Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake: 7 Easy and Sweet Comforts

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If there’s one dessert that can turn an ordinary Tuesday night into a cozy celebration, it’s Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Sweet, gooey apples layered with buttery cake mix and drizzled with caramel—this is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from your grandma (without her reminding you to clean your room).

The best part? It’s a true dump-and-go recipe. You toss in the ingredients, let your slow cooker do its thing, and by the time you’re ready to relax, dessert is waiting for you. Whether you’re juggling homework help, laundry piles, or just want something easy after a long day, this recipe has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Effortless prep – You literally dump the ingredients and let the crockpot handle the rest.
Cozy flavors – Apple pie filling, buttery cake, and caramel sauce create fall-in-a-bowl deliciousness.
Crowd-pleaser – From potlucks to holiday dinners, nobody says no to this warm dessert.
Flexible – Perfect on its own or dressed up with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

This dessert is a lifesaver for busy families and anyone craving comfort food without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cans apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup caramel sauce

That’s it—just four simple ingredients for a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

How To Make Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep your slow cooker.
First things first—give your crockpot a little love by spraying the inside with nonstick cooking spray or lightly greasing it with butter. This small step makes cleanup a breeze later (because nobody wants to spend extra time scrubbing caramel off the sides after a long day).

Step 2: Layer the apples.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look “perfect”—dump cakes are meant to be rustic and carefree. Imagine it as the cozy, laid-back cousin of apple pie. Bonus: your kitchen will already start smelling like fall just from opening the can.

Step 3: Add the cake mix.
Now, here comes the “dump” part of the dump cake. Grab that box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apple layer. Resist the urge to stir—it’s not that kind of party. The magic happens when the dry mix combines with the butter as it cooks, creating a crumbly, golden topping that’s equal parts cake and cobbler.

Step 4: Butter time.
Melt your butter and drizzle it evenly across the cake mix. Think of it as giving your dessert a golden blanket to cozy up in while it cooks. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible so you get fewer dry spots and more buttery goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Caramel drizzle.
This is the part where things get irresistible. Take your caramel sauce and drizzle it generously over the top. Don’t hold back—you’re not just making dessert, you’re making comfort in a crockpot. The caramel melts into the apples and cake, creating a gooey, rich layer that takes this from “pretty good” to “holy wow.”

Step 6: Cook to perfection.
Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 2–3 hours or low for 4 hours. Your house will slowly start to smell like a bakery mixed with a cozy fall candle, and honestly, it’s the kind of aroma that makes neighbors want to “accidentally” stop by. The cake topping should turn golden and slightly firm, with just enough softness to scoop into.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy.
When it’s ready, grab a big spoon and scoop out generous portions. This dessert is best served warm, so it feels like a sweet hug in a bowl. Want to take it over the top? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into the warm caramel-apple goodness. Or go for whipped cream if you’re more of a light-and-fluffy topping kind of person.

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

Add a crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before cooking for a little texture.
Switch it up: Try different pie fillings like cherry or peach if apples aren’t your thing.
Make it extra indulgent: Drizzle more caramel or even chocolate sauce right before serving.
Storage tip: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-crockpot taste.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe saved me one week when life felt like one giant to-do list. Between school drop-offs, grocery runs, and a mountain of emails, I still wanted to put something sweet on the table. I tossed this together in minutes, and when we sat down later that evening, my whole family swore I had turned into a baking magician. (Spoiler: it was the crockpot all along.)

FAQs About Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll want to soften them first with sugar and cinnamon on the stovetop so they don’t stay crunchy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep it in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. Just bring it to room temp before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up before serving for that gooey, just-made taste.

Sweet Comfort, Crockpot Style

Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake is proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be irresistible. With just a few pantry staples and your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up a treat that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any day of the week. So go ahead—grab a spoon, scoop yourself a bowl, and let your slow cooker do the work while you soak in the cozy vibes.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake hit the sweet spot, I’ve got plenty more comfort food recipes to keep your kitchen smelling heavenly and your family asking for seconds. Here are some reader favorites you won’t want to miss:

Warm up your evenings with this hearty Autumn Harvest Beef Stew—it’s like wrapping yourself in a bowl of cozy fall flavors.
Keep the apple goodness going with a classic Apple Crisp Crockpot recipe that’s perfect for when you want something fruity and comforting without the fuss.
If you’re craving something chocolatey, this indulgent Slow Cooker Better Than Sex Cake will absolutely wow your taste buds.
For a fun twist the whole family will love, try my ooey-gooey Crockpot S’mores Cake—all the campfire flavor without smelling like smoke.