Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake - Best Easy Fall Food Recipes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Easy Fall Food Recipes are my jam — and this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake might just be your new go-to when you want cozy vibes without the drama.

Easy Fall Food Recipes — Why this Crockpot dessert wins fall

If you’re into simple, crowd-pleasing desserts (who isn’t?), this is exactly the kind of recipe that gets reposted, pinned, and requested again and again. It’s a true Apple Dump Crockpot miracle: dump, set, and come back to gooey caramel-and-apple perfection. FYI, you don’t need fancy skills — just a 6-quart Crockpot and a few pantry staples.

Introduction to the recipe

This Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake was born from the “I want all the fall flavors but zero fuss” mentality. We usually think slow cookers = savory dinners and dips, but a sweet, buttery dump cake in the Crockpot? Chef’s kiss. The whole point is convenience: layer apple pie filling, caramel, dry cake mix, melted butter — and let the Crockpot do the rest. This one is a top pick among Easy Fall Food Recipes for busy families and last-minute party desserts.

What makes the recipe so irresistible?

Why does this thing taste like magic even though you “dump” everything in? A few reasons:

Layered texture — the top becomes cake-like and golden; the bottom stays decadently gooey.
Caramel boost — that jar of caramel sundae sauce takes ordinary apples to dessert-rockstar level.
Set-and-forget comfort — you prep, you leave, you return to a kitchen smelling like autumn. Who doesn’t want that?
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing — it’s one of those Fall Dessert For Party winners: easy to scale, and people swoon.

Honestly, it’s basically apple pie’s lazier, more lovable cousin — but don’t tell grandma I said that.

Ingredient list (with short descriptions)

Serves: 8
You’ll need:

2 cans apple pie filling — Use a good-quality brand or homemade if you want a less processed version. This is your fruit base.
1 box yellow cake mix — This is the “dump cake” magic; it bakes into the perfect crust.
1/2 cup butter, melted — Butter = flavor and that golden top. Don’t skimp. Pro tip: salted butter adds depth.
1/2 cup caramel sauce — Jarred caramel sundae sauce works great. It melts and caramelizes with the apples.

Equipment: 6-quart (or larger) Crockpot — a larger slow cooker gives you more cake and better texture.

Simple how-to (step-by-step, no fluff)

Grease the Crockpot so the cake doesn’t stick.
Dump the apple pie filling into the bottom and spread evenly.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple layer — don’t be stingy.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples and caramel. Do not stir.
Drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix in a grid pattern — this encourages even browning.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours (or LOW for 4 hours) until golden and bubbly.
Serve warm (vanilla ice cream optional but highly recommended).

Bold tip: Do not lift the lid during cooking. Every peek extends the total cook time.

The story behind this recipe

I always thought Crockpots were for stews and dips, but then someone (shoutout to Grambo) made an apple dump cake and my whole world changed. One rainy afternoon, craving fall but stuck indoors, we threw whatever was handy into the slow cooker — apple filling, judgey amounts of caramel, and a box of cake mix — and voilà: the house smelled like a festival. That first bite? Gooey, buttery, and exactly the kind of dessert that becomes tradition. Now we make it for game nights, family get-togethers, and when the kids want to “help” in the kitchen (read: make a mess). This recipe is crowd-tested, kid-approved, and practically guaranteed to earn compliments.

Pro tips for the best outcome

Use a 6-quart Crockpot or larger. Smaller pots make the cake too deep and cook unevenly.
Even distribution matters. When sprinkling the cake mix, try to keep it level so the crust forms uniformly.
Melt the butter thoroughly. Use warm, fully melted butter to drizzle — chunks of cold butter create greasy pockets.
Caramel quality counts. A good jarred caramel sauce melts better and tastes richer. Want to DIY? Use salted caramel for a lovely contrast.
Check for bubbling at edges. When the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling through, you’re done.
Serve warm. This is best hot out of the pot with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Cold it’s still good, but warm is chef’s kiss. IMO, warm beats room-temp any day.

Variations to try (because variety is life)

Apple + pecan crunch: Scatter chopped pecans over the top before cooking for texture.
Spiced apple: Add 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the apple filling. Hello, autumn.
Caramel apple crumble: Mix 1/2 cup oats + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 2 tbsp butter and sprinkle over the cake mix for a crumble top.
Boozy twist: Stir 1–2 tbsp bourbon into the caramel for grown-up depth.
Fruit swap: Swap apple for cherry or peach pie filling to make other Crock Pot Apple Dessert Recipes cousins. (Yep, dump cakes are wildly adaptable.)
Mini versions: Use small Crockpots or slow-cooker liners to make single-serving dump cakes for parties.

Best way to serve

Want to make this dish sing? Try one (or more) of these serving ideas:

Classic scoop: Warm cake + vanilla ice cream = instant weeknight celebration.
With whipped cream and toasted nuts: Adds a little crunch and sophistication.
As a warm side for fall breakfasts: Serve small portions alongside coffee for a seasonal treat. Perfect when you’re hunting for Easy Fall Sides that double as dessert.
Party platter: Spoon into small ramekins and top with caramel drizzle for a Fall Dessert For Party that’s easy to pass around.

Pro tip: If you’re taking this to a potluck, transport the cake in the Crockpot on the warm setting — it stays melty and guest-ready.

Quick tips for storage and leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore some crust. Microwave is faster but softens the top.
Leftover uses: Turn leftovers into a sundae base, or crumble over yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat.

Bold note: Leftovers are still delicious, but the texture changes — fresh and warm is peak.

FAQs (short and helpful)

Can I use homemade apples instead of canned pie filling?

Yes! Toss peeled, sliced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tbsp flour. Cook slightly on the stove or dump raw (cooking time may increase).

Do I have to use yellow cake mix?

No. White cake or even spice cake mix works. Spice cake = extra autumn vibes. But yellow gives a classic flavor and texture.

Can I make this in the oven?

Absolutely. Layer in a 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.

My cake is soggy — what happened?

You might have used too much apple filling for your Crockpot size, or the lid was lifted too often. Also, smaller slow cookers can produce denser, soggier results.

Can I double the recipe?

Use a larger Crockpot or split into two. Don’t overfill the pot — leave room for bubbling.

Where this recipe fits in your fall menu

This recipe sits perfectly between East Fall Recipes (yes, I see the typo — but we all have those in our notes!) and the more conventional desserts. It’s a stellar Crockpot Apple Dessert Easy solution for holidays when oven space is premium. Think Thanksgiving day: turkey in the oven, sides on the stove, and your Crockpot quietly delivering dessert without crowding the oven. For casual gatherings or family dinners, it’s a top-tier Easy Delish Desserts pick that doubles as a cozy side for brunch spreads. It also ranks high among Apple Pie Crockpot Recipe alternatives when you want pie flavors without the crust muscle.

Golden, bubbling caramel apple dump cake in a slow cooker with a crisp top and gooey filling — a saucy Apple Pie Crockpot Recipe alternative that fits right into your Crock Pot Apple Dessert Recipes lineup and pairs perfectly with Easy Fall Sides.

Crock Pot Apple Dessert Recipes roundup (quick ideas)

If you love this, you’ll also enjoy:

Slow cooker apple crisp (oats + brown sugar topping)
Crockpot apple butter (great for toast and gifting)
Apple cinnamon compote (serve over pancakes or pork)
These are all part of the same lazy-but-delicious family.

Final thoughts

Look — if you want a dessert that tastes like fall and feels like a warm hug, while requiring almost zero effort, this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a must-try from the Apple Pie Crockpot Recipe family. It’s perfect for busy households, party planners, and anyone who loves the cozy flavors of the season without the kitchen chaos. Bold takeaway: This is the easiest, most forgiving fall dessert you’ll make this year.

Want to make this for a potluck? Want a gluten-free tweak? Need quick printable recipe card wording? I got you. Drop me a question and I’ll help you customize it — because nothing says “fall” like sharing dessert and stealing the last spoonful. Print