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Irresistible Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe You Need to Try

Learn how to make delicious Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the natural sweetness and warmth of the apples while complementing the buttery cake topping. I always choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith because they hold their shape well and balance the caramel’s richness. When picking caramel sauce, I prefer a high-quality store-bought version to save time, but homemade caramel works beautifully too if you have a little extra time. Butter is essential here—it adds that golden crust and depth of flavor, so don’t skimp!

  • 4 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, swapping the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix adds a lovely depth without extra effort. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter alternatives, and the results are just as delightful.

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Layer the sliced apples evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples for that warm spice note.
  3. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples, making sure to cover as much surface as possible for that luscious caramel flavor in every bite.
  4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel and apples, but do not stir.
  5. Distribute the sliced butter pats over the top of the cake mix. These will melt during cooking, creating that rich, golden crust.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbly and golden, and the apples are tender but not mushy.
  7. For an optional crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
  8. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly—it makes scooping easier and the flavors meld beautifully.

One tip I’ve learned from experience is to resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid too often. The slow cooker needs steady heat to bake the cake properly, and lifting the lid lets the warmth escape.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake, recipe, cooking, food