Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake (Warm, Gooey & Crowd-Pleasing)

This Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert: sweet, sticky, buttery, and made with just a few pantry staples. Layers of tender apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, buttery cake mix, and a touch of cinnamon transform into a bubbling, golden slow-cooked dessert that’s pure fall comfort in a bowl.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, planning a casual weeknight treat, or simply want an easy dessert with minimal effort, this dump cake delivers all the cozy vibes without turning on the oven.

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Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This slow cooker dessert is:

• Effortless – Just dump, layer, and let the Crockpot do the work

• Full of fall flavor – Apples, caramel, cinnamon, and buttery cake

• Perfect for feeding a crowd – Great for potlucks, holidays, or lazy Sundays

• Customizable – Add nuts, spices, or serve with toppings

• Delicious warm or cold – Even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

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Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need

Apple Pie Filling (Canned or Homemade)

• Sweet, spiced apples in syrup form the fruity base

• You’ll need two 21-oz cans

• Optional: add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor

Caramel Sauce

• Adds richness and a gooey texture throughout the cake

• Use ½ to ¾ cup jarred caramel sauce, or homemade if you have it

• For a deeper flavor, choose salted caramel

Yellow Cake Mix

• The “cake” part of the dump cake

• Acts like a buttery cobbler topping as it cooks

• Do not mix the cake mix with eggs or liquid—just sprinkle it dry

Butter (Unsalted)

• Essential for creating that golden, buttery top

• Use ¾ cup (1½ sticks), melted or thinly sliced over the cake mix

• Helps hydrate the dry cake mix and form a crusty topping

Optional Additions:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts – For crunch

• Cinnamon or pumpkin spice – For extra autumn flavor

• Sea salt flakes – To balance sweetness

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

• Lightly grease your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray

• A 6-quart Crockpot is ideal for even cooking

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

1. Apple Pie Filling – Dump two cans into the bottom of the Crockpot and spread evenly

2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle ½ to ¾ cup over the apples

3. Optional spices – Sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

4. Cake Mix – Sprinkle one box (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix evenly over the filling

5. Butter – Pour ¾ cup melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix OR slice cold butter and lay evenly across the top

Step 3: Cook

• Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 4 hours

• Or cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours

• You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling

Step 4: Serve

• Spoon warm cake into bowls

• Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel drizzle

• Serve warm for best texture

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips:

• Don’t stir after layering – The magic happens when each layer cooks undisturbed

• Use parchment paper or slow cooker liner for easier cleanup

• Let the cake rest for 15 minutes with the lid off before serving—it thickens as it cools

Flavor Variations:

• Salted Caramel – Use salted caramel sauce and add a pinch of flaky salt

• Spiced Apple Cake – Use spice cake mix instead of yellow

• Maple twist – Add 1 tbsp maple syrup with the caramel for depth

• Crunchy topping – Sprinkle with chopped nuts or crushed gingersnaps before serving

Substitutions:

• Apple pie filling → Use sliced fresh apples + ⅓ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch + cinnamon

• Yellow cake mix → Try spice cake, white cake, or even butter pecan

• Caramel sauce → Use dulce de leche or butterscotch for a twist

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Perfect With:

• Vanilla ice cream (melts into the warm cake perfectly)

• Whipped cream

• Toasted nuts for crunch

• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or extra caramel drizzle

Best For:

• Thanksgiving dessert table

• Fall potlucks or game nights

• Sunday family dinners

• Lazy day baking without the oven

This is one of those desserts that tastes like it took hours to make—but you barely lifted a finger.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dessert is rich and indulgent—perfect for sharing and celebrating. Each serving (based on 10) provides:

• Calories: ~380–420

• Fat: ~18–22g

• Carbs: ~55–60g

• Sugar: ~35–40g

• Protein: ~2–4g

To lighten it up:

• Use low-sugar apple pie filling

• Drizzle less caramel or use a sugar-free version

• Serve with plain Greek yogurt instead of ice cream

It’s a treat, so enjoy it mindfully and share with friends or family.

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FAQ: Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Can I make this with fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes. Use about 5–6 cups thinly sliced apples, mix with ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp cinnamon before adding to the Crockpot.

2. Do I need to mix the cake mix?

No. The beauty of a dump cake is that you don’t mix anything. Just layer the ingredients and let them cook.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, in an 8-quart or larger Crockpot, you can double the recipe. Cook on low for 4½ to 5 hours or until bubbly and set.

4. Can I bake this in the oven?

Absolutely. Assemble in a 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

5. Will the cake have a crumbly top or soft texture?

The top becomes crispy and golden in spots, with gooey, soft areas beneath—kind of like a cobbler-meets-cake hybrid.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or Crockpot.

7. Can I freeze dump cake?

Yes. Let cool completely, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

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