Dump cakes are a classic American shortcut dessert, created during the rise of convenience cooking and still loved for good reason. This slow cooker 3-ingredient apple cinnamon dump cake keeps that tradition alive with almost no prep and comforting, homemade-style results. Everything layers right into the slow cooker, giving you a warm, cinnamon-scented dessert with tender apples and a soft, cake-like topping. It’s perfect for busy evenings, holiday meals when the oven is full, or anytime you want an easy dessert that tastes nostalgic and satisfying.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
Servings: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple pie filling | 2 (20-ounce) cans |
| Yellow cake mix (dry mix only) | 1 (15.25-ounce) box |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Ground cinnamon (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples if using.
- Evenly scatter the dry cake mix over the apple layer. Do not stir; the layers are key to the texture.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the topping looks mostly set with lightly golden edges and bubbling apples underneath.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes before serving. Spoon warm into bowls and serve plain or with ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations & Tips
For extra warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or a pinch of cloves, or swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix. To reduce sweetness, replace one can of pie filling with unsweetened applesauce or fresh sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon. Add crunch by sprinkling 1/2–3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter. Dried cranberries or a caramel drizzle also pair beautifully. For a lighter version, use 6 tablespoons of butter and serve with yogurt instead of ice cream.
