Warm apples, gooey caramel, and a golden cake topping—this Crockpot Apple Caramel Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that makes your home smell like fall in the best way. With just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a hands-off treat that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, cozy movie night, or just want something sweet without fussing with the oven, this recipe is about to become your go-to.
Crockpot Apple Caramel Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 40 oz apple pie filling about 2 cans
- 1 ½ cups caramel squares halved; or substitute with caramel sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix spice cake mix can be used for variation
- ½ cup butter melted; salted or unsalted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar topping
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar topping
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
- Scatter the halved caramel squares evenly over the apples.
- Pour the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel layer. Gently pat it down without stirring.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or on low for 4–5 hours, until the cake topping is golden.
- Scoop into bowls and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort in Every Bite
When apples and caramel meet under a blanket of buttery cake, magic happens. The crockpot turns the filling into a bubbling, cinnamon-spiced hug, while the cake mix transforms into a crisp-topped, soft-centered crust. This is one of those Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes that feels indulgent without requiring much effort.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
At its heart, this is the definition of Minimal Ingredient Baking—just canned apple pie filling, caramel candies, boxed cake mix, butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Nothing fancy, no long grocery lists, and yet the payoff tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
A Dump Cake Shortcut You’ll Love
If you’ve ever made a dump cake, you know the appeal: dump, layer, and let heat do the rest. This one leans into all the best Dump Cake Hacks—boxed cake mix as a topping, caramel squares for chewy bursts of sweetness, and butter to crisp everything together.
Perfect for Fall and Holidays
Think of it as the dessert version of a cozy blanket. As far as Fall Comfort Foods go, this cake ranks high—it’s warm, spiced, and just begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Even better? It doubles as one of those Easy Potluck Desserts you can bring to Friendsgiving or Christmas. Transport it right in the crockpot, plug it in, and serve warm.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Apple Pie Filling (40 oz / about 2 cans): The base of this cake. You can swap with homemade apple pie filling if you’ve got apples to use up.
- Caramel Squares (1 ½ cups, halved): Adds chewy, melty bursts of caramel. Out of caramel candies? Try drizzling caramel sauce in layers instead.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): The classic topping. Spice cake mix works beautifully if you want extra warm flavor.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Creates that golden crust. Salted or unsalted both work—use what’s in your fridge.
- Cinnamon Sugar (2 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon): Brings cozy spice and a touch of crunch.
This is Budget-Friendly Baking at its best—no gourmet ingredients required, just everyday staples that stretch into a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot
Grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps cleanup later. - Layer the Apples
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom. This creates the juicy base. - Add the Caramels
Scatter halved caramel squares over the apples. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of sweetness. - Top with Cake Mix
Pour the dry cake mix evenly across the caramel layer. Gently pat it down—don’t stir. - Pour the Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring as much coverage as possible. - Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover with the lid. Cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours, until the cake topping is golden. - Serve Warm
Scoop into bowls and pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This is one of those Warm Dessert + Ice Cream Pairings that hits every note.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Spice Cake Mix Swap: For extra autumn flavor, swap yellow cake mix for spice cake.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for texture.
- Caramel Sauce Finish: Drizzle extra caramel sauce before serving for even more indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Crockpot Recipes: Assemble everything earlier in the day, set the crockpot, and enjoy dessert exactly when you need it.
- Holiday Dessert Ideas: Bring it to Thanksgiving as an alternative to pie or add it to a Christmas dessert spread alongside Pecan Pie Balls.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Scoop into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or back in the crockpot on low.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk if reheating to keep the filling moist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes! Just peel, slice, and toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a little cornstarch before layering. It won’t be quite as saucy, but it will taste wonderfully fresh.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely. Use a 7–8 qt crockpot, double the ingredients, and add about 30 extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for big family gatherings.
What’s the best cake mix to use?
Yellow cake mix is classic, but spice cake adds cozy flavor. White or butter pecan cake mixes also work and give fun twists.
How do I keep the cake topping from getting soggy?
Make sure to drizzle butter evenly over the cake mix, and avoid stirring the layers. Keeping the lid on during cooking also helps maintain texture.
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