‘Crowd-Pleaser’: Just 3 ingredients. I make it twice a week in December—no shame.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake

A simple dessert that works for busy weeks and holiday gatherings

A Simple Dessert That Always Works

Some desserts look impressive but require careful timing and long ingredient lists. Others are simple enough to make on a busy weekday and still feel special when served to guests. This slow cooker apple cinnamon dump cake belongs firmly in the second category.

If you enjoy warm apple desserts but do not always have time to bake from scratch, this recipe offers a practical alternative. With only three main ingredients and very little preparation, it produces a comforting dessert that fits easily into a regular routine. Many home cooks rely on recipes like this during the colder months, especially when schedules are busy and the oven is already in use.

The slow cooker does most of the work. After layering the ingredients, the dessert cooks gently while you focus on other tasks. The result is a warm apple filling topped with a soft cake layer that develops lightly golden edges.

This kind of recipe matters because it removes the pressure often associated with baking. You do not need advanced skills or special equipment. Reliable, low-effort desserts can help make home cooking more consistent and enjoyable.

Why Dump Cakes Remain Popular

Dump cakes became popular in American kitchens because they simplify dessert preparation. Instead of mixing batters or carefully measuring multiple ingredients, you layer a few components and allow heat and moisture to combine them during cooking.

The method works especially well with fruit fillings. As the apples warm, they release moisture that helps soften the cake mix while the butter creates a lightly crisp surface.

Slow cookers make the process even easier. Unlike ovens, they provide steady, gentle heat that reduces the risk of overbaking. This makes dump cakes a dependable choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Another advantage is flexibility. The recipe can be adjusted slightly without changing the basic method, making it useful for different tastes and occasions.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (dry mix only)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a 5–6 quart slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Add the apple filling

Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.

If using cinnamon, sprinkle it evenly over the apples.

3. Add the cake mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer.

Do not stir. The layering helps create the soft topping during cooking.

4. Add the butter

Drizzle the melted butter slowly across the surface of the cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.

5. Cook

Cover and cook:

• HIGH: 2 to 2½ hours
• LOW: 4 to 5 hours

The topping should look set with some lightly golden areas and bubbling apples underneath.

6. Let it rest

Turn off the slow cooker and allow the dessert to rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes. This helps the filling thicken slightly.

Serve warm.

Warm dump cake pairs naturally with simple additions like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between warm apples and cool toppings creates a balanced texture.

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