Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler Recipe with Cinnamon

This slow cooker apple cobbler combines apple pie filling with a spice cake mix to create a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for autumn. It’s an easy dump-cake style recipe adapted for the crock pot and makes a reliably delicious family favorite with minimal prep.

This crockpot apple cobbler is essentially an apple dump cake made in a slow cooker instead of the oven. It comes together quickly and is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or as an easy Thanksgiving dessert when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

You only need a few pantry staples for this cake-mix cobbler. Quantities below are for a 6–7 quart slow cooker and yield about 12 servings.

• Apple pie filling — 2 cans (standard size)
• Spice cake mix — 1 box (spice cake gives warm autumn flavor)
• Butter — about 1½ sticks, cut into thin slices
• Cinnamon — ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Cobbler

1. Grease the bottom and sides of a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Spoon the apple pie filling into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle the apples with the optional ground cinnamon for extra warmth and aroma.

3. Evenly sprinkle the dry spice cake mix over the apple filling, breaking up any clumps so the dry mix forms a uniform layer.

4. Arrange the cold butter slices across the top of the cake mix in neat rows so the butter will melt and create a crisp, golden topping as it cooks.

5. Cover and cook. See Cook Time below for recommended settings and tips to help the topping firm up.

Cook Time

Cook the cobbler on High for about 2½ hours, or on Low for 3–4 hours. Ovens and slow cooker models vary, so times are approximate.

For a crisper top, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Another trick is to place a paper towel or two between the lid and the slow cooker rim during the final half hour to absorb excess steam and help the topping set.

When the topping is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly, the cobbler is ready. You can switch the cooker to Warm until you’re ready to serve.

How to Store

Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If your home is cool and the cobbler will be eaten the same day, it can sit at room temperature briefly.

To freeze, pack portions in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat single servings in the microwave for a few seconds to warm through, or reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven until heated.

Serving Suggestions

This cobbler is wonderful served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a treat that tastes like a caramel apple, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the ice cream and cobbler just before serving.

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds texture, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar enhances the autumn flavors.

Variations

There are several easy ways to customize this recipe without changing the method:

• Swap the spice cake mix for yellow, white, or vanilla cake mix. Butter pecan cake mix is a tasty alternative if you can find it.
• Use fresh apples instead of canned filling—about 3 large apples (Granny Smith or another firm variety) sliced thin and tossed with 1–2 teaspoons apple pie spice or cinnamon.
• Add a bit of brown sugar to the apples when adding cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter filling.
• Use homemade apple pie filling in place of canned for a less processed option.

Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler Recipe

I hope you enjoy this crock pot apple cobbler as much as we do — it’s a simple, comforting dessert that captures all the flavors of fall with very little effort. If you like easy apple desserts, try recipes such as homemade apple crisp or baked caramel apples, or explore additional easy desserts and crockpot recipes for more inspiration.