Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is a simple and comforting dessert perfect for cozy nights. With tender apples, a buttery cake topping, and warm cinnamon, it’s a fuss-free treat that feels homemade without the effort.

A close-up view of a black slow cooker filled with a homemade apple dessert. The dish has chunky golden-yellow apple pieces mixed with a thick, shiny brown sauce that looks sticky and sweet. On top, there is a crumbly layer of light golden brown crust crumbs, adding a rough texture that covers the apples unevenly. The black edge of the slow cooker contrasts with the warm colors of the dessert inside. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface and a faintly visible peach-colored fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (dry mix only)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for extra warmth

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Spoon the apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer. If using, sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apples.
  3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple layer. Do not stir; this layering helps create the cobbler-like topping.
  4. Step 4: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the surface of the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. A few dry spots are fine, as steam from the apples will hydrate the mix during cooking.
  5. Step 5: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The cake is done when the topping is set and mostly cooked through, with golden edges and bubbling apples underneath.
  6. Step 6: Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert rest, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, either on its own or with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

  • For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the cake mix before drizzling the butter.
  • Try swapping the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix for even more cinnamon and warm spice flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the apple pie filling to one can and add fresh sliced apples for more natural tartness.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. For best texture, enjoy the cake shortly after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a slow cooker filled with a warm apple dessert. Inside, there are thick chunks of soft yellow apples covered with a golden, crumbly topping that looks moist and slightly syrupy. The layers include the cooked apple pieces sitting in a rich caramel-colored sauce, topped by a crumbly, lightly browned streusel that has a coarse texture. The slow cooker itself is black with a shiny finish, resting on a wooden surface. In the blurred background, some yellow apples are visible. The photo is bright and focused on the dessert inside the slow cooker. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh apples peeled and sliced. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice before layering. The cooking time may need a bit of adjusting to ensure the apples become tender.

Do I need to stir the layers before or after cooking?

No stirring is needed. The dry cake mix on top cooks into a cakey, slightly crisp topping while the apples bubble underneath, creating a cobbler-like texture that you don’t want to disturb.

Print
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Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (using HIGH setting)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is an effortless and comforting dessert that combines sweet apple pie filling with a buttery yellow cake topping. Prepared by layering ingredients in a slow cooker and cooking until golden and bubbly, it offers a warm, cinnamon-infused treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Layer

  • 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Cake Topping

  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (dry mix only)

Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or spread a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Layer the apple filling: Spoon the apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the apples to enhance the warm spice flavor.
  3. Add the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple layer. Do not stir to maintain the contrast between moist apples and dry cake mix, which creates the cobbler-like topping.
  4. Drizzle with butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix surface, moistening as much of the mix as possible. It’s okay if some dry spots remain as the steam from the apples will hydrate them during cooking.
  5. Cook the cake: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the topping is set, golden, and slightly crisp at the edges with bubbling apples underneath.
  6. Rest and serve: Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm by spooning into bowls, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Do not stir the layers once combined to maintain the distinctive texture between filling and topping.
  • Using a slow cooker between 5 to 6 quarts is ideal to ensure proper cooking and heating.
  • The cinnamon is optional but highly recommended for extra warmth and flavor depth.
  • Letting the cake rest after cooking helps it thicken and set for easier serving.
  • For a richer dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours on HIGH or 4 to 5 hours on LOW
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple dump cake, slow cooker dessert, easy apple dessert, dump cake recipe, cinnamon apple cake, slow cooker apple cake

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