Desserts · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card
Easy Crockpot Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 8
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?
Why is the top of the cake still powdery?
Can this be frozen for later?
Easy Crockpot Butterscotch Apple Dump Cake

Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Estimated nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 68 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
- Sugar
- 45 g
- Sodium
- 380 mg
This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.






