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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Donna says
Can this recipe be doubled ?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, you can double this recipe, just make sure that you are using a 6-quart slow cooker or larger.
Brandi says
Does the cook time change if you double it?
Amanda Formaro says
it shouldn’t but just keep an eye on it. I personally have not doubled it myself.
Sonja says
Came out great w real apples and yellow cake. It did scotch some on the sides, sprayed with baking spray.
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Paige says
Looks awesome and so easy! I think instead of white cake mix, I will use a spice cake mix instead but leave everything else the same.
Amanda Formaro says
Yes great idea!
Dionne says
Can this be made with a Sugar Free Cake Mix and come out good?
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sure it would!
Judy says
I am Coeliac, and substituted GF cake mix, followed the rest of the recipe as written – worked well, although it did not brown. I’m not sure whether this has to do with the GF substitute. Tasted great. Will definitely make it again.
Amanda Formaro says
Hmm, it could have been! Glad you enjoyed it regardless :)
Bee says
This is getting me so excited for fall! I’ve never made a cobbler in the crock pot before, so I definitely need to try this. Looks wonderful!
Juanita says
Can’t wait to try this apple cobbler, thank you so much for sending these recipes, they are great
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you enjoy it!
Ian-William Fountain says
I’m curious about one thing. Are we supposed to t mix up the cake mix as the instructions on the box say or are we just supposed to throw the powdered cake mix on top of the apple pie filling?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Ian! There’s a video in the post that shows you step by step. You do not mix up the cake mix. Just sprinkle it on top and add the butter.
Ian-William Fountain says
Thanks.
Madison says
Do you still use the whole box of cake mix if you only use 1 can of pie filling?
Amanda Formaro says
Hmmm, I have never halved the recipe, but if you’re making a mini version and only using one can of pie filling, I would imagine you would only use half the cake mix as well.
Amy Dorsey says
Do u spray inside of crockpot with nonstick cooking spray?
Amanda Formaro says
You can, but I don’t. :)
Christine and Goodman says
What size crockpot do you use for the above recipe? I see you said to use a 6 qt or larger for doubling the recipe.
Amanda Formaro says
I use a 6 quart :)
Lisa says
I love this recipe. I always triple the recipe because I always run out when I take it for pot luck get togethers. I even did peach pie filling. I’m actually getting ready to make it again today for a karaoke event we are doing at a friend’s church. Very easy to make. Don’t forget to top it off with vanilla ice cream. Lol
Amanda Formaro says
The vanilla ice cream is a MUST! ;)
Peggy says
This was delicious. Used Comstock apple pie filling, Pillsbury Moist white cake mix, and sprinkled 1/4 tsp of nutmeg over the pie filling along with additional cinnamon.
My family loved it!!!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Peggy!! So glad you all loved it! :)
Nancy Jeffcoat says
Do you think this will work with blueberry pie filling?
Amanda Formaro says
Absolutely!
Bob says
This came out terrible. I followed the directions precisely. Made my own pie filling with fresh Fuji apples (which turned out great), sprinkled the cake mix over the apples, spooned the butter across the top, used a 6 quart Hamilton Beach slow cooker, set it on high for 4 hours, unplugged it after that, and started spooning it out of the cooker into a bowl with ice cream within 10 minutes. The sides were burned in numerous places, the cake didn’t appear to rise at all, and there were inconvenient chunks of cake mix throughout the whole thing. I was planning to get some jars to store more of the homemade pie filling and even try starting one at work first thing in the morning to be ready at noon, but I’m not going to bother when I have results like this. The rest is going in the garbage.
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you! I’ve never had an issue with it, however all slow cookers cook differently. Again, sorry you had trouble!
Bob says
I would prefer to use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling. I tried the filling before in another apple cobbler and I really didn’t get the flavor I wanted. Would that still require 40 oz. of apples and would it change the amounts of the other ingredients?
Amanda Formaro says
You can make your own apple pie filling with fresh apples here https://www.crazyforcrust.com/homemade-apple-pie-filling/ or this one https://www.spendwithpennies.com/quick-stovetop-apple-pie-filling/ one of these recipes recommends 4 medium apple, the other 4 cups chopped apples – which is likely about the same.
Sarah says
The Apple Dump Cake was delcious! It was Sooooo simple!. I used the new “Cinnamon” mix. Great Dessert!
Becky Pelletier says
Can you use gluten free cake mix for this?
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried that, but I would imagine it would work fine :)
Angie says
Making it now smells so good.
Carol says
Bought the ingredients for this today and can’t wait to make it tomorrow. Thank you for this simple recipe.
Dorothy says
Made this work and they loved it.