Easy 3 Ingredients Apple Dump Cake

There are some days when you crave a warm, bubbling, homemade dessert but have absolutely zero energy to pull out mixing bowls and measure a dozen ingredients. On those days, this Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake is your new best friend. With just three simple ingredients and about five minutes of prep, you can have a decadent, apple-cinnamon dessert bubbling away in your crockpot. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” treat that fills your home with the coziest autumn aromas. If you’re a fan of incredibly easy desserts like our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll adore this comforting apple version.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons, but here are just a few that will make you want to plug in your slow cooker right now:

Insanely Easy: With only 3 ingredients and no mixing required, it doesn’t get any simpler. You literally just dump everything into the slow cooker.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: It tastes like you spent hours making a classic apple cobbler from scratch, but it only takes 5 minutes of your time.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a simple weeknight dessert for the family, a hands-off treat for a potluck, or a cozy dessert for a chilly evening, this apple dump cake fits the bill.

Crowd-Pleaser: The warm, gooey apple filling topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust is a flavor combination that everyone loves. It’s pure comfort food!

Ingredients

• 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
• 2 (7-ounce) packets Martha White Apple Cinnamon muffin mix (or your favorite brand)
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

How to make Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Start by preparing your slow cooker. Lightly spray the insert of a 4-6 quart slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Open both cans of apple pie filling and pour them into the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread the filling out into an even layer.

Step 3: Next, open the two packets of apple cinnamon muffin mix. Sprinkle the dry mix as evenly as possible over the top of the apple pie filling, covering it completely.

Step 4: Take your melted butter and pour it all over the dry muffin mix. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every single dry spot—this is normal! Alternatively, you can cut a cold stick of butter into thin slices and arrange them evenly over the top of the muffin mix.

Step 5: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours. The dump cake is ready when the apple filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the muffin topping is fully cooked through.

How to serve Apple Dump Cake

This dessert is absolutely heavenly served warm, straight from the slow cooker. The classic and most popular way to serve it is with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which melts beautifully into the warm apple filling. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for a fantastic topping. Serve it in bowls and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to store Apple Dump Cake

If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the dump cake to cool completely to room temperature. You can either transfer it to an airtight container or simply cover the slow cooker insert with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just scoop out a portion and warm it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through. It tastes just as delicious the next day!

Tips to make

Butter is Key: For the most even topping, try the sliced butter method. Cutting a cold stick of butter into thin pats and arranging them over the dry mix ensures the butter melts evenly and soaks into the topping as it cooks.

Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle about a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the muffin mix before adding the butter. The nuts will toast as the cake cooks, adding a delicious crunch.

Spice it Up: While the apple cinnamon muffin mix provides great flavor, you can enhance it by sprinkling a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg over the apple filling before adding the dry mix.

Try Other Combos: Love slow cooker desserts? For another fantastic fruit-filled option, be sure to check out our Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Pie Cobbler. It’s perfect for the holidays!

FAQs About Apple Dump Cake

Can I make this apple dump cake in the oven?

Absolutely! To make it in the oven, simply follow the same layering steps in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cake or muffin mix?

Yes, you can easily substitute the muffin mix. A classic yellow cake mix or a spice cake mix would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just use an equivalent amount (around 14-15 ounces total).

Why are there dry spots on top of my dump cake?

It’s very common to have a few dry, floury spots on top of a dump cake, and it’s perfectly fine! It happens where the butter doesn’t quite reach the dry mix. If you prefer a more uniform, moist topping, you can gently use a fork to mix the dry mix with the melted butter a little before cooking, or just ensure your butter slices are very evenly distributed.

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Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake is the definition of simple, satisfying comfort food. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without all the fuss. The warm, gooey apples paired with the sweet, buttery cinnamon topping create a dessert that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so incredibly good!

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