Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s effortless but still tastes like a homemade apple crisp-meets-cake hybrid. The apples soften into a sweet, spiced filling, while the cake mix and oats form a crumbly topping that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s low-maintenance, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for holidays or any fall gathering.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5–7 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, divided

• 1 (15-ounce) box yellow cake mix

• ½ cup quick-cooking oats

• ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced thin

• Optional toppings: ice cream or whipped cream

Directions

1. I spray the crockpot with cooking spray.

2. I place the apple slices in the bottom, then sprinkle them with sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

3. In a bowl, I combine the cake mix, oats, and the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. I sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.

4. I arrange the butter slices over the top of the cake mix.

5. I cover the crockpot with a paper towel before placing the lid on (this helps absorb moisture and prevents a soggy topping).

6. I cook on high for 4 hours, checking after 1 ½ hours and then every 30 minutes to make sure it cooks evenly.

7. I serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 servings. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and about 4 hours to cook, for a total of 4 hours 10 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix to boost the fall flavors. If I’m short on time, I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples (2 cans). I also like adding chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before sprinkling on the cake mix for extra crunch. When I don’t want to use the crockpot, I bake it in a 9×13-inch pan at 350°F for 35–45 minutes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 325°F until heated through. This dessert tastes best warm, especially with ice cream.

FAQs

Can I make this with fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes, the recipe is written for fresh Granny Smith apples, but pie filling works as a shortcut.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, spice cake mix, caramel apple mix, or even white cake mix all work well.

Do I need to stir the cake mix into the apples?

No, the cake mix is sprinkled on top like a crumble, and the butter melts to moisten it as it cooks.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?

Yes, it will take about 6–7 hours on low.

How do I prevent soggy topping in the crockpot?

Placing a paper towel under the lid helps absorb condensation and keeps the topping crisp.

Conclusion

Crockpot apple dump cake is one of my go-to fall desserts because it’s quick, simple, and deliciously comforting. I love how the apples and cinnamon bubble up under the buttery cake topping, creating a dessert that tastes homemade with minimal effort. Whether I make it for a holiday dinner or just a cozy weekend treat, it’s always a hit.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This easy crockpot apple dump cake is the perfect fall dessert—just layer apples, cake mix, and butter, then let your slow cooker do the magic!

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooker / CrockPot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

5–7 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin

¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (optional, depending on apple sweetness)

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

1 (15 oz) box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)

½ cup (43 g) quick-cooking oats

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, sliced thin

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.

Place sliced apples in the bottom. Sprinkle with sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

In a bowl, stir together cake mix, oats, and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over apples.

Place butter slices evenly over the cake mix layer.

Cover crockpot with a paper towel, then secure lid on top.

Cook on high for 4 hours, checking occasionally to prevent burning (rotate liner if one side cooks faster).

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For a shortcut, use 2 cans of apple pie filling instead of fresh apples.

Swap yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for extra fall flavor.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before topping with cake mix.

To bake in the oven: place everything in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes.

This dessert is naturally very sweet; omit added sugar if you prefer less sweetness.