5 Crock Pot Dessert Ideas You Can't Miss

Is there anything better than coming home to the inviting aroma of a dessert slowly simmering away? Crock pots aren't just for savory meals; they're also an excellent tool for creating mouthwatering desserts with minimal effort. If you're looking for unique and easy slow cooker dessert recipes, we've got you covered with five irresistible ideas.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this gooey chocolate lava cake. Here's how to create it:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (and the ingredients listed on the box to prepare it)
• 1 package of instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving

Steps:

1. Make the cake batter as per the box instructions.
2. Mix pudding mix with milk in the crock pot, stirring until no lumps remain.
3. Pour in the chocolate cake batter over the pudding mix.
4. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
5. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-6 hours until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
6. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

🍫 Note: Cooking time might vary depending on your slow cooker model. Keep an eye on the cake after 1.5 hours on high or 3 hours on low to prevent overcooking.

Crock Pot Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Who doesn't love the classic combination of apples, cinnamon, and a crumbly topping? Here’s how you can make this autumnal delight in your slow cooker:

• 6-8 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 cup of oats
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Toss the sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon, then place them in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
4. Cook on high for 2 hours or until apples are tender.
5. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🍎 Note: Different types of apples will give different textures and flavors. For a balance of sweet and tart, try mixing varieties like Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake in a Slow Cooker

Get ready for a tropical twist on a classic. This dessert is visually stunning and will certainly wow your guests:

• 1 can of pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• Maraschino cherries
• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• The ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually water, oil, and eggs)

Steps:

1. Line the bottom of the crock pot with parchment paper.
2. Arrange pineapple slices on the bottom and place a cherry in the center of each.
3. Spread brown sugar evenly over the pineapples.
4. Prepare the cake batter as per the instructions.
5. Pour the batter over the pineapples.
6. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, until the cake has set.
7. Let cool for about 30 minutes before flipping the slow cooker bowl onto a serving dish.

🍒 Note: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with mint leaves after flipping the cake.

Cheesy Cranberry Cobbler

Enjoy the tartness of cranberries with the sweet and creamy cheese topping for a delightful dessert:

• 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of orange juice
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened

Steps:

1. In the slow cooker, mix cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Stir well.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, melted butter, and cream cheese until crumbly.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the cranberries.
4. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until the topping is set and golden.
5. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

🍊 Note: The cobbler can be quite tangy; adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.

Slow Cooker Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Bread pudding gets a grown-up twist with a rich bourbon sauce, making it the perfect finish to any meal:

• 8 cups of cubed, day-old bread
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup of bourbon for the sauce

Steps:

1. Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Place bread in the slow cooker and pour the milk mixture over it. Add raisins if using.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes for the bread to soak up the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until set.
5. For the bourbon sauce, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup cream, and bourbon in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.
6. Drizzle the sauce over the warm bread pudding when serving.

🥃 Note: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or vanilla extract.

These crock pot dessert recipes bring together simplicity and flavor, proving that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create memorable treats. From the decadent chocolate lava cake to the classic bread pudding, there’s something here for everyone. They require minimal prep work, with the slow cooker doing most of the work for you. The rich aromas wafting through your home are just a bonus!

Can I use a regular cake mix for these crock pot recipes?

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Yes, you can use a regular cake mix in place of the store-bought mixes. Just follow the box instructions to prepare the batter, then proceed with the given recipe steps.

How can I prevent my slow cooker desserts from becoming too soggy?

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To avoid sogginess, ensure not to overfill the slow cooker. Also, let the batter sit and absorb the liquid before cooking. If using a lot of fruit, mix in some flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture.

What are some healthy alternatives for slow cooker desserts?

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You can use whole grain flours, reduce sugar amounts or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Opt for fruit-based desserts, which can be healthier, or incorporate ingredients like Greek yogurt for protein.