3-Ingredient Crockpot Dump Cake
Think of this as warm fruit cobbler that basically makes itself. A box of cake mix, a couple cans of pie filling, and a stick of butter go into the slow cooker, and a few hours later you have a bubbly, golden dessert.
It’s the kind of dessert that fills your home with the smell of baked fruit while you do something else entirely. Serve it with a scoop of something cold and you’re done.
Why This Dump Cake Works
The butter seeps into the dry cake mix and bakes into a buttery crust on top while the fruit below softens and thickens. You get tender fruit and a crisp topping with almost no effort.
It also stays warm right in the slow cooker, so it’s genuinely practical. When people go back for seconds, the cake is still hot and the edges are still a little crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: avoid the “pudding in the mix” kind, it can turn gummy
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling: apple, peach, or blueberry all work
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: salted butter is fine, just don’t add extra salt
Variations / Substitutions
- Fruit: swap cherry for apple, peach, or a mixed berry blend — blueberry with a little lemon zest is especially nice
- Cake mix flavor: chocolate cake mix with cherry filling gives a black forest feel; spice cake mix with apple filling is a cozy fall version
- Add-ins: scatter 1/2 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the dry mix for a nutty crunch
- Dairy-free: use a plant-based butter stick; the fat content matters more than the flavor
If you like this kind of set-it-and-forget-it dessert, our slow cooker peach cobbler is another one worth knowing.
How to Make Crockpot Dump Cake
Step 1: Layer the Fruit
Lightly grease the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Dump in the 2 cans of cherry pie filling and spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the entire box of dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Drizzle the 1/2 cup melted butter on top, trying to cover as much of the dry powder as you can. If you spot any dusty patches, use the back of a spoon to gently press them down so the butter soaks in.
Step 3: Spoon It Out and Serve
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. After about 2 hours, peek inside — the top should look golden and set, with dark fruit juices bubbling around the edges. Scoop generous portions into bowls and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- For a crispier top, crack the lid open slightly during the last 30 minutes of cooking so steam can escape.
- Never stir the layers. The whole trick is keeping the cake mix dry on top so the butter can create a crust instead of turning into batter.
- The cake holds well on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours, so it’s a low-stress dessert for a casual dinner.
Cook times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model:
| Heat | Time |
|---|---|
| High | 2 to 3 hours |
| Low | 4 to 5 hours |
Keeping Leftover Dump Cake
- Refrigerate: store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. If the fruit thickens too much, reheat in a small saucepan over low heat with a splash of water.
What to Serve with Crockpot Dump Cake
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the no-brainer here — it melts into the warm fruit and turns into a quick sauce right in the bowl. Whipped cream works too, or a drizzle of cold heavy cream if you want something a little richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
No. Fresh fruit releases too much liquid and won’t thicken properly without added sugar and starch, so the cake gets soggy. Stick with canned pie filling.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes. Assemble the same layers in a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Only if your slow cooker is at least 7 quarts. If it’s smaller, the center won’t cook through before the edges dry out.
What if my slow cooker runs hot?
Check the cake 30 minutes before the minimum time. If the edges look deeply browned but the center is still dry, give the top a gentle press with a spoon and turn the heat to low.
Crockpot Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert. Dump in the cherry pie filling and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit. Drizzle the melted butter on top, pressing down any dry dusty spots.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling at the sides. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
