Desserts · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Easy Crockpot Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 8
Discover the effortless magic of a slow cooker dump cake that brings together the classic flavors of spiced apples and rich, creamy butterscotch in every single bite.
This dump cake is the quintessential easy dessert for busy days. By layering simple ingredients in a slow cooker, you create a warm, bubbling treat without the need for complex mixing or baking techniques.
It is a reliable recipe that delivers consistent results, making it an ideal choice for hosting or a cozy weeknight treat. The combination of sweet apple pie filling and buttery cake creates a texture that is both soft and satisfying, perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
Why this recipe works
The slow cooker method works by gently steaming the cake mix as it absorbs the juices from the apple pie filling. This process turns the dry mix into a soft, cake-like topping while the apples underneath caramelize with the butterscotch chips, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that coats every spoonful of the dessert.
Layering ingredients without stirring allows the butter to melt slowly and infuse the cake mix from the top down. This technique ensures that the cake develops a distinct golden-brown crust while keeping the bottom layer moist and tender.
It is an efficient way to achieve a baked dessert texture using only the gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker.
Notes and substitutions
For the best results, use a high-quality apple pie filling that contains a good balance of spices. If the filling seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water, but typically the natural juices are sufficient.
The yellow cake mix acts as the structure for the topping, so ensure it is evenly distributed to avoid dry patches. If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon over the cake mix before adding the butter.
A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe to ensure the cake has enough surface area to cook through properly. If you are using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as the depth of the ingredients will change.
Always ensure your butter is cold when slicing it, as this helps maintain uniform placement on top of the cake mix before it begins to melt during the cooking cycle.
- yellow cake mix: white cake mix or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile
- butterscotch chips: caramel bits or white chocolate chips
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- knife
- cutting board
- serving spoon
Up next · Part 2 of 3
3 steps · 3 h of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)