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.
- 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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Mary Caroline says
How do you tell if it is finished?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Mary! You should be able to tell when it looks like the cake mix has turned into cake. Bake on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Give it a taste and you should be able to tell :)
Mandy Speaks says
Can I use salted butter?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Mandy. You shouldn’t have a problem substituting salted butter for unsalted with this recipe.
Kim says
Need this for my daughter because she begged me to when she saw it on Facebook. It was so worth it! Very easy and very delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Kim says
Made not need lol
Amanda Formaro says
That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing, Kim :)
Katie says
How many servings does this recipe make?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Katie, I would have to say around 6-8 servings for this recipe. :)
Kathy says
Are eggs used in this apple cobbler recipe?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Kathy, you can find the recipe ingredient list at the end of the post. There are no eggs in this recipe :)
Nicole says
Is the butter necessary? I want to make it as low calorie as possible. Any suggestions as to what to use instead?
Amanda Formaro says
We have not experimented with substitutions, if you’d like to experiment you can try Smart Balance, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, or any other low calorie butter substitute. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out!
Lori Steele says
I was wondering–if I use my 6 qt. slow cooker if this will come up 1/2 to 2/3rd full? If I want to serve 6 people will it make enough?
Lori Steele says
I have small crockpots but want to make the full recipe. If I use my 6 qt slow cooker will it be at least 1/2 to 2/3’s full when I start it?
Linda says
Hello, can’t wait to try this recipe and all variations that are possible. I would like to know if it matters that the cake mix would have pudding added to it,or should just use mixes without the added pudding in it. Thank You for a great recipe,excited to try it!
Promise says
Do you think it would be easy enough to make this gluten-free? I have celiac disease and miss things like this. Kind of new to making things gluten free.
Amanda Formaro says
I am not an expert in gluten free baking, however I am fairly certain you can find gluten free cake mix and other ingredients and it should work!
Elaine Wiechart says
I love quick and easy recipes!
Becca says
Hello!
I have a teeny, tiny crock-pot in my dorm.
I plan on only using only 1 can of pie filling, but should
the entire cake mix still go in? (If it can fit! :))
Thank you, can’t wait to try it out!
-Becca
Amanda Formaro says
if you only have a tiny crockpot, I wouldn’t use the whole can. What size is the crockpot, do you know? Basically you don’t want more than half of the crock filled even after adding the cake mix. Hope this helps!
Higgy says
I would use a boxed mix like Jiffy cake mixes… They only make one layer and it wouldn’t be too “cakey” that way.
Lori says
Has anyone tried making this or a dessert similar to this in an old school crockpot? My crockpot will be tied up with a ham, and my mother in law has an old blue and white crockpot brand slow cooker, and I’ve noticed that when I have used it, it tends to cook more from the bottom instead of all sides evenly. I’m wondering if the cake topping will cook properly or if burning may be an issue? Thanks in advance for anyone’s input!
Pam says
Do you think it would be okay to add chopped nuts on top of this while it cooks?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, I’m sure that would be fine. I think it will depend on the texture you like for the nuts. If you like them soft put them in at the beginning. If you prefer they have some crunch, I would probably brown them in a skillet and just sprinkle them on top when you serve.
Heather says
How much does this feed. I wanted to double it, could I?
Amanda Formaro says
The only issue that I can foresee would be that you would have a double layer of cake mix on top – that may not cook the same as one cake mix. However, doubling the filling shouldn’t be a problem. I have to guess as the number of servings and would say 6-8 as the recipe is written.
Martini smith says
I make this in the oven with cherry pie mix. I just use a cake pan big enough to hold eirther one or two cake mixes and cherries. Cooks up just fine.
Desiree says
How much does this make?
Amanda Formaro says
It should serve 6-8 depending on how big the portions are. Could be more!
Debra Olinger says
I’m interested
Jess says
Can I use fresh apples?
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried that but I’m sure you could. Just keep in mind that apple pie filling already has sugar and spices added, so just putting raw apples in there will not produce the same result (without making a homemade pie filling)
Sue says
Getting ready to try this with sugar free cake mix and sugar free apple pie filling, was just wondering if anybody has tried it before.
KC Di says
My husband is diabetic, so I change every sugary recipe to sugar free. I have prepared this recipe as stated, but have also made my own variations. Cherry pie fillin with chocolate mix, without spices. It turns out great.
Sandy says
I made this today and it turned out great. My apartment smells like Christmas.
Amanda Formaro says
Oh yum, I’ll be right over! ;)