Crockpot Apple Dump Cake: Healthy, Easy & Delicious Dessert Recipe
This Crockpot Apple Dump Cake is a healthy, easy, and delicious dessert featuring tender Granny Smith apples layered with a golden yellow cake mix crust and a nutty brown butter oat streusel topping. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it offers a warm, comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dry Mix
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
Butter and Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), divided
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preparation Phase: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Coat Apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
- Layer Apples: Pour the seasoned apples into your prepared slow cooker insert, spreading them into an even layer at the bottom.
- Craft Brown Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and releases a rich, nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Make Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the yellow cake mix, the old-fashioned oats, and the light brown sugar. Pour the warm brown butter over this mixture and stir with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Sprinkle the remaining yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer in the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution to form a consistent golden crust. Do not stir.
- Add Butter Layer: Distribute the remaining 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over the dry cake mix. Cut into small pieces or melt and drizzle evenly.
- Top with Streusel: Evenly sprinkle the prepared brown butter oat streusel over the butter and cake mix layer.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
- Rest: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for 15-20 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart balance; other firm apples can be substituted.
- Do not stir the cake mix into the apples to maintain distinct layers for better texture.
- Brown butter adds a nutty depth, but can be substituted with melted butter if preferred.
- Letting the cake rest after cooking helps it firm up and improves slicing.
- Slow cooker temperatures may vary; check doneness early to prevent overcooking.
Keywords: apple dump cake, crockpot dessert, slow cooker apple cake, easy apple dessert, healthy apple cake, brown butter streusel, fall dessert
