This Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake recipe is the fall dessert of all fall desserts! This easy apple dump cake recipe begins with spiced cake mix and fresh apples, making this a simple slow cooker dessert you can set and forget! Aaaand a video below!
So, at what point is it not too early to listen Christmas music?
I’m asking for a friend…
I mean, mid-October isn’t that weird when you consider the fact the majority of the stores already have some of their Christmas inventory out, right? And, after this post, I’ve now seen a second Christmas commercial. So it’s only reasonable that Christmas music, Peppermint Mocha Donuts (and Pep Mocha Cupcakes), and Apple Pie Cupcakes (Sayyy whaaa??) make a daily weekly appearance.
And Hallmark is planning on starting their cheesy-but-lovable-Christmas-movie-two-month-marathon-extravaganza in a couple of weeks (don’t ask how I know this), so listening to a little holly jolly music a few weeks early is practically nothing…
Please don’t judge me (for that 👆 or for showing you the best, easiest slow cooker dessert in the world).
All right, so if we’re going to be honest, ‘dump’ is not necessarily an appealing word. Saying things like, ‘hey, want some dump cake?’ doesn’t really bring to mind warm, fuzzy feelings of maybe wanting to eat your feelings in delicious cake.
I was first introduced to dump cake in college, and was pretty confused by the name until I realized it came from the fact that you dump all of the ingredients into a dish. Clever, yeah? So, this cake is practical and ridiculously easy.
The video says it all.
Probably the most genius kitchen appliance there is.
Make this. You won’t regret it.
- 2 cups chopped apples I used Jonagold apples, but any kind would be fine
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 box spice cake mix yellow or white would work as well, it just won't have as much spiced flavor
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Spray the bottom of a slow cooker with baking spray (I used a 3.5 quart crock-pot, but a 4 or 4.5 quart would be fine). Add apples to the bottom of the dish in an even layer.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Pour apple cider over the apples.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the apples.
- Pour butter over the cake mix.
- Place lid on slow cooker.**
- Cook on high for 3 1/2 - 4 hours (until there isn't any dry cake mix and the middle of the cake looks set).
- Best when served warm. Add ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
- Enjoy!
**You can place a paper towel between the lid and the slow cooker if you are worried about condensation dripping on the cake. My slow cooker lid has a hole in it to release condensation, so I did not need a paper towel.
Favorite tools I used in this recipe:
Here are some other favorite apple recipes:
Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says
Slow cooker desserts are the best! I bet this smells amazing while it cooks!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
What a perfect fall dessert! Love anything apple!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
I absolutely love that this is made in the slow cooker – I must try it!
Krista says
Thank you for planning my dessert this weekend! love this!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I want to make this for Thanksgiving dinner so bad! I bet it’s amazing with vanilla ice cream
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
The words “dump cake” have always amused me! 😀 But mannnnn… is it delicious! Love that this one is made in the slow cooker!
Stephanie says
I’m looking for a dessert to bring to a Christmas potluck. Love the idea of being able to bring something warm to the party! Plus I love how easy and delicious this recipe is! Could I use canned apples instead of fresh? Or would that make it too sweet?