'Crowd-Pleaser': Just 3 ingredients. I make it twice a week in December—no shame.

Dump cakes are a distinctly American invention, born from the mid-20th-century love affair with convenience foods and clever shortcuts. This slow cooker 3-ingredient apple cinnamon dump cake takes that spirit and tucks it into a cozy, modern format: minimal prep, familiar pantry ingredients, and a warm, spoonable dessert that feels like apple pie’s more relaxed cousin. You simply layer everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and a few hours later you have a bubbling, cinnamon-scented dessert with a tender, cake-like topping. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or holidays when your oven is already working overtime with other dishes.

This apple cinnamon dump cake is at its best served warm, when the edges are just a bit caramelized and the center is soft and saucy. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing—the cold cream melts into the warm apples and cake, creating an instant sauce. Lightly sweetened whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt works nicely if you prefer something a bit lighter. For contrast, serve it alongside something crisp and fresh, like sliced pears or a simple green salad if you’re turning this into part of a brunch spread. A mug of strong coffee, black tea, or a spiced chai also complements the cinnamon and apple notes beautifully.

Servings: 6-8 servings

2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (dry mix only)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional but recommended: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for extra warmth