Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly effortless and irresistibly delicious dessert: the **Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake**. This isn’t just any apple dessert; it’s a testament to simplicity and flavor, requiring only **three core ingredients** and minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a warm, comforting treat, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, delivering a scrumptious, spiced apple cake that tastes like pure autumn bliss.
Discover the Magic of 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
Imagine a dessert that evokes all the cozy feelings of fall—the crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples baking to perfection. This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake captures that essence beautifully. It’s a dessert so straightforward, it earned its name from the simple act of “dumping” all the ingredients into a slow cooker and letting time work its magic. No complex mixing, no endless dirty dishes, just pure, unadulterated dessert joy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach without compromising on taste. The combination of pre-made apple pie filling, a flavorful apple cinnamon muffin mix, and rich melted butter creates a symphony of textures and tastes. The apples soften to perfection, infused with cinnamon, while the muffin mix transforms into a moist, cake-like topping with a delightful golden crust. It’s a foolproof recipe designed for anyone, from novice bakers to seasoned home cooks looking for a stress-free option.
“Thank you for this recipe. I loved that I could make this dessert in the crock pot and I could make dinner while this would be waiting, nice and warm for us, after our meal. So good!”
– Mary
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Dump Cakes
A dump cake is a delightfully simple dessert, aptly named because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish (or, in our case, a slow cooker) without any pre-mixing or complicated steps. Typically, it involves a fruit base, a dry cake or muffin mix, and butter, which melts down to create a rich, moist topping. It’s the ultimate lazy baker’s dream, yielding incredibly scrumptious results with minimal effort. This makes it a fantastic option for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need a quick dessert without monopolizing your oven.
While apple cinnamon muffin mix (like Martha White or Jiffy brands) provides that perfect autumnal spice, you have several excellent alternatives. If you can find an Apple Cider muffin mix, it would work wonderfully. You’ll need approximately 14 ounces in total, but don’t worry if it’s slightly more or less; dump cakes are very forgiving. Alternatively, a boxed cake mix is a fantastic substitute. A spice cake mix would be ideal, as its warm spices perfectly complement the apple filling. Other cake mix flavors like yellow cake, vanilla, or even a white cake mix can be used, though you might consider adding an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. The key is to use a dry mix, allowing the butter to seep through and create that signature dump cake texture.
Knowing when your dump cake is done in the slow cooker is fairly straightforward. You’ll observe the dry muffin mix gradually absorbing the melted butter, transforming from a powdery texture into a golden, cake-like crust. The apples underneath will be tender and bubbling, indicating they are hot and thoroughly cooked. To be absolutely sure, you can perform the classic toothpick test: insert a toothpick or fork into the cake portion. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, or completely clean, your cake is ready. If you see runny batter, it needs a bit more cooking time. The top should appear lightly browned and set, not wet or excessively gooey.
Absolutely! While the traditional “dump” method involves pouring melted butter over the dry mix, many people prefer to combine the butter and dry muffin or cake mix first to create a streusel-like topping. This approach ensures a more uniform coverage and can lead to a slightly crunchier, more evenly baked crust. Simply mix the melted butter into the dry mix until it forms coarse crumbs, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple filling. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose whichever one you prefer; this recipe is incredibly adaptable!
This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake is a fantastic canvas for customization! To deepen the apple flavor, stir in about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a half teaspoon of apple pie spice directly into the apple pie filling before adding the muffin mix. For a festive twist, dried cranberries (Craisins) or golden raisins can be mixed into the apple filling, adding a chewy texture and tart sweetness. If you love a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling about a half cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sliced almonds over the dry muffin mix before adding the butter. These additions contribute wonderful texture and an extra layer of flavor that complements the spiced apples beautifully. You could even drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra decadent touch!
Yes, absolutely! While the slow cooker offers hands-off convenience, this recipe bakes beautifully in a conventional oven. Simply grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, dump in your apple pie filling, sprinkle with the muffin mix, and drizzle with melted butter, just as you would for the slow cooker version. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning, and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Leftover Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake stores wonderfully! Once cooled, transfer any remaining cake to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger quantity in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, this dump cake freezes exceptionally well. Simply place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s almost as good as fresh!
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Dump Cake
Creating this delightful slow cooker apple dump cake requires just a few pantry staples. The simplicity of the ingredient list makes it incredibly accessible and a go-to for impromptu dessert cravings.
- Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix: This is the star of the dry ingredients, providing both structure and a burst of spiced apple flavor. Brands like Martha White or Jiffy are popular choices. Remember, if you can’t find this specific flavor, apple cider muffin mix or a plain spice cake mix, yellow cake mix, or even vanilla cake mix (with added spices) will work beautifully.
- Apple Pie Filling: Pre-made apple pie filling is your shortcut to an amazing fruit base. Two 21-ounce cans are typically sufficient for a standard slow cooker. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand, or if you have time, a homemade apple pie filling would elevate the flavor even further. For those mindful of sugar intake, sugar-free options are also a viable choice and won’t compromise the texture.
- Butter: Real butter is crucial here; avoid margarine as it can alter the texture and flavor. You’ll need about ½ cup (one stick) of butter, melted or sliced into thin pats. If you’re using unsalted butter, adding a small pinch (about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon) of salt to the dry mix or the apple filling can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste. The butter is what transforms the dry mix into a rich, golden, and moist cake topping.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
Preparing this indulgent dessert couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, spiced apple cake ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of a 4-6 quart slow cooker (Crock Pot) with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Layer the Apple Filling: Carefully pour two (21 ounce) cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Spread the filling evenly across the base, creating a consistent layer for the cake topping.
- Add the Muffin Mix: Evenly sprinkle the contents of two (7 ounce) packets of apple cinnamon muffin mix over the apple pie filling. Try to distribute the dry mix as uniformly as possible, avoiding thick clumps in any one area. This ensures even cooking and a consistent cake texture.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour the ½ cup (1 stick) of melted salted butter over the entire surface of the muffin mix. Don’t worry if the butter doesn’t completely cover every speck of dry mix; it will spread as it cooks. Alternatively, you can slice the stick of butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the muffin mix. As the slow cooker heats, the butter will melt and seep into the cake mix, creating a rich, moist topping.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 5 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s specific model and heat distribution. During this time, the muffin mix will transform into a cake, and the apple pie filling will become wonderfully bubbly and tender. The top should appear cooked through and lightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, turn off your slow cooker. For the best experience, serve the Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake warm. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes for an absolutely irresistible combination. The contrast between the warm, spiced cake and the cold, creamy topping is pure heaven!
Craving More Easy Recipes?
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake, you’re in for a treat! Explore more easy and satisfying recipes:
- Cherry Dump Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
- Blueberry Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Oreo Dump Cake
- Peach Dump Cake
- Apple Dapple Cake
- Muffin Mix Waffles
- Easy Apple Cobbler
- Apple Surprise Cake
- Irish Apple Cake
- 40 Fall Apple Recipes
Originally published: November 2015
Updated photos and republished: August 2024
Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
This Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake is an incredibly easy 3-ingredient dessert that combines apple cinnamon muffin mix, sweet apple pie filling, and rich melted butter. Simply dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it create a warm, spiced, and delicious treat!
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Ingredients
- 2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling (sugar-free option available)
- 2 (7 ounce) packets Martha White Apple Cinnamon muffin mix (or preferred brand/substitute)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted or cut into slices
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 4-6 quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour in 2 (21 ounce) cans of apple pie filling, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Evenly sprinkle 2 (7 ounce) packets of Martha White Apple Cinnamon muffin mix on top of the apple pie filling.
- Pour ½ cup (1 stick) of melted salted butter over the entire muffin mix. (Alternatively, you can slice the butter and place it evenly over the mix.)
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until the muffin mix is fully cooked and the apple pie filling is bubbling through.
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Notes
- For more details on substitutions, common questions, and additional tips, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and ingredient list sections above.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 425kcal |
Carbohydrates: 49g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 24g |
Sodium: 569mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 30g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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