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Desserts · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Easy Crockpot Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A warm, golden-brown butterscotch apple dump cake served in a white bowl.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
8
Includes 10 min resting

Tips for success

For a more sophisticated flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of toasted chopped pecans over the top during the last thirty minutes of cooking. This adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts well with the soft, gooey texture of the apple and butterscotch base.

If you enjoy extra spice, a light dusting of ground nutmeg or allspice over the apple filling can enhance the overall aromatic quality of the finished dessert.

Serving this dump cake while it is still warm is highly recommended to enjoy the full contrast between the soft cake topping and the syrupy apple filling.

If you find the cake is too sweet for your preference, serving it with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a side of plain Greek yogurt can help balance the flavors. Always use a large spoon to serve, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of both the cake top and the fruit bottom.

Variations

  • Berry Twist: Replace the apple pie filling with cherry or mixed berry pie filling for a tart and colorful alternative. The butterscotch chips pair surprisingly well with the acidity of the berries.
  • Spiced Nut Topping: Add a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the top of the cake mix before adding the butter slices. This adds a nutty depth and a delightful crunch to the finished dessert.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture. If you prefer to keep it in the slow cooker insert, ensure it is covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the texture of the crust may soften over time due to the moisture from the fruit filling.

This recipe is best prepared and served on the same day for optimal texture. However, you can measure out the dry cake mix and butterscotch chips into a bowl ahead of time to speed up the assembly process.

Avoid layering the ingredients in the slow cooker too far in advance, as the moisture from the apple filling will begin to soak into the dry mix and affect the final crust consistency.

Serving ideas

Serve the dump cake in individual bowls to capture the warm, syrupy juices from the bottom. A large serving spoon is the best tool for dishing out portions, as you want to ensure each bowl receives a mix of the golden crust and the tender apple base. It is traditionally served warm, making it a perfect finish to any meal or a comforting snack on a cold day.

Consider pairing each serving with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold temperature of the ice cream provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, bubbling cake.

If you prefer a lighter option, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can also elevate the presentation. No matter how you serve it, the combination of apple and butterscotch is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made in a smaller slow cooker?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe. Using a smaller cooker may result in an uneven bake because the cake mix layer will be too deep, potentially causing the bottom to burn before the top is fully cooked through.
Why is the top of the cake still powdery?
If the cake mix is still powdery after the suggested cooking time, it means the butter did not melt and distribute enough moisture. Ensure your butter slices are placed evenly and cover the entire surface, and try cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Can this be frozen for later?
Yes, this dump cake can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm.
Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 10 minTotal 3 h 15 minServes 8
A warm, golden-brown butterscotch apple dump cake served in a white bowl.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans apple pie filling
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out into an even layer with a spoon to create a consistent base for the cake. Ensure the filling covers the bottom surface completely to prevent burning during the longer cooking time.
  2. Scatter the butterscotch chips over the apple layer. Next, pour the dry yellow cake mix over the chips, ensuring it is spread out to cover the apples entirely. Finally, arrange the thin slices of cold butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix to ensure even melting.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for three hours. The cake is ready when the edges are golden brown, the center is bubbling, and the fruit is tender and warm throughout. Allow the cake to rest for ten minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken slightly.
Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
420
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
16 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
45 g
Sodium
380 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/easy-crockpot-butterscotch-apple-dump-cake/part-3