Warm apples, buttery cake topping, and swirls of caramel all slow-cooked into one irresistible dessert.

Fall always brings out the comfort baker in us. The air feels cooler, the sweaters come out, and suddenly every dessert tastes a little better when apples and caramel are involved. Sweater Weather Caramel Apple Cake captures the fun of fall festivals with almost zero effort. It cooks away in the slow cooker while your home fills with the smell of warm apples and buttery cake. Once it is ready, every spoonful delivers that sweet caramel apple flavor that belongs to this time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker dessert
• Warm apple and caramel flavor perfect for fall
• Minimal ingredients and no prep work
• Hands-off cooking with delicious results
• Perfect for family movie nights or fall gatherings

Ingredient Notes

• Apple Pie Filling: Any brand works. Chunky varieties add extra texture.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Do not mix with eggs or oil. Use the dry mix straight from the package.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the cake topping turn soft and golden.
• Caramel Sauce: Jarred or homemade both work great. Add more for serving if you like extra sweetness.

Before You Bake

Why shouldn’t I stir the cake mix into the filling?
Keeping the layers separate allows the apples to bubble and the cake mix to form that tender, buttery topping.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Yes, but it will take 4 to 5 hours. Keep an eye on it toward the end so it does not overcook.

Do I need to lift the lid while it cooks?
No. The steam helps cook the topping evenly, so keep the lid on until the very end.

Sweater Weather Caramel Apple Cake

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix, dry
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
• ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

1. Grease the inside of your slow cooker.
2. Spoon the apple pie filling into the bottom and spread it into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. Avoid stirring.
4. Drizzle the melted butter slowly across the top so most of the dry mix gets moistened.
5. Finish with a swirl of caramel sauce over everything.
6. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours until the top looks set and lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve warm with extra caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

FAQ

How do I store leftovers?
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. Spice cake adds extra fall flavor and is a popular swap.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes. Use about 4 to 5 cups of homemade filling.

What size slow cooker should I use?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker works best. In a smaller one, the cook time may be slightly longer.

Can I make this ahead?
You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it up to 12 hours ahead. Add 20 to 30 minutes to the cook time if chilled.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn this into a fall family night. Make the cake in the morning, then enjoy it warm after a walk with crunchy leaves, a pumpkin-scented candle, and your favorite fall movie snuggled under blankets.