When I need a dessert that practically takes care of itself, this 5-ingredient slow cooker treat is exactly the kind of thing I reach for. It has that cozy, late-summer comfort that feels a little nostalgic and a little magical at the same time, with a warm amber cake-like center and a rich creamy sauce that forms on its own as it cooks. It is especially handy on busy weekdays or when I want dessert finished ahead of time without turning on the oven.
This dessert is best served warm, spooned straight from the slow cooker into bowls so everyone gets some of the spongy cake and the creamy sauce together. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a natural match, and a little whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon works nicely too. If you are serving it for a casual get-together, fresh sliced peaches or berries on the side make it feel even more like a late-August dessert.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Late August Magic
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle the cinnamon over the top.
2. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling without stirring.
3. Drizzle the melted butter and milk as evenly as possible over the cake mix. Do not stir; the layers should stay in place.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the top is set and spongy and a creamy sauce has formed around the edges. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Peach version: Swap the apple pie filling for peach pie filling for an even more summery flavor. It is one of my favorite ways to make this feel a little different without changing the easy method.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the apple filling and cinnamon in the slow cooker insert ahead of time, then add the cake mix, butter, and milk right before starting the cook time. That helps keep the topping from getting too soggy if you are planning around a busy day.
Texture tip: Resist the urge to stir the layers. Keeping everything layered is what gives you that soft cake-like top and the creamy pudding-style sauce underneath.
Serving tip: If the dessert sits a bit after cooking, the sauce will thicken slightly. For the best spoonable texture, serve it while still warm, ideally within about 20 to 30 minutes of finishing.