13 Slow Cooker Fried Dessert Recipes

Who says you need a deep fryer to enjoy crispy, golden desserts? Your trusty slow cooker can create amazing fried-style desserts with minimal oil and maximum flavor. These innovative recipes combine the convenience of slow cooking with the satisfying textures and tastes of traditional fried desserts. From donuts to fritters, these recipes will transform your kitchen into a dessert paradise without the mess and hassle of deep frying.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Fried Desserts?

Slow cooker “frying” offers several advantages over traditional methods. You’ll use significantly less oil, enjoy more even cooking, and avoid the safety concerns of hot oil splattering. The gentle, consistent heat creates perfectly cooked desserts with crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Plus, your kitchen stays cleaner, and you can multitask while your desserts cook to perfection.

Essential Tips for Slow Cooker Success

Before diving into the recipes, keep these key tips in mind. Always preheat your slow cooker for 15-20 minutes before adding ingredients. Use parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Monitor cooking times carefully, as slow cookers vary in temperature. For the crispiest results, finish desserts under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Finally, let desserts rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow textures to set properly.

1. Classic Slow Cooker Apple Fritters

These tender fritters capture all the flavors of fall in every bite. The slow cooker creates perfectly cooked apple pieces surrounded by fluffy, cake-like batter.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups diced apples
• Oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Combine wet ingredients separately, then fold into dry mixture
3. Gently stir in diced apples
4. Form into small patties and brush with oil
5. Place in slow cooker on parchment paper
6. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through
7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving

2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Enjoy fresh donuts without the deep fryer mess. These slow cooker donuts are surprisingly light and fluffy with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups biscuit mix
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar for coating
• Butter for brushing

Instructions:

1. Combine biscuit mix, milk, egg, and sugar until smooth
2. Roll dough and cut into donut shapes
3. Brush with melted butter
4. Arrange in slow cooker
5. Cook on high for 1.5-2 hours
6. Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These gooey, crispy-edged cookie bars satisfy any chocolate craving. The slow cooker creates the perfect chewy texture with golden edges.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla
3. Mix in dry ingredients gradually
4. Fold in chocolate chips
5. Press into parchment-lined slow cooker
6. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until edges are set
7. Cool before cutting into bars

4. Banana Foster Bread Pudding

Transform stale bread into an elegant dessert reminiscent of the famous New Orleans treat. Rich, custardy, and bursting with banana flavor.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Layer bread and bananas in slow cooker
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and rum
3. Pour mixture over bread
4. Let stand 10 minutes to absorb
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until set
6. Serve warm with caramel sauce

5. Berry Cobbler Dumplings

Fluffy dumplings nestle atop sweet, bubbling berries in this comforting dessert. The slow cooker keeps everything perfectly moist and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed berries
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Mix berries with 1/2 cup sugar in slow cooker
2. Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt
3. Stir in milk, butter, and vanilla to form dough
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough over berries
5. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until dumplings are cooked through
6. Serve with vanilla ice cream

6. Churro Bites

Enjoy the carnival favorite at home with these bite-sized treats. Crispy outside, tender inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flour
• 3 eggs
• Oil for brushing
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat water, butter, and salt until boiling
2. Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth
3. Beat in eggs one at a time
4. Pipe small portions into slow cooker
5. Brush with oil
6. Cook on high for 1-2 hours until golden
7. Roll in cinnamon sugar immediately

7. Peach Cobbler Cake

This hybrid dessert combines the best of cake and cobbler. Sweet peaches meld with tender cake for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced peaches
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Layer peaches in bottom of slow cooker
2. Sprinkle with brown sugar and spices
3. Top with dry cake mix
4. Drizzle melted butter over top
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until golden
6. Serve warm with whipped cream

8. Funnel Cake Bites

Capture the joy of county fair funnel cake in convenient bite-sized portions. Light, airy, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• Oil for brushing
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Whisk together dry ingredients
2. Beat eggs and milk, then combine with dry mixture
3. Drop spoonfuls of batter into oiled slow cooker
4. Cook on high for 1.5-2 hours
5. Dust generously with powdered sugar
6. Serve immediately while warm

9. Chocolate Lava Mug Cakes

Individual portions of rich, gooey chocolate cake with molten centers. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a chocolate fix.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 square dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in oven-safe mugs
2. Stir in milk and butter
3. Press chocolate square into center
4. Place mugs in slow cooker with water halfway up sides
5. Cook on high for 1-2 hours
6. Serve immediately with ice cream

10. Caramel Apple Rolls

Tender, flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apples and drizzled with caramel. These rolls taste like autumn in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Unroll crescent dough and separate
2. Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon
3. Place apple mixture on each triangle
4. Roll up and place in slow cooker
5. Dot with butter
6. Cook on low for 2-3 hours
7. Drizzle with caramel before serving

11. Strawberry Shortcake Dumplings

Fluffy biscuit dumplings topped with sweet strawberries create a delightful twist on classic shortcake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups biscuit mix
• 2/3 cup milk
• 4 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in slow cooker
2. Combine biscuit mix and milk
3. Drop dumplings over strawberry mixture
4. Cook on high for 2 hours until dumplings are cooked
5. Serve warm topped with whipped cream

12. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This tropical favorite gets a slow cooker makeover. Caramelized pineapple tops moist, tender cake for a stunning presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 7 pineapple rings
• Maraschino cherries
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Ingredients called for on cake mix box

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in slow cooker on high
2. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter
3. Arrange pineapple and cherries
4. Prepare cake mix according to package directions
5. Pour batter over pineapple
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours
7. Invert onto serving plate while warm

13. S’mores Brownies

Combine campfire nostalgia with fudgy brownies in this crowd-pleasing dessert. Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows unite perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix
• Ingredients called for on brownie mix
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

Instructions:

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions
2. Pour half the batter into slow cooker
3. Sprinkle with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers
4. Top with remaining batter
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until set
6. Cool slightly before serving

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your desserts aren’t turning out quite right, here are some solutions. For soggy bottoms, try elevating your dessert on a rack or using less liquid. If edges are cooking too quickly, lower the temperature or cover with foil. For uneven cooking, rotate your slow cooker insert halfway through cooking time. Remember that every slow cooker cooks differently, so adjust times accordingly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Most slow cooker desserts keep well for 2-3 days covered in the refrigerator. For best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Crispy desserts may lose some texture when stored, so consider finishing them under the broiler when reheating.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use my slow cooker’s warm setting for these recipes? A: The warm setting is too low for proper cooking. Stick to low or high settings as specified in each recipe for best results.

Q: Why do some recipes call for parchment paper? A: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. It’s safe to use in slow cookers and helps achieve better browning on the bottom.

Q: Can I double these recipes? A: Most recipes can be doubled if your slow cooker is large enough. You may need to increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes when doubling quantities.

Q: How do I know when my dessert is done? A: Look for golden edges, firm centers that spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick that comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I make these recipes gluten-free? A: Many recipes can be adapted using gluten-free flour blends. The texture may vary slightly, but results are generally very good.

Q: What’s the best way to get crispy edges? A: For crispier results, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

These 13 slow cooker fried dessert recipes prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy delicious, crispy-textured sweets. From classic donuts to innovative s’mores brownies, your slow cooker opens up a world of dessert possibilities. The gentle, even heat creates perfectly cooked treats while keeping your kitchen clean and safe. Experiment with different flavors, try your own variations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating these delightful desserts for family and friends. Happy slow cooking!