Name: Slow Cooker Apple Pudding Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485686H8M51S
Total time: PT-485686H8M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg (optional); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup sugar; 1½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup brown sugar (for pudding sauce); 1½ cups hot water; 1 tbsp butter (for pudding sauce)

This Slow Cooker Apple Pudding Cake is a comforting, warm dessert perfect for chilly days. Tender apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg sit beneath a soft cake layer, all topped with a rich, gooey pudding sauce made right in the slow cooker. It’s simple to prepare and fills the house with the cozy scent of baked apples and spices.

Ingredients

For the apples:

3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the cake batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

1½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup milk

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the pudding sauce:

¾ cup brown sugar

1½ cups hot water

1 tbsp butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing a 4–6 quart slow cooker.

Spread the chopped apples evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Spread this batter evenly over the apples.

In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar, hot water, and butter until the sugar dissolves. Carefully pour this pudding sauce over the cake batter — do not stir.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3½ hours, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (the bottom will have pudding sauce).

Serve warm, spooning generous portions to include the gooey sauce from the bottom. I like to top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. Preparation takes roughly 15 minutes, with a slow cooker cooking time of 2½ to 3½ hours on low. It’s ideal for starting in the morning and having a delicious dessert ready by afternoon or evening.

Variations

I sometimes swap the apples for pears or add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. For a twist, I’ll add a splash of caramel sauce on top before serving or mix a little ginger into the spice blend for warmth. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples adds a nice depth of flavor, too.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions until warm or heat gently in a small saucepan over low heat. The pudding sauce may thicken when chilled, so adding a splash of milk while reheating helps loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen apples work fine but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before layering them in the slow cooker to avoid sogginess.

Can this recipe be made in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Bake in a greased 9-inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-50 minutes or until the cake is set and golden on top.

What types of apples are best for this pudding cake?

I prefer firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The pudding sauce will still be delicious.

How can I make the pudding sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker pudding sauce, reduce the hot water slightly or cook the sauce separately on the stove until it thickens before pouring it over the batter.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Apple Pudding Cake is one of those easy, soul-warming desserts I turn to when I want something sweet but fuss-free. The combination of spiced apples, tender cake, and luscious pudding sauce hits all the right notes. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving me free to enjoy the cozy aroma and look forward to a delicious treat.

Slow Cooker Apple Pudding Cake