Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This easy slow cooker caramel apple dump cake combines sweet apple pie filling, gooey caramel, and buttery cake mix for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. With minimal prep and pantry staples, it’s the perfect fuss-free treat for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Nonstick spray or parchment/slow cooker liner
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 4-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper or a slow cooker liner.
- Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly. If desired, add a peeled, sliced fresh apple for extra texture.
- Sprinkle caramel bits or chopped soft caramels evenly over the apples. Add ground cinnamon and vanilla extract if using.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the caramel-apple layer. Do not mix.
- Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible. A few dry spots are okay.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours or on LOW for about 4 hours, until the cake topping is set and the edges are golden and bubbling.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake sit with the lid off for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a GF yellow cake mix. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and check caramel ingredients. Don’t stir the layers—keep them separate for best texture. If dry spots remain after cooking, drizzle with extra melted butter. Add a splash of bourbon or apple brandy for a grown-up twist. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 390
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: slow cooker, dump cake, caramel apple, easy dessert, crockpot, fall dessert, apple dessert, potluck, comfort food, cake mix recipe