If you’re looking for an easy dessert, this crockpot apple cobbler is as easy as “set it and forget it”. You’ll use the slow cooker for this delicious treat, and using a cake mix as the base makes it convenient and simple.
Why this recipe works
Did you know that you can make apple cobbler with cake mix (sometimes called apple dump cake)? It’s the perfect shortcut, saving you the time of measuring out all the dry ingredients yourself.
Within minutes you’ll have all the cobbler ingredients layered and ready go. When you return home not only is dessert ready but your house will permeate that sweet, warm aroma of baked apples and cinnamon! It’s the perfect easy dessert!
Ingredients you will need
You can use a yellow cake mix instead of white, if you prefer.
How to Make Crockpot Apple Cobbler
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!
It’s as simple as layering the ingredients, setting your slow cooker, and walking away!
- Empty both cans of apple pie filling into the Crockpot. If you like, sprinkle apples with cinnamon sugar.
- Mix cinnamon into the dry cake mix, then sprinkle the dry cake mix mixture on top of the apples.
- Spoon the melted butter onto the cake mix layer. Do not mix the butter with the cake mix. The moisture generated by the slow cooker will bake the cake.
- Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours (or on low for 6 hours).
- Spoon cobbler into dishes and serve topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tips & FAQs
Can I use other pie fillings instead of apple?
Yes, you can use your favorite pie filling instead of apple! Use any of fruit pie fillings, home-canned or from the grocery store. Simply substitute the same amount of peach, blackberry, cherry (try our crockpot chocolate cherry cobbler!), or any other pie filling you like. Our readers have commented saying that peach pie filling is a perfect substitute for apple!
Can I use other cake mix flavors?
Yes, you can change out the cake mix flavor in this recipe. Many have raved about yellow cake instead of white cake mix, while others have used spice cake mix and even caramel apple cake mix. If you use a cake mix that already has spices, you can leave out the cinnamon sugar in this recipe.
Try other variations like chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling or French vanilla cake mix with strawberry pie filling. We also think lemon cake mix with blueberry pie filling would be amazing! Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite variation!
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Using fresh apples in this crockpot apple cobbler instead of pie filling is totally fine. You can make your own apple pie filling using our filling recipe from this apple pie.
Can I make this gluten-free?
We are not gluten-free experts, however, we have heard from a couple of readers that they were able to substitute the regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix. Please let us know how it works for you!
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe, just make sure that you are using a 6-quart slow cooker or larger.
Can I double the cake mix for more crust?
We have not tried doubling only the cake mix. My only concern would be that you would have pockets of the dry mix because of the height of the mix in the crock.
Can I use my Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this apple cobbler on low for 4 hours in your Instant Pot.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you would like to keep the calories down, you can use margarine or any other butter substitutes like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Earth Balance, etc.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, you can add nuts to this apple cobbler depending on the texture you prefer. If you like the nuts soft, I would add them to the crockpot with all the other ingredients, just sprinkle them on top. If you prefer the nuts toasty, about ten minutes before serving, toast the nuts in a skillet on the stovetop. Add the toasted nuts on top when serving.
I’ve made this when friends come over, we’ve had it for Sunday supper dessert, and I’ve even made this recipe for a party! Everyone loves it, especially topped with vanilla ice cream with a little caramel sauce drizzled on top.
This apple dump cake is great for family gatherings, a holiday, or just as an easy dessert after dinner on a chilly weeknight. Slow cookers aren’t just for dinner!
More Dessert Recipes
- Quick Apple Cranberry Cobbler
- Rhubarb Crisp
- Apple Cranberry Crisp
- Blueberry Cobbler
- 3-ingredient French Vanilla Peach Cobbler
- Crockpot Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
- Baked Apple Crisp
- Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
- Pumpkin Cobbler in a Jar
- Slow Cooker Blackberry Cobbler
- White Peach Cobbler
- Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Apple Nachos
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CrockPot Apple Cobbler
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 40 ounces apple pie filling 2 20-oz cans, 1 can if using a crock smaller than 4.5 quart
- 16 ounce box white cake mix or yellow cake mix
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Cinnamon sugar optional
- Vanilla ice cream optional
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Use any of fruit pie fillings, home-canned or from the grocery store. Simply substitute the same amount of peach, blackberry, cherry (try our crockpot chocolate cherry cobbler!), or any other pie filling you like.Â
- You can change out the cake mix flavor in this recipe. Many have raved about yellow cake instead of white cake mix, while others have used spice cake mix and even caramel apple cake mix. If you use a cake mix that already has spices, you can leave out the cinnamon sugar in this recipe.
- Using fresh apples in this crockpot apple cobbler instead of pie filling is totally fine. You can make your own apple pie filling using our filling recipe from this apple pie.
- You can double this recipe, just make sure that you are using a 6-quart slow cooker or larger.
- You can use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe.
- If you would like to keep the calories down, you can use margarine or any other butter substitutes like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Earth Balance, etc.
Instructions
- Empty both cans of apple pie filling into the crock. If you like, sprinkle apples with cinnamon sugar.
- Mix cinnamon into the dry cake mix, then sprinkle dry cake mix mixture on top of the apples.
- Spoon the melted butter onto the cake mix layer. Do not mix the butter with the cake mix. The moisture generated from the slow cooker will bake the cake.
- Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours (or on low for 6 hours).
- Spoon cobbler into dishes and serve topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Oct 13, 2015 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
Amanda Davis
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Yep says
Not everyone has white cake mix
Amanda Davis says
You can use white cake mix or even a spike cake mix if you want. In fact, it states that in the “expert tips” section of the post as well as in the “before you begin” section of the recipe card.
Can I use other cake mix flavors?
Yes, you can change out the cake mix flavor in this recipe. Many have raved about yellow cake instead of white cake mix, while others have used spice cake mix and even caramel apple cake mix. If you use a cake mix that already has spices, you can leave out the cinnamon sugar in this recipe.
Try other variations like chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling or French vanilla cake mix with strawberry pie filling. We also think lemon cake mix with blueberry pie filling would be amazing! Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite variation!
Mama Gray says
This was an excellent dish for a big potluck that was held when it was cold outside. I doubled the recipe added a bit more cinnamon and maybe 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the apples and it was a huge hit! We served it with vanilla ice cream and there wasn’t anything left.
Matt says
I made this for the 1st time to take as my dish to pass for thanksgiving.
It was amazing!!!! Everyone loved it!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
Tina says
So easy! I added brown sugar and cinnamon to the canned apple filling in addition to the cinnamon in the cake mix. I did the 4 hours and loving my home smells of an apple 🥧!! Super easy and delicious!!! My family had vanilla ice cream on top while I opted for the cool whip! Thank you
Somer Page says
The recipe calls for butter but you fail to mention how much.
Amanda Formaro says
Recipes measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Donna Pucci says
Made mine Gluten Free! It came out great! The whole family loved it!
Dora says
Can this recipe be doubled?
Heather says
I have made this so many times with so many different pie fillings. I just made the apple and I added ice cream topping caramel on top if the apples and also used French vanilla cake mix and OMG!!! My husband is begging for another one already. This is so simple and fast to make.
Amanda says
I made this for thanksgiving and no one liked it. It was so sickening sweet and did not taste apple
Or cinnamon at all. It was so embarrassing. I don’t know what all the great reviews are about.
Lillian says
I have made this recipe a few times and I have found that if I mix the butter into the cake mix and put two kitchen towels over the top and put the lid on over the towels it captures the moisture and gives it a better crust.
Kevin says
Can you make this it a aluminum disposable pan in the oven if so, how long would you bake it?
Amanda Formaro says
I have never tested that, sorry!
Mac Nelson says
If I double this recipe will it take more than 4 hours in the crockpot?
Alicia says
Can this be made with gluten free cake mix?
Amanda Formaro says
we haven’t tried that, but it should be fine
jeffrey says
I really enjoyed this. I did use yellow cake, salted butter and put the paper towel under the lid to absorb the moisture. It came out perfect.
Thank you.
Gwendolynn Clark says
Oh my goodness! Simplicity and perfection! This will replace Thanksgiving Apple Pie. Thank you!
Melinda says
Can this be re-heated in the crock pot?
Lauren says
Came out perfect! Used apple and a spice cake mix. Tried to lighten the calories using reduced fat cool whip. Next time? Full ice cream!! I might try finding a less sugar version of filling too. Hubby absolutely loved it as is!!
Tanya says
Can you use angel food cake mix for this recipe?
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tested that with this recipe. If you decide to try it, please let us know how it goes!
Shannon says
Why is my cake topping soggy instead of firm?? It looks pretty but it’s mushy… should I put in oven? I cooked it on low for well over 6 hours