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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Judy says
Amanda, Absolutely deliclious ! Made this cobbler for a small group of people . So many good comments . Making this again for sure . Can I make a blackberry cobbler the same way ?
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t see why not, please let me know how it goes if you try!
Norma says
I made this recipe for the first time today but used the caramel apple cake mix and it was amazing. I omitted the cinnamon and sugar and it worked out well. Yummmm!
Amanda Formaro says
Sounds delicious!!
Melissa says
Do you think pound cake would work in place of white can? I prefer the taste of pound cake but the directions on the box make it seem as though it cook differently than traditional cake.
Melissa says
*correction, I mean Angel Food cake in place of traditional cake.
Amanda Formaro says
I can’t say for sure because I haven’t tried it, and it might bake up a little differently, but honestly I bet it would be delicious. If you try it I would love it if you would stop back and let us know! :)
Karen says
What size cake mix? I am using 16.25 oz. size today, but that seems heavy on the mix. Seems like you would need more apples.
Laurel Williams says
Can I use a yellow cake mix
Amanda Formaro says
Yes a yellow cake mix will be fine!
Myia says
Hi just wondering if I can add two boxed of cake mix for extra crust?
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried that so I can’t recommend doing it. Considering this is cooked in a slow cooker it may be fine, but I would be worried that you may have patches of uncooked cake. It may be completely fine though! If you decide to experiment I would love if you came back and shared your findings!
Petra Fiel says
I have made your crock pot apple crisp recipe many times and it always turns out amazingly delicious! The recipe is simple, fast. And yummy. Everyone always raves about my apple crisp and there is never any leftovers. Thanks!!!
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome to hear, Petra! So glad everyone enjoys :)
jenny says
can this recipe be doubled? I need enough to feed 12 people.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Jenny. I haven’t tried doubling it, however I think if you have a large crockpot it would be fine to double it. Let me know how it goes!
Virginia Smolky says
Amanda, can I use a Nesco electric roaster instead of a crockpot. Do you recommend a high or low setting. What do you think works best?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Virginia! I’ve never tried this in a roaster, I’ve only ever cooked a turkey in one. I’m afraid I don’t have a recommendation for you, maybe someone reading will see this comment and have a suggestion?
Holly says
Virginia, did you make this recipe in the Nesco electric roaster?
Christine says
Can I use real apples. If so would you cook them first.
Amanda Formaro says
Since this is cooking in the crockpot, I THINK you could use raw apples. I think I would add maybe 1/4 cup of water with the apples.
Becky says
I plan to try this recipe, but I’m kinda weird about measurements. What are the measurements for the cinnamon/sugar mixture?
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t really have a measurement, it’s more if a sprinkling to taste. However, if I had to guess, I would say maybe 1/2 teaspoon – 3/4 teaspoon.
Jan says
Can you make this the same way with peaches? I’m a big peach cobbler fan
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t see why not!
Ruth Heise says
How many does this feed?
Amanda Formaro says
I would say between 6 and 10 depending on your portion sizes.
Priscilla says
Could you do this recipe with fresh appkes(peeked/sliced and sliced)????
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried it with fresh apples, however I would think it WOULD work. The slow cooker should cook the apples just fine. However, you will want to toss them with some cinnamon sugar first. You can prep your apples in the same way that we do for our homemade apple pie here https://amandascookin.com/homemade-apple-pie/
Inge says
I made this apple crisp recipe in my instapot using the spring form pan. It was delicious
I did get a lot of run off on the rim of the pan. Additionally, I refrigerated the cake and the next day, it was as hard as a rock.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Amanda Formaro says
I wish I could help with this Inge, but I haven’t tried this in an Instapot. I also never refrigerated it since I only make it when I have several to feed so it’s usually gone. Maybe someone else who reads these comments may have suggestions. i will also check around and see if I can find anything!
Inge says
Thanks. I will try it with less apple filling and won’t refrigerated it.
The instapot works as a slow cooker too. I cooked it on low for 4 hours.
I’ll let you know how it goes
Angie says
Just stir & heat in microwave to melt sugar& stir again. Left over anything (especially Apple pie anything) don’t last in my house!
Kelly marsh says
Do you cook covered or uncovered
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Kelly. You’ll want to cook this covered. :)
Bets says
can I double the recipe? I am taking this to a graduation party. Thanks
Patisue says
You need to try French Vanilla cake mix and strawberry pie filling!! To die for!! My husbands favorite! Also chocolate and cherry. Yummmm!
Amanda Formaro says
Sounds yummy!! :)
quet says
Do you pour in dry cake batter or mix the cake batter before pouring in crock pot?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Quet :) You sprinkle the dry cake mix into the crockpot. The post has step photos that illustrate this and there’s also a step by step video in the post. Hope that helps! :)
Renee says
I made this with peaches instead of apples and the kids loved it!
Amanda Formaro says
That sounds delicious, Renee! Thanks for sharing!
Kay says
How much cinnamon sugar mixture do you sprinkle over the apple pie filling? Also is the combination 1/2 and 1/2
Amanda Formaro says
There really isn’t a measurement for sprinkling the cinnamon sugar if you decide to use it (it’s optional) – it’s basically whatever you like. Similar to when you season your food with salt from a salt shaker. And to make cinnamon sugar, I use 2 parts sugar and 1 part cinnamon.