Easy Slow Cooker Desserts

If you’re a fan of desserts but find yourself short on time or energy, your slow cooker might just become your new best friend. Slow cooker desserts are a fantastic way to prepare sweet treats with minimal effort. Simply set your slow cooker, go about your day, and return to find a delicious dessert waiting for you. Here are some easy slow cooker dessert recipes that are sure to impress without adding to your stress.

1. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

This classic apple crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any season. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a deliciously gooey and crisp apple dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Tips:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping.

2. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge in a rich, gooey chocolate lava cake that’s surprisingly easy to make. The slow cooker creates a decadent dessert with a molten chocolate center.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
4. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into a greased slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the cake is set around the edges but still gooey in the center.

Tips:

• Let the cake sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the lava to settle.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream.

3. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

This easy peach cobbler is a summer favorite, featuring sweet peaches and a buttery topping. It’s a delightful dessert that makes use of seasonal fruit.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh or frozen peaches (thawed if frozen)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Place in the slow cooker.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in the milk and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the peaches. Do not stir.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the cobbler topping is golden and set.

Tips:

• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch.
• For a thicker topping, increase the flour by 1/4 cup.

4. Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Creamy and comforting, rice pudding is a dessert that benefits greatly from slow cooking. This recipe yields a creamy pudding that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the rice, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and raisins (if using) just before serving.

Tips:

• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.
• For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream in place of some of the milk.

5. Slow Cooker Banana Bread

Enjoy a warm and moist banana bread without turning on the oven. This slow cooker version is incredibly easy and perfect for overripe bananas.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Fold in the walnuts (if using).

Grease the slow cooker insert and pour in the batter.