Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

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This easy Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe is like the best part of apple pie!

Made with apple pie filling, cinnamon, cake mix and butter, this awesome dump cake is the ultimate comfort food.

This easy set-it-and-forget-it recipe lets the slow cooker do all the work!

Dump cake recipes are always easy and delicious, and this one is extra awesome!

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (1)

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Yummy Crockpot Apple Dump Cake

With just four ingredients and five minutes of your time, this is one of the quickest desserts you can make!

In fact, the hardest part about making this easy dessert recipe is waiting for the slow cooker to finish cooking.

Dump Cakes are always one of my go-to desserts. They are quick to put together and are totally hands-off as they cook.

Also, I have two boys and a husband who acts like a kid so the name “dump cake” always elicits giggles.

I’ve never been a crust fan so while I love the apple pie filling I would never make a pie.

This easy dessert recipe has that same delicious taste, with lovely, warm cinnamon flavor, with 10 percent of the work. Boom.

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Do I need to add cinnamon

You can cut down the number of ingredients in this easy dessert to three if you check your apple pie filling label.

Some apple pie filling already has cinnamon mixed in.

If that’s the case with your pie filling, there’s no need to add any more cinnamon to the dessert.

But if you are a cinnamon lover, add it!

Can I use salted butter

If you’re like me and love the combination of salty and sweet, I suggest you grab a stick of salted butter for your dump cake.

The salt in the butter is the perfect compliment to the sweetness of the cake mix and apple pie filling, making it a great addition to any dump cake recipe.

Why use a crockpot to make dump cake

Making a dump cake in a crockpot takes a little bit longer than baking it in the oven. BUT since you don’t use an oven, you won’t heat up your house.

Or, if you are cooking a whole meal in your oven, you can take care of dessert in a slow cooker.

It takes about 2 hours to cook a dump cake in a crockpot so you can easily time it to the end of your dinner and have it ready to go when you are.

And I love using a crockpot to cook dessert when cooking for a crowd because you can easily turn it into a self-serve bar and have each guest serve themselves.

I was worried that using she slow cooker wouldn’t give my apple dump cake that golden brown crust like you get in the oven, but you still get it.

It doesn’t turn quite as brown, but you get that textures that goes so well with the apple pie filling.

This is my favorite crockpot! It’s sleek, basic and perfect for desserts! Of course I use it to make dinner also, but I love this for making dump cakes!

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (2)

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake

This quick take on an apple pie is a ridiculously easy dessert idea. It’s packed with apple pie flavor, making it a great choice for any get-together!

Ingredients

  • apple pie filling
  • box yellow cake mix
  • butter
  • cinnamon

Related recipes: Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (3)

Using pie filling for dump cakes keeps things extra simple. It takes out all of the work of prepping fresh fruit but you can a delicious flavor every time.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (4)

Directions

In the bowl of a crockpot, add two cans of apple pie filling.

If your pie filling doesn’t already have cinnamon, sprinkle on the cinnamon and use a spatula to mix the pie filling and seasoning until well combined.

Typically you don’t need to stir a dump cake, but anytime you add powdered spices, a quick stir is a good idea.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (5)

Sprinkle on the dry yellow cake mix, making sure to spread the cake mix evenly over the top of the apple pie filling.

Top the cake mix with melted butter, covering all the cake mix with butter.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (6)

Cover the slow cooker bowl with paper towels before putting the lid on.

This is an essential step if you want to create a nice crust on top. I like to cut out steps wherever possible, but you MUST do this!

The cake mix crust is always my favorite part of a dump cake.

The paper towel helps to catch any condensation that forms on the glass lid that would keep that delicious crust from forming.

Cook the crockpot apple dump cake with pie filling for two hours on high.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (7)

This awesome slow cooker dessert tastes amazing when served warm right out the crock pot.

You can see some golden brown edges in the photo above. Even though the center isn’t browned, it also isn’t soggy. No one wants a soggy crust!

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (8)

Just look at all that dump cake goodness!

If you haven’t experienced dry cake mix mixed with melted butter you haven’t lived!

Dump Cakes are my favorite type of dessert for so many reasons. They are absolutely delicious, totally easy and can be modified in all kinds of ways!

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (9)

How to serve Apple Dump Cake

You could easily add a caramel drizzle to this yummy recipe to make it an Apple Caramel Dump Cake. Just use store-bought caramel ice cream topping.

Whipped topping is always a great way to serve dump cake. Add a little dollop just before serving.

Vanilla ice cream is a favorite topping for dump cake, especially when it’s warm. The ice cream gets all melty and that creaminess pairs really well with the fruit.

Personally, I love to eat cold dump cake! It’s so tasty! I think it brings out the apple flavor even more!

Top tips

Don’t skip the paper towels under the lid if you want a nice cake mix crust.

You can easily add any other spices you want to this recipe. A little ground ginger would add a nice kick.

Don’t want to dirty a bowl to melt the butter? You can also cut thin pats and lay them evenly across the top of the dry cake mix to melt as the dessert cooks.

Add pecans to the recipe to add an extra crunchy texture.

Don’t have a crockpot or want it faster? Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour!

More simple dessert recipes

  • Apple Butterscotch Cookies: These easy Apple Butterscotch Cookies are unique and full of flavor! This dessert is always a crowd-pleaser!
  • Crock Pot Apple Cherry Dump Cake: I combined my love of cherry dump cake with apple to make a delicious Apple Cherry Dump Cake combination.
  • Fruit Bruschetta: With fresh berries and basil, this yummy Fruit Bruschetta makes a delicious homemade dessert idea with a sugar cookie base.

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Printable Crockpot Dump Cake Recipe

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (10)

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake

This easy Crockpot Apple Dump Cake is an awesome dessert that is a quick take on apple pie. With apple pie filling, cinnamon, butter and boxed cake mix, this dessert takes just 5 minutes to put together and you can let the slow cooker do the rest of the work!

4.50 from 2 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 -8 servings

Calories: 661kcal

Author: Sharon Garofalow

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a crockpot, add 2 cans of apple pie filling.

  • Sprinkle on cinnamon and use a spatula to mix.

  • Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.

  • Top with melted butter.

  • Cover the slow cooker bowl with a double layer of paper towel before putting the lid on.

  • Cook for 2 hours.

Notes

Double-check your apple pie filling to see if it already has cinnamon.

Don't skip the paper towels! This catches condensation so that a beautiful cake mix crust can form on top.

Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream or even caramel sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 661kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 910mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 51g

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Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (11)

Whether you’re serving this delicious Crockpot Apple Dump Cake at a party or just enjoying a simple dessert after dinner, I guarantee this easy recipe will be a hit.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? ›

However, anyone well-versed in the ways of the dump cake will tell you that there is one rule you should never break when making a dump cake. Since it's not a step that you'll ever see in most other cake recipes, it can be easily missed. The mistake to avoid is simple: Don't mix it.

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey? ›

Yes! Is dump cake supposed to be runny? Compared to other kinds of cakes, dump cake does bake up a little less caky and little more gooey thanks to all of the delicious fruit. It has a similar consistency to a fruit cobbler or crisp and is served by the scoop rather than the slice!

Why is it called a dump cake? ›

A dump cake is an American dessert similar to a cobbler but with a cake-like topping. It is so named because it is prepared by "dumping" ingredients (typically canned fruit or pie filling, followed by a boxed cake mix) into a cake pan without mixing.

Why is my dump cake still powdery on top? ›

Yes, you should refrigerate dump cake once it's baked and cooled. Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Why is my dump cake powdery? If you've baked your dump cake and there's still cake mix powder on the top, it's likely because the butter wasn't evenly distributed on top of the cake.

What are the three common causes of failure in cakes? ›

A very common problem, and again one with a number of potential causes, the most common of which are as follows:
  • Insufficient aeration (from under mixing or not enough baking powder)
  • The batter is too stiff.
  • Flour is too strong.
  • Batter toughened (from over mixing or from recipe imbalance)

What happens if you stir dump cake? ›

For some reason, nearly every dump cake recipe insists that the ingredients are not to be stirred. (In fact, most recipes add extra emphasis to this instruction by writing it in all-caps: DO NOT STIR!!!) The result of this laissez-faire approach is a half-baked cake.

Do you have to refrigerate dump cake overnight? ›

No, you do not have to refrigerate Apple Dump Cake. It can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. I suggest refrigerating the dump cake, however, to prolong its freshness. Refrigerated dump can stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Do you dump cake from pan before or after cooling? ›

It's important to pay attention to the specifics called for in a recipe, but in general, most cakes are best removed from the pan after cooling for 10 to 20 minutes. Try it too soon, and it may fall apart. Wait too long, and it may stick.

What is another name for a dump cake? ›

Although there were a few uses of the term "dump cake" as far back as the 1920s, that was another nickname for so-called wacky cakes and crazy cakes, a type of make-do, eggless batters stirred together in the baking pan. Those cakes predate cake mixes, a necessity for contemporary dump cake recipes.

Why is my peach dump cake runny? ›

If using fresh peaches make sure they are not overly ripe – they'll produce way too much liquid, resulting in a runny dessert. Peel the skins off and slice them.

How do you store leftover dump cake? ›

Keep leftover cherry dump cake with pineapple in an airtight container so that the crumble doesn't get stale — and keep it refrigerated to keep the fruit fresh! Stored properly, you can enjoy it for up to 5 days. Eat the leftovers cold, right out of the fridge, or reheat pineapple cherry dump cake in the microwave.

Do bakers use box cake mix? ›

As a professional baker, I don't often use boxed mixes, but I appreciate how easily they bring a cake together. I think premade mixes are great for beginners gaining confidence around the kitchen and also for last-minute cake "emergencies."

Why is it called Texas cake? ›

The origins of this cake are murky. Some sources say it may have first shown up in a Texas newspaper, which is why it's called "Texas" sheet cake, while others claim the name comes from the fact that it's the size of Texas. Regardless of its origins, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser.

What are the common errors in cake making? ›

Common Cake Baking Mistakes
  • Too Dense. If you've ever baked a dense cake that never seems to rise properly, there are a few reasons why this can happen. ...
  • Cake Overflows. ...
  • A Sunken Cake. ...
  • Stuck to the Pan. ...
  • Crusty Edges. ...
  • Cake Batter is Too Stiff. ...
  • Fruit Falling to the Bottom. ...
  • Cake Sides Caving In.
May 23, 2022

What are common mistakes when baking a cake? ›

Common Baking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
  • Baking at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Not measuring ingredients. ...
  • Checking on your items too frequently. ...
  • Your ingredients are at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Your dough isn't rising. ...
  • Nothing is baking evenly. ...
  • Your dough or batter is too tough. ...
  • Wrap Up.

What can go wrong when making a cake? ›

7 Easy Errors That Mess up Your Cakes and How To Prevent Them
  1. Not Obeying the Order of Operations. ...
  2. Using Too Much Flour. ...
  3. Making Too Many Ingredient Substitutions. ...
  4. Using Ingredients at an Improper Temperature. ...
  5. Overmixing or Undermixing the Cake Batter. ...
  6. Using the Wrong Pan. ...
  7. Baking By Time Only.
Apr 29, 2021

Why do you not mix dump cakes? ›

Again, do NOT mix.

It might look silly and feel counter-productive, but it's the trick to ensuring a crusty, crumbly, buttery top, and a gooey interior. Alternatively, some recipes will call for melting the stick of butter and drizzling it evenly over the entire portion of dry cake mix instead of using cold butter.

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