Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most effortless and incredibly delicious dessert you’ll ever make! If you’re searching for a simple, hands-off recipe that promises a burst of heartwarming flavor, look no further than our sensational 3-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary revelation that combines the cozy essence of fall with the unparalleled convenience of your slow cooker. Prepare to be amazed by how little effort it takes to create a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Dump cakes have long been celebrated for their simplicity, and when paired with the magic of a crockpot, they transform into an absolute game-changer. Imagine a dessert that practically cooks itself, filling your home with the inviting aroma of baked apples and warm spices, all while you attend to other tasks. Our Apple Spice Dump Cake perfectly embodies this philosophy, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or simply when you crave a comforting treat without the fuss.
The Irresistible Allure of Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake
This particular recipe for Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake isn’t just easy; it’s legendary. Having been a favorite on our blog for over six years, it has stood the test of time, delighting countless families with its rich, moist texture and perfectly balanced flavors. We’re constantly refining and updating our content, and just as we did back in February 2014 when this recipe first debuted, we’re excited to share it again, now with refreshed images that truly capture its delicious appeal.
The beauty of this slow cooker dessert lies in its minimal ingredient list and straightforward preparation. You literally “dump” the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and let the appliance work its magic. The result is a warm, gooey, spiced apple cake with a tender, crumbly topping that is simply divine. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening and an instant crowd-plepleaser at any potluck or family dinner.
Why Choose a Crockpot for Your Dump Cake?
While traditional dump cakes can be baked in an oven, using a crockpot takes convenience to an entirely new level. The slow and steady heat of a slow cooker ensures even cooking, preventing dry edges and delivering a consistently moist and tender cake throughout. It also frees up your oven for other dishes, which is a huge advantage during holidays or when entertaining guests. Plus, the extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker baking methods.
Beyond the practical benefits, there’s something inherently comforting about a slow cooker dessert. The gentle bubbling and the gradual release of sweet, spicy aromas into your home create an inviting atmosphere. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it dessert, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with loved ones, knowing a delicious treat is slowly coming to perfection without constant supervision.
The Three Simple Ingredients That Make Magic
The secret to this incredibly easy Apple Spice Dump Cake lies in its brilliantly simple ingredient list. You only need three main components to create a dessert that tastes far more complex than its preparation suggests. Let’s break them down:
1. Apple Pie Filling
This is the foundation of our dump cake, providing the sweet, tangy fruit base and delightful texture. We recommend using two large cans of your favorite apple pie filling. You can opt for a classic apple, or if you want to elevate the spice profile, look for apple pie fillings that already include cinnamon or other warming spices. The consistency of the filling helps maintain moisture in the cake, ensuring every bite is soft and flavorful.
2. Spice Cake Mix
The spice cake mix is where the “spice” in our Apple Spice Dump Cake truly shines. This convenient mix comes pre-seasoned with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger, perfectly complementing the apple base. While a spice cake mix is ideal, if you can’t find one, a yellow cake mix or even a vanilla cake mix can work in a pinch. If you go this route, consider adding an extra teaspoon of cinnamon and a half teaspoon of nutmeg directly to the dry cake mix to boost the flavor.
3. Butter
Melted butter is crucial for creating that delicious, crisp-tender topping. When poured over the dry cake mix, it binds the crumbs together and helps them brown beautifully as the cake cooks. The butter also adds a rich, decadent flavor that elevates the entire dessert. For best results, use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the cake, or adjust if using salted butter.
Crafting Your Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake: Step-by-Step
Making this dump cake is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal prep and yielding maximum deliciousness. Here’s how to assemble your perfect fall dessert:
Equipment Needed
A reliable slow cooker is your best friend for this recipe. We highly recommend using a crockpot with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature provides peace of mind, ensuring your cake cooks perfectly without the risk of overcooking if you’re not around to turn it off immediately.
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger is ideal)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Detailed Instructions
- Prepare Your Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. This step is essential to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Add the Apple Pie Filling: Evenly pour both cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the greased crockpot. Spread it out with a spoon or spatula to create an even layer. This will form the luscious fruit base of your cake.
- Combine Cake Mix and Butter: In a separate bowl, pour the dry spice cake mix. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Using a fork or your fingers, combine the dry cake mix and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. The goal is to have no dry pockets of cake mix remaining, ensuring it will cook into a beautiful, tender topping.
- Layer the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly cake mix and butter mixture over the apple pie filling in the crockpot. Try to cover the entire surface for a consistent crust.
- Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness towards the end of the cooking cycle. The cake is ready when the topping is set and golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations
Once your Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake is ready, the real fun begins with serving! This dessert is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to truly shine and the texture to remain wonderfully soft and gooey. Here are some serving ideas and variations to elevate your experience:
Classic Pairings
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cake is an absolute classic. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced dessert.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy touch and a hint of sweetness that balances the rich cake.
Elevated Toppings
- Chopped Nuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake before or after cooking. If adding before, they’ll toast slightly as it cooks.
- Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of warm caramel sauce takes this dessert to an even more indulgent level, adding a luxurious sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples and spices.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Some enjoy sprinkling a bit of brown sugar and extra cinnamon over the top before cooking for an even richer, spicier crust.
Creative Variations
While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative! You could swap out the apple pie filling for other fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or blueberry. Experiment with different cake mixes too – a yellow cake mix with a bit of extra cinnamon, or even a chocolate cake mix for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to dump cakes!
No Crockpot? No Problem! Oven-Baked Apple Spice Dump Cake
If your slow cooker is already in use, or if you simply prefer a crispier topping, this Apple Spice Dump Cake can easily be made in the oven. The process is just as simple, delivering a delicious dessert with slightly different textural nuances.
Oven Baking Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the Filling: Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the dry spice cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the apple pie filling.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at 30 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center slightly soft.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for the Best Dump Cake Every Time
While dump cakes are inherently forgiving, a few tips can help ensure your Apple Spice Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Stir: The “dump” in dump cake means no stirring! Resist the urge to mix the layers once they are in the crockpot or baking dish. The distinct layers are part of its charm and cooking process.
- Lining for Easy Cleanup: For even easier cleanup, you can line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner before adding ingredients. This makes serving and washing up a breeze.
- Check Doneness: The cake is done when the topping is lightly golden brown and set, and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake topping might not come out completely clean due to the fruit filling, so judge by color and texture.
- Storage: Leftover dump cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm larger amounts in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Beyond Apple Spice: Exploring More Dump Cake Delights
If you’re now hooked on the simplicity and deliciousness of slow cooker dump cakes, you’re in for a treat! This Apple Spice version is just one of many fantastic creations you can whip up with minimal effort. We absolutely adore creating these easy desserts, which is why we’ve compiled a list of all our Crock-Pot Dump Cake Recipes on the blog. Some of our other beloved variations include the rich and decadent Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake and the wonderfully fruity Cherry Dump Cake. Each one offers a unique flavor profile but maintains the signature ease that makes dump cakes a perennial favorite.
Discover More Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Our passion for simple, delicious, and hands-off cooking extends far beyond dump cakes. The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen powerhouse, perfect for everything from hearty main courses to comforting breakfasts. If you’re looking to expand your slow cooker repertoire, be sure to explore more of our fantastic apple dessert recipes, like our warming Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, and definitely check out our top-rated slow cooker meals that make weeknight dinners a breeze. Here are some of our community’s favorites:
- Crock Pot Monkey Bread
- Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
- Crock Pot Ham
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Crock Pot Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken
- Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
- Crock-Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
- Crock Pot Apple Crisp
- Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts
We also have a fantastic collection of vegetarian crockpot recipes, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Don’t miss our wider selection of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and an extensive array of CrockPot Recipes, all designed to make your time in the kitchen enjoyable and rewarding.
Super Easy Crock Pot Apple Spice Dump Cake Recipe
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 533kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 42 Ounce Apple Pie Filling (2 cans)
- 1 Spice Cake Mix
- ½ cup Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Pour both cans of Apple Pie filling into a greased crock pot.
- Combine dry cake mix and butter until crumbly, sprinkle over apple pie filling.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Notes
Serve with Ice Cream or top with whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Super easy Crock Pot Apple Spice Dump Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 533
Fat 21g (32% Daily Value*)
Saturated Fat 10g (63% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 31mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium 596mg (26% Daily Value)
Potassium 287mg (8% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates 87g (29% Daily Value)
Fiber 3g (13% Daily Value)
Sugar 51g (57% Daily Value)
Protein 3g (6% Daily Value)
Vitamin A 390IU (8% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 3mg (4% Daily Value)
Calcium 70mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron 3mg (17% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Originally shared February 15, 2014, Updated on March 3, 2020