Ingredients
Serves 8–10
The Simple Layers
2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling (not apple slices—pie filling is thicker, sweeter, and holds shape!)
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (dry mix only—don’t add water or eggs!)
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted (the magic glue!)
Joye’s Secret Whisper (Optional but Beloved)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting!)
Pinch of nutmeg or allspice (for your bold-flavor love!)
1 tbsp lemon juice stirred into pie filling (brightens the sweetness)
✅ Joye’s Pro Tip: Use two different apple varieties (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) in homemade filling—but canned works beautifully for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker (The Quiet Foundation)
→ Lightly coat the inside of a 5–6 quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
→ No paper liners! They can tear and leak filling.
2. Layer with Love (No Mixing Needed!)
→ Bottom layer: Spoon apple pie filling evenly into the slow cooker.
→ Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon and other spices over apples.
→ Middle layer: Pour dry cake mix evenly over filling—don’t stir! (This creates the cakey top.)
→ Top layer: Drizzle melted butter slowly over the cake mix—start at the edges, spiral inward. Don’t worry about dry spots—they’ll absorb steam.
✅ Pro tip: Tilt the slow cooker gently to spread butter if needed—but no poking or stirring!
3. Cook Low & Slow
→ Cover and cook on HIGH 2–2.5 hours OR LOW 4–5 hours, until:
✓ Topping is set and golden at the edges
✓ Apples bubble vigorously around the sides
✓ No dry cake mix remains on top
✅ Do not lift the lid early! Trapped steam is key to the cakey texture.
4. Rest & Serve
→ Turn off slow cooker; remove lid.
→ Let rest 10–15 minutes (filling thickens—no runny bites!).
→ Serve warm in bowls—never cold (this is a warm dessert!).
→ Optional: Dust with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions (Joye’s Favorites!)
🍦 Classic pairing: Vanilla ice cream (the cold cream melts into warm apples—heaven)
🥣 Brunch darling: With a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and fresh apple slices
☕ Comfort combo: Alongside strong coffee, spiced chai, or cold milk
🎁 Potluck star: Transport in the slow cooker on “WARM” setting; garnish with mint before serving
Tips for Perfect Dump Cake (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Don’t stir the layers. This is the secret—steam from the apples hydrates the dry cake mix into a tender crust.
🔸 Butter must be melted. Cold butter pools; hot butter soaks in. Microwave 45 seconds.
🔸 Rest before serving. Patience = cohesive slices and thickened filling.
🔸 Golden edges = flavor. If topping isn’t crisp after cooking, broil 2 mins in a casserole dish.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make dessert sweeter.
Delicious Variations to Try
Pumpkin Spice
Swap pie filling for pumpkin pie filling + ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice in cake mix
Fall in every bite—
so
holiday-ready
Berry-Apple
Layer 1 can cherry pie filling under apple filling
Sweet-tart contrast—stunning color
Oat Crumble
Replace ½ cup cake mix with rolled oats + 2 tbsp brown sugar
Extra crunch—
so
Midwest-kitchen authentic
Gluten-Free Joy
Use GF yellow cake mix (like King Arthur)
Safe, tender, still deeply satisfying
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge (covered): Up to 4 days. Reheat gently in microwave (60 sec) or slow cooker on LOW 20 mins.
Freezer (unbaked): Assemble in slow cooker liner; freeze solid. Thaw overnight, cook as directed.
Freezer (baked): Portion into jars; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight; reheat 5 mins covered.
Double batch? Yes! Use two slow cookers or a roasting pan in the oven (350°F for 45 mins).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use apple pie slices instead of filling?
A: Not recommended—they release too much water. Pie filling is thickened with cornstarch—essential for structure.
Q: Why is my topping soggy?
A: Likely overcooked or stirred. Next time: cook on HIGH (not LOW), and never mix the layers.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use plant-based butter and GF cake mix (like Bob’s Red Mill).
Q: What size slow cooker?
A: 5–6 quart is ideal. Smaller = overflow; larger = thin topping.
Q: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A: Absolutely! Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or raisins over the apple layer before adding cake mix.
Allergy Information
Contains: Wheat (in cake mix), dairy (butter)
Gluten-free option: Yes—with certified GF cake mix
Nut-free: Yes (naturally—unless adding nuts)
⚠️ Always verify cake mix and pie filling labels.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — 8 servings)
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 54g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by brands.
Final Thought
This cake doesn’t arrive with fanfare.
It simmers quietly in the slow cooker—cinnamon scent rising, apples bubbling at the edges—until the kitchen smells like October and enough.
You scoop a spoonful. The topping is golden and crisp. The apples are tender and warm.
And someone at the table sighs and says:
“Now that’s how you turn ordinary into holy.”
That’s the dump cake way—not perfection, but presence.
