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Introduction

Craving the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar muffins but looking for a cozy, hands-off twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole! This delightful recipe reimagines the classic muffin as a spoonable, slow-cooked dessert, featuring a soft, cake-like base infused with nutmeg and vanilla, topped with a buttery, crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. The slow cooker makes this dessert effortless, melding the flavors into a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for scooping into bowls and sharing. Ideal for fall gatherings, cozy weeknight treats, or holiday brunches, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter. Ready to embrace the season with a decadent, hands-off dessert? Let’s dive into this sweet, spiced recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Overview: Why Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole is a Must-Try

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole is a fall-inspired dessert that captures the fluffy, spiced essence of cinnamon sugar muffins in a warm, gooey format. The slow cooker simplifies the preparation, creating a soft, cake-like texture with minimal effort, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds a crunchy, sweet finish. It’s a comforting, customizable treat that’s perfect for cinnamon lovers, busy home cooks, or anyone craving a cozy, bakery-style dessert with seasonal appeal.

Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low, plus 10 minutes for topping and serving.
Difficulty Level: Easy! It involves mixing, slow cooking, and applying a topping, suitable for all skill levels.
Why It’s Special: This dessert is make-ahead-friendly, comforting, and ideal for fall and winter occasions. The slow cooker makes it hands-off, and the cinnamon-sugar flavors deliver a warm, nostalgic experience.

This recipe serves 8-10 and is perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or cozy family desserts!

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole comes from its simple, comforting ingredients. Each one adds sweetness, spice, or buttery texture to create a cohesive, cinnamon-infused dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dessert Base

All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the soft, cake-like structure.
- Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour (texture may vary).
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the base.
- Substitution: Coconut sugar or brown sugar for a caramelized note.
Baking Powder (2 tsp): Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- Substitution: ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness.
- Substitution: Sea salt or omit if using salted butter.
Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds warm, spiced depth.
- Substitution: Ground cinnamon or allspice.
Milk (½ cup): Moistens the batter.
- Substitution: Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) or buttermilk.
Egg (1, large, beaten): Binds the ingredients.
- Substitution: Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for vegan.
Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup, melted): Adds rich, buttery flavor.
- Substitution: Coconut oil or vegan butter.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances warmth and sweetness.
- Substitution: Almond extract or vanilla bean paste.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Creates a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Substitution: Brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Provides warm, spiced flavor.
- Substitution: Pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): Binds the topping and adds richness.
- Substitution: Vegan butter or coconut oil.

Why They’re Important: The flour and baking powder create a soft, cake-like base, while nutmeg and vanilla add cozy depth. The cinnamon-sugar topping delivers a crunchy, sweet finish, making each spoonful a warm, muffin-inspired delight.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

To adapt the oven-based Cinnamon Sugar Muffins for the slow cooker, we’ll mix a batter similar to the muffin recipe, slow cook it into a soft, casserole-like dessert, and finish with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping to mimic the muffin’s signature crust. The slow cooker ensures even cooking and a gooey texture, perfect for scooping. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup milk, 1 beaten egg, ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just moistened. The batter should be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
- Tip: Use a whisk for dry ingredients to ensure no lumps. Stir wet ingredients thoroughly before combining. Mix batter minimally to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
Pour the batter into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth layer.
- Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Spread batter gently to avoid compacting it, ensuring an even cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Check doneness at the minimum time; if the top looks too moist, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to evaporate excess moisture.
- Tip: Place a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and keep the surface from getting soggy. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until well combined.
Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Keep warm for dipping or brushing.
- Tip: Stir cinnamon-sugar mixture thoroughly for even flavor. Melt butter just before use to ensure it’s liquid for coating.

Step 5: Apply the Topping and Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert cool for 10 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Scoop the warm dessert into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ½ cup per serving). Brush or drizzle each portion with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a crunchy topping.
Alternatively, spread the melted butter over the entire dessert in the slow cooker, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and scoop into bowls for a more uniform topping.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a complete dessert experience. Pair with coffee, hot tea, or warm cider for a cozy touch.
- Tip: Use a pastry brush for even butter application. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar generously for a crunchy crust. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.

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Assembly: Serving Your Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole

Now it’s time to present this warm, comforting dessert and make it look as good as it tastes! Here’s how to assemble Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole:

Serve the Dessert: Scoop the soft, cake-like dessert into bowls or dessert cups, ensuring each serving has a generous coating of cinnamon-sugar topping. Showcase the golden crust and fluffy base.
Garnish: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon-sugar, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few chopped pecans for a festive touch. A drizzle of caramel or maple syrup adds decadence.
- Presentation Tip: Use wide, shallow bowls to highlight the crunchy topping and soft interior. Serve in clear glass cups for a layered, bakery-style look.
Optional Sides: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh apple slices to complement the flavors. Serve with a warm beverage for a cozy experience.
Optional Add-Ins: Offer extra cinnamon-sugar, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey on the side for customization.

Pro Tip: Serve family-style by placing the warm dessert in the slow cooker with a serving spoon, with cinnamon-sugar and melted butter in separate bowls, letting guests scoop and top their own portions for a fun, interactive treat perfect for fall gatherings or holiday brunches!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and topping crunch, but leftovers and make-ahead options can be managed with care. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store the dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep extra cinnamon-sugar topping separate to maintain crunch.
- Reheat gently in the microwave (30-60 seconds per serving, stirring halfway) or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil. Reapply melted butter and cinnamon-sugar before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Batter: Prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Stir gently before pouring into the slow cooker.
- Topping: Mix the cinnamon-sugar topping up to a week ahead and store at room temperature in an airtight container. Melt butter just before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked dessert (without topping) for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and add fresh butter and cinnamon-sugar. Texture may be softer after freezing.
Garnishes: Store chopped pecans or powdered sugar at room temperature for up to a week. Prep fresh garnishes like whipped cream just before serving.

Tip: Use leftover dessert as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, a base for a trifle with whipped cream and fruit, or a filling for crepes with maple syrup for quick, comforting treats.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole is highly versatile—here are some fun ways to mix it up:

Apple Cinnamon Dessert: Fold 1 cup diced apples or ½ cup apple pie filling into the batter for a fruity twist.
Pumpkin Spice Casserole: Add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the batter and ¼ tsp to the topping for a fall-inspired flavor.
Nutty Crunch Dessert: Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before cooking for extra crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free (most are, but check labels).
Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) in the batter and topping.
Chocolate Chip Dessert: Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, indulgent variation.

Get creative and make it your own—this dessert loves a little experimentation!

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Casserole that’ll bring the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar muffins to your table! This dessert is all about a soft, cake-like base, warm nutmeg, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, united for a satisfying, bakery-inspired treat. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight, a holiday brunch, or a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress with its comforting, seasonal appeal. So grab your slow cooker, sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar, and let the kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of butter and spice. Play with variations, customize with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy every warm, cozy spoonful. Happy cooking!

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Author: Alyssa

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