If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that screams fall, this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is just the ticket. I remember one chilly October afternoon when my son, Jake, came home from school and said, ‘Mom, can we have something warm and sweet?’ Well, this recipe was born from that moment, and it quickly became a family favorite. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and you can just dump everything in the Crockpot!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a simple, one-pot dessert that everyone loves.
- The combination of warm apples and gooey caramel is irresistible.
- Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.
Pure Comfort
This dessert is pure comfort food. The warm, spiced apples combined with the sweet caramel sauce and soft cake create a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
What You Need
- 2 cans 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling – You can substitute with homemade apple filling if you prefer.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth; nutmeg is a nice alternative.
- 1 box 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Any flavor works, but yellow is classic.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Margarine can be used as a substitute.
- 1 cup 1 cup caramel sauce – Store-bought or homemade works great.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 2-3 hours | Total: 2-3 hours 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before.
Steps to Make It
- Start by greasing your Crockpot with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on. You want to make sure the bottom is well coated.
- Next, pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of the Crockpot. Spread it out evenly, so every bite has that delicious apple goodness. The aroma of apples and cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apple filling. This adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference.
- Now, grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t stir it in; just let it sit on top. This will create a lovely cake layer as it cooks.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. This will help it bake up nice and golden. You should see some butter pooling in the corners, which is a good sign.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the top of everything. Let it drizzle down into the layers below. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is set and the edges are bubbly. It should look golden and delicious.
- Once it’s finished cooking, turn off the Crockpot and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the layers settle a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Scoop portions into bowls and enjoy warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a delightful addition!
Make It Perfect
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat.
- If you want a little crunch, add the chopped nuts on top before the caramel sauce.
Mix It Up
- Use different fruit fillings like cherry or peach for a twist.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more flavor.
- For a chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a hot cup of cider for a cozy fall experience.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
- Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and cook it the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze it after cooking. Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for apple pie filling?
You can use homemade apple filling or even fresh apples sautéed with sugar and cinnamon.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe is an easy and delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home. So, gather your loved ones, serve it warm, and enjoy a sweet slice of comfort.
Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans 21 oz each apple pie filling You can substitute with homemade apple filling if you prefer.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Cinnamon adds warmth; nutmeg is a nice alternative.
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix Any flavor works, but yellow is classic.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Margarine can be used as a substitute.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade works great.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Instructions
- Start by greasing your Crockpot with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on. You want to make sure the bottom is well coated.
- Next, pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of the Crockpot. Spread it out evenly, so every bite has that delicious apple goodness. The aroma of apples and cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apple filling. This adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference.
- Now, grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t stir it in; just let it sit on top. This will create a lovely cake layer as it cooks.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. This will help it bake up nice and golden. You should see some butter pooling in the corners, which is a good sign.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the top of everything. Let it drizzle down into the layers below. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is set and the edges are bubbly. It should look golden and delicious.
- Once it’s finished cooking, turn off the Crockpot and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the layers settle a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Scoop portions into bowls and enjoy warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a delightful addition!