Apple Pudding Cake – Easy Slow Cooker Dessert with Cinnamon

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dessert that practically makes itself while your home fills with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, apples, and butter. That’s exactly what this Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake delivers—old-fashioned charm, ease of preparation, and a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a relaxed weekend dinner, or simply craving something sweet on a chilly day, this recipe will be your new go-to.

What makes this dish so special is how effortlessly it comes together. A simple cake batter forms the base, soft slices of Gala apples or any good baking apple are layered on top, and a warm honey-cinnamon sauce gets poured over everything before it cooks slowly to perfection. As it bakes in the Crock Pot, the cake rises around the apples while the sauce seeps through, creating a gooey pudding-like texture at the bottom that is nothing short of magical.

The first time I made this recipe, it was purely an experiment. I had a few apples that needed using and no desire to turn on the oven. What came out of that slow cooker was a dessert so rich in flavor and texture, it became an instant family favorite. Now, I pull out this recipe every fall and winter—or honestly, whenever I need something sweet and stress-free. The best part? You don’t need any fancy baking skills or equipment. If you can mix, layer, and press a button, you’ve got this.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pudding Cake Recipe

There are so many reasons why this apple pudding cake is going to win over your heart and taste buds. First, it’s made entirely in the slow cooker, which means minimal prep and clean-up. No standing over a hot stove or worrying about burning the top while the middle is still raw. Just set it and forget it.

Another big reason? It’s made with everyday ingredients. If your pantry has flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter—and your fridge has milk and maybe some apples—you’re already most of the way there. You don’t need to hunt down anything fancy or pricey, which makes this a great recipe for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Let’s also talk about texture and flavor. The cake is soft and fluffy, but thanks to the slow cooker’s steam, it stays super moist. The apples break down just enough to become tender, but they still hold their shape for a nice bite. And that honey-orange-cinnamon sauce soaks through the whole thing, creating a rich, slightly tangy, deeply comforting flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—even though it only takes a couple of hours.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or eat it plain for a cozy afternoon treat with tea. It’s sweet but not overly so, fruity without being tart, and rich enough to feel indulgent while still light enough to enjoy more than one spoonful.

Most importantly, this recipe is beginner-friendly and almost impossible to mess up. If you’re new to baking or just not in the mood to measure perfectly or worry about technique, this is your kind of dessert. It’s rustic, forgiving, and always turns out delicious.

Health Benefits of this Apple Pudding Cake

While this dessert is certainly in the “comfort food” category, that doesn’t mean it’s without its redeeming qualities. Let’s start with the star of the show: apples. Apples are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, particularly when you leave the skins on. They help with digestion, support heart health, and are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C. In this recipe, they’re the base layer, giving the dessert not just sweetness and texture but also a nutrient-rich core.

Another highlight is the use of honey as a sweetener in the pudding sauce. While honey still contains natural sugars, it also boasts antibacterial properties and trace vitamins and minerals. It’s a more wholesome alternative to refined sugar and adds a richer flavor profile, especially when combined with cinnamon and orange juice.

Orange juice, too, brings more than just brightness to the flavor. It’s high in vitamin C, which supports immune health and can help boost the absorption of other nutrients, like iron. Its natural acidity also helps balance the sweetness of the dish, giving it a nuanced flavor rather than a flat sugary taste.

Cinnamon, besides being warm and aromatic, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a spice that adds depth to the dessert while also delivering real benefits for your body.

And let’s not forget that this pudding cake is made in the Crock Pot—meaning you avoid using extra oils or fats that are often needed in oven baking to prevent sticking or drying out. It’s a gentler cooking process that preserves the integrity of the ingredients and avoids the need for heavy creams or excess butter.

Finally, by using whole ingredients and skipping processed mixes or artificial flavorings, you end up with a dessert that feels nourishing as well as indulgent. It’s a lovely way to satisfy a sweet tooth while still treating your body with care.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Before you dive into making this cozy dessert, here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of time, yield, and nutrition.

Total Time:
Preparation: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on High (or 3–4 hours on Low, if preferred)
Total: About 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Servings:
Serves 6–8 generous portions

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 34g
This recipe is free from artificial preservatives, made with real fruit, and can be adapted to include whole wheat flour or plant-based milk if desired.

Ingredients List of this Apple Pudding Cake

To make this Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Everything can be found at a standard grocery store, and many of these you probably already have on hand.

Cake Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the structure of your cake; provides a soft, tender crumb
• ½ cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the batter
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise and become fluffy
• ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes – creates a crumbly texture in the base
• ⅔ cup milk – brings the batter together; whole or 2% milk works best

Fruit and Flavor Layer:

• 3 medium Gala apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – sweet, firm apples that hold up well during cooking
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey – adds extra richness to the apple layer
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with apples
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – keeps the apples moist and flavorful

Pudding Sauce:

• ¾ cup orange juice – adds brightness and subtle acidity
• ¼ cup honey – a rich, natural sweetener
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – adds smoothness to the sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar – gives the sauce a deeper molasses-like sweetness
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – rounds out the flavor

Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for added spice complexity

These ingredients come together in layers to form a dessert that’s tender on top, gooey in the middle, and saucy at the bottom. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit wet or messy before it cooks—it transforms beautifully in the Crock Pot.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake from start to finish. The process is straightforward and beginner-friendly, and I’ll guide you through each step with helpful tips so you know exactly what to expect. Get your slow cooker ready—this is going to be good.

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing three medium Gala apples. You can use a different baking apple if you prefer—Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well, too. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. This way, they’ll cook through and become tender without turning to mush.

Place your apple slices in a medium bowl. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Gently toss everything until the apples are evenly coated. Set this bowl aside while you prep the cake base.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine the dry ingredients evenly.

Now add 6 tablespoons of cold butter, cut into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want little pea-sized bits of butter throughout the mixture—these will create a tender texture when the cake bakes.

Once the mixture is crumbly, pour in ⅔ cup of milk. Stir gently until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Avoid overmixing, as that can lead to a dense cake.

Step 3: Grease the Crock Pot

To keep your cake from sticking and to ensure easy serving later, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper if you want to make cleanup even easier, though it’s not necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now it’s time to build your cake right in the Crock Pot.

Start by spreading the cake batter evenly in the bottom of the greased pot. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even layer. It’s okay if it’s a bit rustic-looking—it will spread and puff up as it cooks.

Next, spoon the prepared apple mixture over the batter. Try to distribute the apple slices evenly across the top. They’ll sink into the batter a little as it cooks, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Make the Pudding Sauce

In a small saucepan or mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of orange juice, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. If you’d like a little more spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger here as well.

Stir the sauce mixture well to ensure everything is blended, then carefully pour it over the apples and batter in the Crock Pot. The sauce will seem like a lot, and it might look like it’s pooling on top, but don’t worry—this is what creates the “pudding” texture as it cooks.

Step 6: Cover and Cook

Place a clean kitchen towel over the top of your slow cooker insert, then put the lid on top of the towel. This step is important! The towel will catch condensation that forms during cooking and prevent it from dripping back onto the cake, which can make it soggy.

Set your Crock Pot to cook on High for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cake has puffed up, the top looks set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. You might see some bubbling around the edges from the pudding sauce—this is a good sign.

If you’d rather cook it on Low, expect a cooking time of about 3 to 4 hours. Just check it periodically after the 2.5-hour mark.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once the cake is fully cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit with the lid off (but keep the towel over it) for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the sauce a chance to settle and the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.

During this rest time, the pudding layer thickens slightly, and the flavors continue to develop. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth the wait.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Use a large spoon to scoop out servings of the pudding cake. You’ll get a delightful mix of soft cake, tender apples, and a luscious sauce with every scoop. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s absolutely heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve this Apple Pudding Cake

This Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake is a versatile dessert that you can serve in several delicious ways. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to help you get the most out of this cozy treat:

• With Ice Cream: The classic combo. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm pudding cake melts slightly, creating an irresistible mix of creamy and warm textures.
• With Whipped Cream: A lighter option, whipped cream adds airiness and a touch of richness without overpowering the dessert.
• As a Brunch Dessert: It’s a sweet and satisfying addition to a weekend brunch table, especially in cooler months. Serve it alongside a warm mug of tea or coffee.
• Topped with Chopped Nuts: Add a bit of crunch with chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over each serving.
• Drizzled with Caramel: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.

However you decide to serve it, this dish is meant to be enjoyed warm and fresh. Its gooey pudding-like base and soft cake layer are best appreciated when freshly scooped from the pot.

Pairing Suggestions

This warm dessert is so versatile that it can pair beautifully with a wide variety of drinks and sides, depending on the occasion. Whether you’re serving it after dinner or as a stand-alone treat, here are some pairing ideas that bring out the best in every bite:

Beverage Pairings

• Hot Beverages: Serve with a cup of cinnamon-spiced tea, a chai latte, or even classic black coffee. The warm spices of the cake complement spiced drinks beautifully.
• Cold Beverages: A glass of chilled almond milk or oat milk balances the sweetness of the dessert nicely. You can also enjoy it with a citrusy herbal iced tea to echo the orange juice in the pudding sauce.
• For a Halal-Friendly Gathering: A sparkling apple cider or non-alcoholic mulled cider makes a festive pairing without alcohol.

Side Pairings

• Fresh Fruit: If you’re serving this dessert after a big meal, keep things light on the side with fresh fruit like sliced pears or a berry salad.
• Savory Balance: Consider serving it after a savory, herb-roasted chicken dish or a spiced lentil stew. The sweet dessert provides a lovely contrast.
• With Breakfast or Brunch: Pair it with a vegetable frittata or savory muffins for a brunch-style meal that hits all the flavor notes.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake is how well it keeps. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just have leftovers from a gathering, storing and reheating it is a breeze.

Storage

To store leftovers, allow the pudding cake to cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Since the cake has a saucy base, it doesn’t dry out quickly, which makes it ideal for enjoying over several days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pudding cake, scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap portions tightly in foil and then seal in a zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the portion in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 45–60 seconds, depending on your microwave. If you’re reheating a larger amount, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

For best results, add a small splash of milk or water before reheating to help the pudding sauce regain its creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward and very forgiving, there are still a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. To help you bake with confidence and get perfect results every time, here are the most important mistakes to avoid:

Using the Wrong Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Some apples become too mushy, while others remain too firm. For this recipe, choose baking apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. These hold their shape during slow cooking and offer the right balance of sweetness and texture. Avoid Red Delicious or McIntosh, which can break down too much and turn watery or mushy.

Skipping the Condensation Towel

One of the key steps in this recipe is placing a clean kitchen towel under the lid of your Crock Pot. This trick prevents condensation from dripping onto the cake, which can make it soggy. If you skip this, you may end up with a watery dessert and a soggy top layer. Always remember to secure the towel so it doesn’t droop into the food or touch the heating elements.

Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense, chewy cake instead of a soft and tender one. When combining the milk with the flour-butter mixture, stir only until everything is just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing develops gluten, which is great for bread—but not so much for pudding cake.

Adding the Sauce Incorrectly

The pudding sauce should be poured evenly over the apples and batter without mixing it in. Some might be tempted to stir the whole mixture together, but doing so will disrupt the cake’s structure and prevent the sauce from sinking to the bottom where it creates that signature gooey texture.

Lifting the Lid Too Often

It can be tempting to keep checking on your pudding cake as it cooks, especially if your kitchen smells amazing. However, every time you lift the lid, you release heat and increase the cooking time. Try not to peek until you’re near the two-hour mark. Trust the process—slow cookers work best when left alone.

Pro Tips

Want to take your Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake to the next level? These pro tips will help you elevate your baking game and give you that bakery-style finish with minimal effort.

Toast the Spices

If you really want to deepen the flavor of your cake, try lightly toasting the cinnamon and any other spices you add to the pudding sauce before mixing them in. Simply heat them in a dry pan for 30 seconds or until fragrant. This unlocks their natural oils and boosts the overall aroma of the dish.

Let the Butter Chill

When making the cake base, it’s essential that your butter is cold. Cold butter cut into the dry ingredients creates steam pockets as it melts during baking, which leads to a lighter, fluffier cake. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before using it.

Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup

Although greasing the Crock Pot is usually enough, using a slow cooker liner can make cleanup even easier—especially since the pudding sauce tends to cling to the sides. You can also line just the bottom with parchment paper for added protection.

Customize the Fruit

This recipe is flexible. You can add a mix of fruits to give it your own twist. Pears, berries, or even chopped dates work well alongside apples. Just keep the total fruit quantity the same to maintain the texture balance.

Add Texture with a Topping

For an added crunch, sprinkle a handful of granola or toasted oats on top of each serving. This offers a satisfying contrast to the soft, pudding-like base and adds visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use almond, oat, or soy milk in place of cow’s milk. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture will be slightly different, but still soft and moist.

Can I use apple juice instead of orange juice?
You can, but the orange juice adds a bit of acidity and brightness that balances the sweetness. If you do use apple juice, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to retain that balance.

Do I have to peel the apples?
It’s up to you. Peeling gives a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on adds fiber and a more rustic feel. Just make sure to wash them well if you keep the peel.

What size slow cooker should I use?
A standard 4- to 6-quart slow cooker works best. If yours is larger, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor it so the cake doesn’t overcook.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but only if your slow cooker is large enough (7 quarts or more). You may need to add an extra 30–45 minutes to the cooking time. Check the center with a toothpick to make sure it’s cooked through.

How do I know when it’s done?
The cake will puff up and the top will look set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. The sides may look slightly caramelized—that’s perfect.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the apples and cake batter ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble and cook when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I cook this on Low instead of High?
Yes. If you’re not in a hurry, you can cook it on Low for 3–4 hours. This results in a slightly more custardy texture, which many people love.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a convenient dessert. Thaw and reheat as needed—perfect for cozy weeknight treats.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Crock Pot Apple Pudding Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich, warm, and comforting, with layers of soft apples, fluffy cake, and a sticky-sweet pudding sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a personal dessert craving, it’s guaranteed to impress—and comfort.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. It doesn’t ask for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, yet the results taste like something you’d get from a high-end bakery. It’s the perfect marriage of homemade goodness and effortless execution, and I truly believe anyone can make it, no matter their skill level in the kitchen.

So now it’s your turn! Grab those apples, dust off your slow cooker, and give this apple pudding cake a try. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Was it a hit at the dinner table? Did you sneak a second serving while no one was looking? Leave a comment below and share your story—or better yet, snap a photo and tag me online. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.

Let’s make dessert the easiest and coziest part of the day—one slow cooker at a time.

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