Winter sweet: Just 4 ingredients. I start it at lunch and dessert is warm and spoonable by night.

This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Warm Apple Pudding is one of those cozy, no-fuss desserts that makes the whole house smell like fall, no matter what month it is. It’s inspired by old-fashioned apple puddings and cobblers that our grandmas used to bake, but this version leans on the slow cooker so you can toss everything in and walk away. The apples turn soft and saucy, the cake mix puffs up into a tender, spoonable topping, and you’re left with a warm, comforting dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen.

This warm apple pudding is lovely served straight from the slow cooker into bowls, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. If you want to round it out into a simple dessert-and-snack kind of evening, pair it with a plate of cheddar cheese slices or a sharp cheese board—the sweet apples and buttery cake go surprisingly well with something a little salty. For kids, a small glass of cold milk or warm apple cider on the side makes it feel extra cozy. If you’re serving guests, you can spoon the pudding into pretty mugs or ramekins and sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a homey but special touch.

Servings: 6–8 servings

6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 5–6 medium apples, any baking variety)

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Place the sliced apples into the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. If you like, gently toss them with a spoon so they’re spread out and not clumped together.

Pour the apple juice or apple cider evenly over the apples. This helps create that saucy, pudding-like texture as everything cooks down.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Try to cover as much of the fruit as you can with the dry mix—no need to stir.

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the surface as possible. It’s fine if there are a few dry spots; they’ll still bake up nicely.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the apples are very tender and the cake mixture on top is set and golden around the edges. The center will be soft and spoonable, more like a pudding or cobbler than a firm cake.

Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the pudding sit, covered, for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Then spoon the warm apple pudding into bowls and serve as is or with your favorite toppings.

For cinnamon lovers: Before adding the apples to the slow cooker, toss them with 1–2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and, if you like, a tablespoon of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. This makes the whole dessert taste more like a classic apple pie. For a lighter version: You can use a reduced-sugar yellow cake mix if you’re watching sweetness, and swap the melted butter for 1/3 cup of canola oil. The texture will be slightly different but still very comforting. For picky eaters: If your kids aren’t big on noticeable apple pieces, slice the apples very thin or even chop them into small cubes so they cook down more smoothly into the pudding. You can also peel them extra carefully so there are no chewy bits of skin. For extra texture: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the dry cake mix before drizzling on the butter for a little crunch on top. For a caramel twist: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix, then serve with an extra drizzle on top. For make-ahead prep: You can peel and slice the apples earlier in the day and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just layer everything in the slow cooker and turn it on. This is also an easy recipe for kids to help with—they can sprinkle the cake mix and help drizzle the butter, which makes them excited to eat the finished dessert.