Description
This easy fall dessert combines gooey caramel, tender apples, and a buttery cake topping, all baked together in your slow cooker for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. Minimal prep and pantry staples make it perfect for busy autumn days or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
- Extra caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour caramel sauce or dulce de leche over the apples.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the apple-caramel layer. Do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts and ground cinnamon on top, if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the cake topping is set and lightly golden. (Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours.)
- Check for doneness; the cake layer should be set, not wet or doughy. If needed, cook for another 15-30 minutes.
- Let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and vegan caramel. Spice cake mix adds extra autumn flavor. If using fresh apples, peel and slice 4 cups, toss with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon flour. Let cake sit uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking for a crispier top. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 62
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: crockpot dessert, caramel apple dump cake, slow cooker cake, fall dessert, easy apple cake, dump cake recipe, autumn dessert, comfort food