Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

If you love desserts that are warm, gooey, and filled with comforting spices, then this Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Dump Cake recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s an easy dessert that uses just a few pantry staples like boxed spice cake mix and canned apple pie filling, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. The slow cooker does all the work while you sit back and enjoy the incredible aroma filling your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a cozy sweet treat, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

My recipe story

I first made this spiced apple dump cake on a crisp autumn afternoon when I wanted a dessert that was both easy and comforting. I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but I still wanted something that tasted homemade and special. That’s when I discovered the magic of combining spice cake mix with canned apple pie filling in a Crock-Pot. The results were incredible—a perfectly moist, flavorful cake with layers of tender apples, topped with buttery oats and walnuts for a satisfying crunch. Since then, this recipe has been a family favorite and is now a staple at our fall gatherings and holiday parties.

Ingredient breakdown

One of the best parts about this Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Dump Cake is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully in the slow cooker.

The boxed spice cake mix is the star ingredient, bringing warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves without the hassle of measuring multiple spices. Combined with the canned apple pie filling, it creates a luscious, fruit-filled base that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake. The melted butter ensures the cake mix cooks evenly, transforming it into a moist, tender layer instead of staying dry and crumbly. Quick-cooking oats add a rustic, chewy texture that balances the softness of the apples, while walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Altogether, these ingredients make this recipe a comforting classic.

And don’t worry—if you want to make small adjustments, this recipe is highly flexible. You can swap the walnuts for pecans, add dried cranberries, or even use homemade apple pie filling for a more personalized touch. The beauty of this dessert is that it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Equipment you’ll need

• Crock-Pot or slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board (if using fresh apples or chopping nuts)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crock-Pot. Lightly grease the inside of your Crock-Pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This step ensures that the cake comes out easily and makes cleanup much quicker afterward.

Step 2: Layer the apple pie filling. Open your canned apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the Crock-Pot. This will serve as the fruity base of your dessert, soaking up the warm spices as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the dry cake mix. Sprinkle the boxed spice cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling. Don’t stir—just let the dry mix sit on top. The moisture from the apples and the butter will transform the cake mix as it bakes.

Step 4: Drizzle with melted butter. Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This step is essential because it helps the cake mix cook properly, preventing dry spots and creating a rich, moist texture throughout the cake.

Step 5: Add oats and walnuts. Sprinkle the quick-cooking oats and chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the buttered cake mix. This creates a crunchy, golden topping that balances the softness of the apples below.

Step 6: Cook the cake. Cover the Crock-Pot with its lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the cake is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and slows down the cooking process.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Once finished, spoon the warm cake into bowls and serve as is, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you can swap the spice cake mix with yellow cake mix and add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a milder flavor. Pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be used instead of walnuts for different textures. If you prefer fresh fruit, peel and slice about six medium apples and toss them with sugar and cinnamon before layering them in place of canned apple pie filling. You could even try pear pie filling for a unique twist on this classic dessert. For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This spiced apple dump cake stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or place in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze portions of the cake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re planning ahead for a party, you can assemble the ingredients in your Crock-Pot insert and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 12 hours, then cook it fresh before serving.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dessert shines on its own, but it becomes unforgettable when paired with the right accompaniments. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing or with caramel drizzle and whipped cream for an over-the-top treat. For a seasonal twist, pair it with pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider. It’s also fantastic as a brunch dessert with coffee or tea. For holiday gatherings, you can even pair it with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham to balance out the flavors of your meal.

FAQ

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes, simply slice fresh apples, toss with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice, and layer them in place of canned filling.

Do I need to stir the ingredients together?
No, this is a true “dump” cake. The layers cook together perfectly without stirring.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but cooking on low for 3–4 hours gives better results. On high, it may finish in 2 hours but can dry out the topping.

What can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or even no nuts at all work fine. Sunflower seeds also make a nut-free alternative.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free cake mix and ensuring your oats are gluten-free.

Final thoughts

This Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Dump Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With minimal effort, you get a dessert that’s warm, cozy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around the table. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of spiced apples fill your home—you won’t regret it.

Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm, comforting dessert made with spiced cake mix, apple pie filling, buttery oats, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or weeknight treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 29 ounces canned apple pie filling (2 cans)
• 16.5 ounces boxed spice cake mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Lightly grease the Crock-Pot with butter or cooking spray. 
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the Crock-Pot. 
3. Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apples without stirring. 
4. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. 
5. Top with oats and walnuts for added crunch. 
6. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, until the cake topping is golden and cooked through. 
7. Serve warm, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

This cake is best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce or pair with a hot cup of coffee.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American