Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Cake

A Crock—Pot spiced apple dump cake is the ultimate dessert for busy days when you want something warm and comforting but do not have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just five ingredients and hands—off cooking, it is one of those dependable treats you can start before dinner and come back to the sweet aroma of cinnamon apples filling your home. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or easy weeknight indulgence, this cake always comes out bubbling, soft in the middle, and crisp on top.

I first whipped this up after a last minute dinner guest announcement on a chilly fall evening, and now it is my go to dessert for family game nights and autumn gatherings. No one ever guesses how simple it is.

Ingredients

• Boxed Spice Cake Mix: You want a moist cake base with warming spices Look for mixes where cinnamon nutmeg and cloves are listed high in the ingredients for the best flavor
• Canned Apple Pie Filling: Choose a filling with plenty of apple slices and a glossy syrup Avoid brands with mushy apples or too much added sugar
• Unsalted Butter, Melted: This holds the topping together and creates a buttery crust Always use unsalted so you can control the saltiness
• Quick Cooking Oats: These give structure and a little chew to contrast the soft apple filling Old fashioned oats do not work as well here
• Walnuts, Chopped (Optional): But they add crunch and nuttiness Look for fresh walnuts that smell sweet not rancid

Instructions

Mix the Topping:

In a large bowl thoroughly blend the dry spice cake mix quick cooking oats and melted unsalted butter with a fork or spoon Keep stirring until all the dry spots are gone and the mixture looks crumbly but evenly moist

Layer the Apples:

Add both cans of apple pie filling to the bottom of a five to six quart slow cooker Use a spatula to spread it evenly creating a uniform layer that touches the edges This ensures every bite has apples

Top with Crumble:

Sprinkle the cake mix and oat topping generously over the apples Try to distribute it as evenly as possible but do not pack it down Scatter the chopped walnuts over the top if using This layer creates that crisp buttery crust on top

Slow Cook the Cake:

Place the lid on your slow cooker Set it to HIGH and let everything cook undisturbed for about two hours When the edge is bubbling and the top is golden brown it is done The cake should be set but still soft in the center

Serve:

Spoon the warm cake into bowls for gooey comforting servings For an extra treat top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream Let it cool if you prefer firmer slices

Pin it

For me the oats give this cake an extra rustic touch and remind me of my grandma’s apple crisp She loved the way the topping caramelizes against the slow cooked apples This dessert always transports me back to her cozy kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The cake reheats beautifully in the microwave or you can pop a portion back into the slow cooker on low to warm gently If you like a crispier topping reheat uncovered in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of spice cake you can use yellow cake mix and add your own mix of cinnamon nutmeg and a little ground ginger If you do not have walnuts try pecans or skip the nuts altogether For a dairy free version use a vegan butter

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious both warm and cold A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts into the spiced apples perfectly For fall or winter brunches serve with thick Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey A sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving brings the flavor up a notch

Cultural or Historical Context

Dump cakes have deep roots in American home cooking especially in regions where potluck desserts are a tradition The technique of layering pantry staples and letting the oven or crock pot do the work made them a favorite among busy families during the mid twentieth century The marriage of apples and spices in this cake is a nod to classic harvest season flavors

Pin it

Enjoy every cozy bite — this dessert will become a staple for special gatherings and lazy weekend treats. Keep the ingredients handy so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute canned apple pie filling with peeled and diced fresh apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon. Adjust sweetness to taste.

→ Do I have to use walnuts?

No, walnuts are optional. Feel free to skip them or use pecans for a different crunch, or omit nuts entirely.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the ingredients can be assembled in the slow cooker insert and refrigerated until ready to cook.

→ What toppings work best with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are classic choices that complement the warm, spiced flavors excellently.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.