Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake: A Sweet 3-Step Miracle

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If the words Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake don’t instantly make you feel like lighting a fall candle and grabbing a blanket, just wait until your kitchen starts smelling like warm apple pie heaven. This recipe is the lazy genius dessert we all need—especially when life feels like one big never-ending to-do list.

Between work, kids, and trying to drink enough water every day (why is that so hard?!), this easy dump cake has your back. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you get a gooey, golden, buttery dessert that practically makes itself.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake

Set it and forget it. Just like your favorite slow cooker meals, this dessert requires zero babysitting.
It tastes like homemade apple pie but with way less work (no peeling apples, no fussing with pie crust).
Perfect for holidays or weeknights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes the house smell amazing.

Honestly, it’s one of those magical recipes that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did—my kind of cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
2 cans (40 oz total) apple pie filling
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional, but so good!)
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake

Making this dessert is as comforting as a Sunday afternoon and as easy as mixing a few ingredients in your favorite bowl. Here’s how to transform pantry staples into a sweet, cinnamon-kissed masterpiece without breaking a sweat:

1. Mix the magic topping. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re evenly combined. Next, pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly and rich—think buttery cookie dough but with a spice-kissed twist. Set this bowl of cozy aside for just a minute.

2. Prep your slow cooker like a pro. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. This step keeps everything from sticking to the sides and ensures easy serving later (because who wants to scrape dessert off the crock?).

3. Layer up the goodness. Spoon the apple pie filling straight from the can into the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t worry about being too neat—just spread it out evenly. Then, take your buttery cake mix crumble and sprinkle it generously over the apple layer, making sure every inch is covered. Top it all off with a handful of chopped pecans for that irresistible nutty crunch.

4. Create a moisture barrier. Here’s the trick that separates a soggy topping from a beautifully golden one: place two layers of paper towels over the opening of the slow cooker before putting on the lid. This traps the condensation, so your topping stays delightfully crisp on top.

5. Let it slow cook to perfection. Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it work its magic for about 3 hours. You don’t have to touch a thing. Just let the warm, cinnamon-apple aroma wrap around your house like your favorite cozy blanket.

6. Serve and savor. Once it’s done, scoop it out while it’s warm and don’t forget the most important part: a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The way it melts into the warm cake? Pure fall dessert bliss.

Mounia’s Tips for Dump Cake Success

No fresh apples needed. The canned apple pie filling is already seasoned and sweetened, so it saves a ton of time.
The paper towel trick matters! It keeps condensation off the topping so you get that yummy, golden crust.
Add a splash of bourbon or caramel drizzle before serving if you’re feeling fancy.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made this Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake on a weeknight when I was juggling soccer practice, a laundry mountain, and a last-minute school project. By the time dinner was done, this dessert was warm and ready. My whole family thought I’d baked something from scratch. I just smiled and let them believe it.

Warm Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake served with vanilla ice cream on a red plate — This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert—perfectly spiced apples, buttery topping, and a scoop of ice cream on top!

FAQs About Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! Spice cake or butter pecan mix would be delicious variations.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Reheat on low in the slow cooker or microwave individual portions. It tastes just as good the next day—maybe even better!

Do I have to use pecans?

Nope. You can skip them or swap in walnuts. Or leave them out if there’s a nut allergy.

Serve Up Sweet Simplicity

This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, soul-warming, and makes your home smell like a cozy autumn dream. Whether you’re serving it at a fall potluck or just need a little sweet escape after a long day, this one delivers. Every. Single. Time.

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If this Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake gave you all the cozy vibes, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting favorites from the blog:

For another dump-and-go dessert that’s irresistibly rich, try our Crockpot S’mores Cake.
Looking for a savory, creamy classic? This Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff is comfort food at its best.
Want a sweet breakfast that doubles as dessert? You’ll love the Slow Cooker Fried Apples—perfect with pancakes or by the spoonful.
If you’re craving a seasonal twist on a dump cake, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake for another easy, decadent treat.

Explore more and make your slow cooker work overtime—in the best way!