This 3-step Crockpot apple spice cake is a slow cooker rendition of a classic dump cake. It’s an effortless, budget-friendly dessert that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. As it cooks, your home will be filled with the cozy, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and apples, making it a true fall delight.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof and incredibly versatile. I’ve made it plenty of times, experimenting with different tweaks, and it always comes out delicious. Ready to get started? Let’s take a look at the 3 simple ingredients and the 3 easy steps that make this dessert a favorite!
How to Make a 3-Step Crockpot Apple Spice Cake
This 3-step Crockpot apple spice cake is the ultimate quick and cozy dessert for fall. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up a warm treat that fills your home with irresistible aromas.
Step 1: 3 Easy Ingredients
You will only need 3 ingredients for this spectacular fall dessert! Start with a box of Duncan Hines Spice Cake, two 20-ounce cans of apple pie filling, and a stick (1/2 cup) of butter. You can use any kind of cake mix, but I always prefer Duncan Hines if it needs to come from a box. Their recipe has a warm, nutty flavor to it.

You can also use any brand of pie filling. I have even used my own homemade canned apple pie filling! But if you don’t have any of that on hand, the generic store brand at the market will be just fine.

Step 2: Fill the Crockpot
First, pour all the apple filling into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Then sprinkle on the cake mix and cut up the butter so it is laying on top.

If you want to branch out a bit, you can also sprinkle on half a cup of regular oatmeal and a teaspoon of cinnamon. This step is optional, but it does give the crust of the Crockpot apple spice cake a bit more texture and crunch.

Put the lid on and cook on HIGH for 3 to 3.5 hours. You’ll know it’s done because the house will smell amazing, and it will take all your self-control not to eat it straight out of the slow cooker!
Step 3: Eat the Crockpot Apple Spice Cake!
Scoop a few warm, comforting spoonfuls of your Crockpot apple spice cake into a ramekin and add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the soft, spiced cake and the cold, creamy ice cream is pure magic. As the ice cream melts, it seeps into the cake, creating an indulgent dessert that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.

More Ways to Enjoy This 3-Step Crockpot Apple Spice Cake
I have also drizzled on caramel sauce that drips into all the cracks and crevices with the melted ice cream! Crockpot apple spice cake is one of my favorite desserts because it is so versatile. You can use any kind of pie filling or cake mix and have several different tasty dessert options. I even have a recipe for a 3-step Crockpot peach cobbler that we eat a lot of in the summer and fall.

More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
If you need some other easy dessert ideas, check out my recipe index. I personally suggest the chocolate peanut butter trifle, the no-bake strawberry cheesecake, and Nana’s molasses gingersnaps. For even more ideas, follow my Pinterest Board below. Happy cooking, y’all!


