Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Cozy, Low-Effort Comfort Dessert

This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the easiest way to get that warm, fall-inspired apple dessert without turning on your oven. You can set it up in minutes, let it cook low and slow, and end up with tender apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery cake topping. It’s family-friendly, great for gatherings, and makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that feels special with almost no fuss.

What Makes This Special

This dessert is all about simplicity and big flavor. You layer the ingredients right in the slow cooker—no mixing bowl needed—and the result tastes like a cross between apple pie and a warm cobbler. The caramel sauce melts into the apples as they cook, creating a rich, saucy base under a golden, buttery cake topping.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser that scales well and keeps warm for serving.

If you’re hosting, this is the no-stress dessert you want in your back pocket. Clean-up is easy, too, especially if you use a slow cooker liner.

What You’ll Need

• 2 (20-ounce) cans of apple pie filling (or about 5–6 cups homemade)
• 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/3 cup toffee bits
• For serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prep the slow cooker. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with butter or nonstick spray. A liner makes cleanup easier.
2. Layer the apples. Add the apple pie filling to the bottom.

   Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly.

3. Add caramel. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. If using nuts or toffee bits, sprinkle them on now.
4. Add the cake mix. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer.

   Don’t stir.

5. Finish with butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. A few dry spots are fine.
6. Cook. Cover and cook on High for 2 to 2.5 hours or on Low for 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The top should look set and buttery, with edges lightly golden.
7. Rest and serve. Turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 10–15 minutes to thicken.

   Spoon into bowls, drizzle with more caramel, and add ice cream or whipped cream.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The topping will soften, but the flavor stays great. Reheat portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm and saucy.

For the best texture, add a fresh drizzle of caramel and a scoop of ice cream right before serving.

If you need to keep it warm for a party, set your slow cooker to Warm for up to 1 hour after cooking.

Health Benefits

While this dessert is a treat, it does bring a few perks. Apples provide fiber and naturally occurring antioxidants, especially if you use a filling with fruit pieces and minimal syrup. Cinnamon adds warmth and is known for its potential benefits with blood sugar balance.

To lighten it up, choose a reduced-sugar apple pie filling, use less caramel, and swap half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

You’ll still get that cozy apple-caramel vibe with less richness.

What Not to Do

• Don’t stir the layers. Mixing will muddy the texture and prevent the cake topping from forming.
• Don’t skip the butter. It’s key to hydrating the cake mix and creating that golden, crisp-tender top.
• Don’t overcook. Too long and the edges can burn while the bottom gets overly gummy. Start checking at the earliest time.
• Don’t pour cake batter. You want the dry cake mix on top, not a prepared batter.
• Don’t leave the lid off. Lifting the lid frequently releases heat and adds 15–20 minutes to your cook time.

Recipe Variations

• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the finished dessert and add chopped pecans for texture.
• Spiced Chai Apple: Add ground cardamom and ginger to the apple filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Maple Brown Butter: Brown the butter first and mix in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup before drizzling over the cake mix.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow or spice cake mix. Keep an eye on cook time; some mixes set a bit faster.
• Extra Tart: Fold in 1–2 cups of chopped fresh Granny Smith apples with the pie filling for more bite.
• Apple Berry: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries or cranberries to the apple layer for a sweet-tart pop.

FAQ

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes.

Peel and slice 6–7 medium apples, toss with 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 2–3 tablespoons water or apple cider to help them cook down, then proceed with the caramel and cake mix.

Which cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is classic, but spice cake adds extra warmth. White cake is lighter and vanilla-forward.

Stick to a standard 15.25-ounce box for predictable results.

Can I make this ahead?

You can assemble the apple and caramel layers a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the dry cake mix and butter right before cooking so the topping doesn’t get soggy.

How do I know it’s done?

The top should look set with melted butter absorbed and edges lightly golden. If you press the center with a spoon, it should feel soft but not wet.

Some bubbling around the sides is normal.

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker works well. If yours is larger, the layer will be thinner and cook a bit faster. For a smaller cooker, reduce quantities slightly or watch the timing closely.

Can I make it without caramel?

Yes.

Skip the caramel and add 2 tablespoons extra butter to keep the topping tender. For flavor, try a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking.

Why is my topping powdery in spots?

Some dry patches happen. To help, drizzle the butter slowly and evenly, and lightly tap the cake mix with a spoon to settle it.

If needed, spritz any dry areas with a bit of cooking spray before cooking.

How do I avoid a soggy bottom?

Don’t add extra liquid to the apple layer, and avoid opening the lid while cooking. Let the dessert rest 10–15 minutes after cooking to thicken the juices.

Wrapping Up

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that makes everyone happy with almost no work. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for sharing, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a holiday dessert.

Keep a few pantry staples on hand, and you can whip this up anytime the craving hits. Add ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, and you’re set for a sweet, crowd-pleasing finish.