to an apple crisp than a cake. The topping is soft and crumbly out of the crock pot, and the apples underneath are bubbling and thick.
If you want the topping crunchy, that is what the broiler step is for. Two minutes is all it takes, and the difference is worth the extra pan to wash.
Easy Variations
Other pie fillings
Cherry, peach, and blueberry filling all work in the same amounts with the same time. Peach with a spice cake mix is my fall favorite.
Spice cake mix
Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix. It tastes like apple pie without measuring a single spice.
Cinnamon and oats
A teaspoon of cinnamon and a half cup of old fashioned oats stirred into the topping. It gets closer to a true apple crisp.
Pecans
A half cup of chopped pecans over the topping before the lid goes on. They toast a little and add crunch without the broiler.
Serving Ideas
- Vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm apples
- Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream
- Extra caramel syrup drizzled on each bowl
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- Cold, for breakfast, with a cup of coffee
Leftovers and Reheating
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. The topping softens overnight, but a scoop in the microwave for thirty seconds brings it back.
Do not leave it on the warm setting all evening. The sugar keeps cooking and the edges go from caramelized to burnt.
Questions I Get About This Dessert
Can I cook it on low?
Four hours on low works and is gentler on a crock pot that runs hot. The topping will be a little softer, so I would use the broiler step.
Can I use fresh apples?
Yes. Five or six peeled and sliced apples tossed with a half cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Add thirty minutes to the cook time.
Why is my topping doughy?
Usually the paper towel was skipped, or the butter was not mixed all the way through the cake mix. Fix both and it comes out crumbly.
Can I use a different cake mix?
White, butter pecan, and spice cake mixes all work. Chocolate is good with cherry filling. The method does not change.
Can I double it?
I would not in one crock pot. The deeper layer stays wet in the middle. Two crock pots, or bake one batch in a nine by thirteen at 350 for forty five minutes.
More Easy Desserts
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Triple Chocolate Crockpot Lava Cake
- Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Strawberry Poke Cake
Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounce
- 2 cans 21 oz each apple pie filling
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1/2 cup caramel sundae syrup
Instructions
- Spray Crock Pot with non-stick spray
- Dump cans of apple filling in to slow cooker and spread so it's even as possible
- Spread caramel syrup on top of apples
- Mix cake mix and melted butter together
- Dump the cake mix and butter mixture onto the apple pie filling and spread to even out mixture
- Place a paper towel over the top of the crockpot and put the lid on
- Cook apple crisp on high 2 hours
- If you like the crumble topping a little more firm, broil in oven for 1-2 minutes to get a crispier golden crumble (keep an eye on the crisp though!)
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream or Cool Whip