Apple Spice Cake Using Box Cake Crockpot
So you want dessert, but you don’t want to preheat an oven, wash six bowls, or pretend you’re on a baking competition show? Cool, same. Let me introduce you to your new best friend: apple spice cake made in a crockpot. Yes, the slow cooker. The thing you usually trust with chili and questionable stews. Turns out, it also makes an outrageously cozy cake with minimal effort. Lazy baking has never tasted so smugly successful.
This is the kind of recipe that makes your house smell like autumn gave you a hug, while you did… basically nothing. You in? Let’s do this.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
First of all, it’s dump-and-go. You’re not creaming butter, you’re not separating eggs, and you’re definitely not Googling “what does fold gently mean?” halfway through. You just mix, dump, and let the crockpot work its slow, magical sorcery.
Second, it’s ridiculously forgiving. Mess up a measurement? It’ll survive. Get distracted by TikTok for an hour? Still fine. This cake is patient and emotionally stable, unlike most of us.
Third, the flavor payoff is unfair for the effort involved. Warm apple, cozy spices, soft cake… it tastes like you tried. People will think you tried. You don’t have to correct them.
And finally: no oven. Which means this recipe is elite during summer, holidays, or anytime your oven is already full of other life choices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here. If you’ve ever walked through a grocery store with purpose, you’ve seen all of this.
- 1 box apple spice cake mix – The real MVP. Spice cake works too if apple spice is playing hard to get.
- 3 large eggs – Room temp is nice, but let’s be honest, straight from the fridge is fine.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps things moist. Like, properly moist.
- 1 cup applesauce – Unsweetened is best, but sweetened won’t ruin your life.
- 1–1½ cups chopped apples – Granny Smith for tart vibes, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or whatever apple is judging you from the fruit bowl.
- Optional toppings:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla ice cream (highly encouraged)
Pro tip: If the ingredient list doesn’t scare you, you’re doing it right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease your crockpot.
Do not skip this unless you enjoy chiseling cake out of appliances. Butter or nonstick spray works. Get the sides too. - Mix the cake batter.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and applesauce. Stir until smooth-ish. A few small lumps won’t call the baking police. - Fold in the apples.
Gently mix in your chopped apples. You want them evenly spread, not clumped together like they’re forming an alliance. - Pour into the crockpot.
Scrape every last bit of batter in there. This is not the time for restraint. - Cover and cook.
Cook on HIGH for 2–2½ hours or LOW for 3–4 hours. Don’t lift the lid constantly. Steam is part of the process, not a suggestion. - Check for doneness.
Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine), you’re golden. - Cool slightly, then serve.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes so it sets. Or don’t, and eat it warm and gooey like a rebel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Peeking every 10 minutes.
This isn’t a reality show. Every peek lets heat escape and messes with cooking time. - Overfilling the crockpot.
If your crockpot is small, don’t go wild with apples. Cake batter needs space to rise and vibe. - Using too much liquid.
Applesauce already adds moisture. Extra milk or water = soggy sadness. - Cooking it too long “just in case.”
Crockpot cake can go from perfect to dry surprisingly fast. Trust the toothpick. - Skipping grease.
I will say this again: grease the crockpot. Learn from others’ mistakes, not your own.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for? That’s fine. This cake is flexible, not controlling.
- No apple spice cake mix?
Use spice cake or yellow cake + extra cinnamon and nutmeg. IMO, spice cake is just as good. - No applesauce?
Swap with mashed bananas or pumpkin purée. Pumpkin especially gives strong fall energy. - Gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix. Everything else stays the same, and yes, it still works. - Want it extra fancy?
Add a teaspoon of vanilla, a pinch of cardamom, or a splash of maple syrup. You’re basically a pastry chef now. - No oil?
Melted butter works. Is it richer? Yes. Is that a problem? Absolutely not.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I line the crockpot with parchment paper?
You can, but greasing is easier and less fiddly. Save parchment for people who enjoy crafts.
Will this cook evenly in a crockpot?
Surprisingly, yes. The edges cook faster, the center stays moist, and everyone wins.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. It keeps well for 2–3 days covered at room temp, or longer in the fridge.
Can I freeze it?
Yep. Slice it, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Future-you will be extremely grateful.
What if my cake looks slightly shiny on top?
That’s normal crockpot behavior. It’ll firm up as it cools, promise.
Can I double the recipe?
Only if your crockpot is huge. Otherwise, don’t. Overflow is not the vibe.
Do I need frosting?
Need? No. Want? Absolutely. Caramel drizzle or cream cheese frosting are elite choices.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot apple spice cake is proof that lazy baking can still be impressive. It’s warm, cozy, low-effort, and tastes like you planned ahead—even if you absolutely did not. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, random Tuesdays, or emotional support desserts.
So go ahead. Dump the ingredients, walk away, and let your slow cooker earn its keep. You deserve cake that doesn’t stress you out. Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your new low-effort, high-reward baking skills.
