Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
Warm, cozy, nostalgic, and unbelievably easy—this Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a secret weapon. With just three core ingredients and almost no hands-on time, it delivers everything people crave in a homemade dessert: tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a buttery cake topping that forms magically as it cooks. It’s the dessert you make when you want maximum reward for minimum effort, and it’s no surprise this recipe earns repeat appearances all winter long.
Often described as apple pie’s laid-back cousin, this dump cake skips the fuss of crusts and precise measurements. Instead, everything is layered directly into the slow cooker, where gentle heat transforms pantry staples into a bubbling, spoonable masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, feeding a crowd on a busy weeknight, or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe delivers every single time.
Ingredients (And Why Each One Matters)
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling – This is the flavorful foundation of the dessert. Apple pie filling provides tender apple slices suspended in a sweet, spiced sauce that becomes even richer as it cooks. It eliminates peeling, chopping, and seasoning while guaranteeing consistent results.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (dry) – The magic ingredient. When sprinkled dry over the apples, the cake mix absorbs moisture and butter during cooking, creating a soft, cobbler-like topping with lightly crisp edges. Yellow cake mix offers a neutral, buttery flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Butter is what transforms the dry cake mix into a rich, tender topping. It adds moisture, flavor, and those irresistible golden patches on top. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall flavor.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – While apple pie filling is already spiced, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon deepens the warmth and aroma, making the dessert even more comforting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 5–6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Layer the apples: Spoon both cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them into an even layer. If using cinnamon, sprinkle it evenly over the apples for extra warmth and fragrance.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer. Do not stir. Keeping the layers separate is key to achieving the signature dump cake texture.
- Drizzle with butter: Slowly pour the melted butter over the surface of the cake mix, aiming to moisten as much of it as possible. A few dry patches are fine—they’ll hydrate as the cake cooks.
- Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The cake is done when the top looks set, the edges are lightly golden, and the apples are bubbling underneath.
- Rest and serve: Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
This recipe has earned its cult following for good reason. It’s:
- Effortless: No mixing bowls, no fancy techniques, no stress.
- Reliable: It turns out delicious every single time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive, widely available ingredients.
- Perfect for crowds: Easily serves 6–8 people and stays warm in the slow cooker.
- Comforting: Warm apples, butter, and cake are universally loved.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Even butter distribution matters: Pour slowly and evenly to avoid large dry patches of cake mix.
- Leave the lid on: Resist lifting the lid during cooking—trapped steam helps cook the topping evenly.
- Want crispier edges? Prop the lid slightly ajar for the last 20–30 minutes to allow moisture to escape.
- Customize the sweetness: Replace one can of pie filling with sliced fresh apples tossed in a little sugar and cinnamon for a less-sweet, more textured dessert.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cinnamon dump cake truly shines when served warm. For the ultimate experience, pair it with:
- Vanilla ice cream – The classic choice. The cold cream melts into the warm cake, creating a luscious sauce.
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream – Airy and elegant.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt – A slightly tangy, lighter alternative.
- Caramel drizzle – For an indulgent caramel-apple twist.
Serve alongside a mug of strong coffee, black tea, or spiced chai to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Simple, Cozy, and Completely Irresistible
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake proves that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. With pantry staples, minimal prep, and foolproof results, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—especially during the colder months. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dump cake delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Few recipes offer this level of simplicity with such rich, nostalgic flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a true crowd-pleaser—and why there’s absolutely no shame in making it twice a week.
