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Crockpot Apple Crisp With Cake Mix

Warm, cozy, and incredibly easy to make, this Crockpot Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert. Fresh sliced apples cook slowly with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice until soft and flavorful, while a buttery crumble topping made with flour, sugar, and walnuts becomes deliciously crisp. Using the slow cooker means minimal prep and almost no effort—just layer the ingredients and let it cook. The result is a comforting dessert that tastes just like homemade apple pie but with far fewer steps. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy autumn nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Crispy Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold butter
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • Apple Filling
  • 6 cups apples peeled and cut into slices
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Method
 

1. Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Take the cold butter and shred it using a box grater directly into the bowl. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or even two knives, blend the butter into the dry mixture until it forms small crumbly pieces about the size of peas. Stir in the chopped walnuts and set the topping aside.

    2. Prepare the Apple Layer

    Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray so the apples don’t stick later.Add the sliced apples to the crockpot. Sprinkle the sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon over the fruit, then drizzle the lemon juice on top. Toss everything together gently so the apples are evenly coated.

      3. Add the Crisp Topping

      Spread the prepared crumble mixture evenly across the apples. Try to cover the fruit completely so every bite gets that buttery crunch. Place the lid on the slow cooker.

        4. Cook the Apple Crisp

        Cook the dessert on HIGH for about 2 hours or LOW for around 4 hours. Once the apples soften, slightly lift or tilt the lid and continue cooking for another hour. This allows excess moisture to escape and helps the topping become nicely crisp.

          5. Serve and Enjoy

          Scoop the warm apple crisp into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes it even better.

            Notes

            Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Apple Crisp

            Use firm apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well during slow cooking.
            Keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates the best crumbly topping texture.
            Slice apples evenly. Similar sizes help everything cook at the same rate.
            Don’t skip the venting step. Letting steam escape during the final hour keeps the topping from turning soggy.

            Common Mistakes to Avoid

            Using soft apples
            Red Delicious apples can become mushy in the slow cooker. Stick to firmer varieties.
            Adding too much liquid
            Apples release plenty of juice on their own, so extra liquid isn’t necessary.
            Cooking too long
            Overcooking can make the apples overly soft and the topping less crisp.
            Packing the topping too tightly
            A loose crumble allows heat to circulate and crisp up the topping properly.

            FAQs

            Can I make this recipe without walnuts?
             Absolutely. Simply leave them out or replace them with pecans or almonds.
            Can I prepare it ahead of time?
             Yes. Prep the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and cook when ready.
            What apples work best for apple crisp?
             Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady are excellent choices because they hold their texture while cooking.
            Can I add caramel to the recipe?
             Definitely. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping for a richer flavor.
            How should leftovers be stored?
             Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

            Final Thoughts

            Crockpot apple crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert—simple ingredients, warm spices, and that irresistible buttery crumble on top. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends when you want something sweet without hovering over the oven.
            Serve it warm with ice cream melting over the top, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like pure fall comfort in every spoonful. Once you try it, chances are this recipe will make its way into your regular dessert rotation.