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Introduction

Craving a warm, indulgent dessert that captures the essence of fall with minimal effort? Look no further than Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert! This cozy recipe reimagines the classic caramel apple cinnamon roll dump cake as a spoonable, slow-cooked treat, featuring tender cinnamon roll pieces, sweet apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a buttery spice cake layer. The slow cooker makes this dessert a breeze, melding the flavors into a gooey, comforting masterpiece, perfect for scooping into bowls and drizzling with icing and caramel. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday potlucks, or cozy weeknight treats, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples, cinnamon, and caramel. Ready to embrace the season with a decadent, hands-off dessert? Let’s dive into this sweet, fall-inspired recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Overview: Why Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert is a Must-Try

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert is a fall-inspired dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and caramel in a warm, gooey format. The slow cooker simplifies the preparation, allowing the ingredients to meld into a soft, indulgent treat with minimal effort, while the spice cake mix and butter create a rich, crumbly topping. It’s a decadent, customizable dessert that’s perfect for apple lovers, busy home cooks, or anyone craving a cozy, bakery-style treat with seasonal appeal.

Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, plus 10 minutes for finishing and serving.
Difficulty Level: Easy! It involves layering ingredients, slow cooking, and simple drizzling, suitable for all skill levels.
Why It’s Special: This dessert is make-ahead-friendly, indulgent, and ideal for fall and winter occasions. The slow cooker makes it hands-off, and the caramel-apple-cinnamon flavors deliver a warm, comforting experience.

This recipe serves 12 and is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family desserts!

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert comes from its rich, comforting ingredients. Each one adds sweetness, warmth, or buttery texture to create a cohesive, fall-inspired dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dessert Base

Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Provides sweet, spiced apple flavor and texture.
- Substitution: Homemade apple pie filling (4 cups cooked apples with ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp cornstarch) or peach pie filling.
Deluxe Cinnamon Rolls (2 cans, 17.5 oz each, icing reserved): Adds soft, cinnamon-spiced dough.
- Substitution: Homemade cinnamon roll dough (cut into pieces) or refrigerated biscuit dough with 1 tsp cinnamon.
Caramel Sauce (½ cup, plus extra for drizzling): Brings rich, buttery sweetness.
- Substitution: Butterscotch sauce or homemade caramel (½ cup sugar, ¼ cup cream, 2 tbsp butter).
Spice Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz, dry): Creates a warm, spiced topping.
- Substitution: Yellow cake mix with 1 tsp cinnamon or homemade spice cake mix (1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg).
Salted Butter (¾ cup, sliced): Adds rich, melt-in flavor.
- Substitution: Unsalted butter (add ¼ tsp salt) or vegan butter.

For Finishing

Reserved Cinnamon Roll Icing (from cans): Provides sweet, creamy drizzle.
- Substitution: Homemade icing (1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla).
Extra Caramel Sauce (2-3 tbsp): Enhances final drizzle.
- Substitution: Butterscotch sauce or omit.

Why They’re Important: The apple pie filling delivers a fruity, spiced base, while cinnamon rolls add soft, doughy texture. Caramel sauce brings decadent sweetness, the spice cake mix provides a warm, crumbly topping, and butter ensures richness, making each bite a cozy, fall-inspired delight.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

To adapt the oven-based Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake for the slow cooker, we’ll layer the apple pie filling, cinnamon roll pieces, caramel, spice cake mix, and butter in the slow cooker to create a gooey, melded dessert, then finish with warmed icing and caramel drizzle for a decadent touch. The slow cooker ensures even cooking and flavor infusion with minimal effort. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Spread 2 cans (21 oz each) of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a fruity base.
- Tip: Break up large apple chunks with a spoon for even distribution. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Layer the Cinnamon Rolls

Open 2 cans (17.5 oz each) of deluxe cinnamon rolls and reserve the icing packets for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
Scatter the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple pie filling, ensuring good coverage but not pressing them down.
- Tip: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut rolls into uniform pieces for even cooking. Spread pieces in a single layer as much as possible.

Step 3: Add Caramel and Cake Mix

Drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, letting it seep into the layers.
Sprinkle 1 box (15.25 oz) of dry spice cake mix evenly over the top, covering the cinnamon rolls and caramel. Do not stir.
- Tip: Use a spoon to drizzle caramel evenly. Tap the cake mix box gently to distribute it without packing it down.

Step 4: Top with Butter

Slice ¾ cup salted butter into thin pats (about 12-15 slices). Arrange the butter slices evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
- Tip: Slice butter thinly for better melting. Place pats closely together to ensure even coverage. If using unsalted butter, sprinkle ¼ tsp salt over the top.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through, the cake mix is golden and crumbly, and the dessert is bubbling around the edges.
Check doneness at the minimum time; the center should be set but slightly gooey. If the top looks too wet, 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 topping crisp. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert cool for 10 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Warm the reserved cinnamon roll icing packets in a bowl of hot water or microwave briefly (5-10 seconds). Drizzle the icing over the dessert, followed by an additional 2-3 tbsp caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Scoop the dessert into 12 bowls or dessert cups, ensuring each serving has a mix of apple filling, cinnamon roll pieces, crumbly topping, and drizzles (about ¾ cup per serving).
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a complete dessert experience. Pair with coffee, hot cider, or a dessert wine (like Riesling) for a cozy touch.
- Tip: Use a large spoon to scoop for a rustic presentation. Drizzle icing and caramel artfully for an Instagram-worthy look. Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.

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Assembly: Serving Your Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert

Now it’s time to present this warm, indulgent dessert and make it look as good as it tastes! Here’s how to assemble Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert:

Serve the Dessert: Scoop the gooey dessert into bowls or dessert cups, showcasing the tender apples, soft cinnamon rolls, crumbly topping, and glossy drizzles. Ensure each serving has a balance of textures and colors.
Garnish: Drizzle with warmed cinnamon roll icing and extra caramel sauce, and add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Presentation Tip: Use wide, shallow bowls to highlight the golden topping and caramel swirls. Serve in clear glass cups for a layered, bakery-style look.
Optional Sides: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a side of fresh apple slices to complement the flavors. Serve with a warm beverage for a cozy experience.
Optional Add-Ins: Offer extra caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on the side for customization.

Pro Tip: Serve family-style by placing the warm dessert in the slow cooker with a serving spoon, with icing, caramel, and garnishes in separate bowls, letting guests scoop their own portions for a fun, interactive treat perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert is best enjoyed fresh for optimal gooeyness and topping texture, 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 icing and extra caramel sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
- 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. Drizzle with fresh icing and caramel before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Base: Layer the apple pie filling, cinnamon rolls, caramel, and cake mix in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate (add butter just before cooking). Cook as directed.
- Icing and Caramel: Store reserved icing and extra caramel in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm gently before drizzling.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked dessert (without icing or caramel drizzle) for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and add fresh icing and caramel. Texture may be softer after freezing.
Garnishes: Store chopped pecans or cinnamon 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 pancakes or waffles, a filling for crepes with whipped cream, or a base for a trifle with vanilla pudding for quick, indulgent treats.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert is highly versatile—here are some fun ways to mix it up:

Pecan Crunch Dessert: Add ½ cup chopped pecans over the cake mix before cooking for extra crunch.
Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle ¼ tsp flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty balance.
Pumpkin Spice Dessert: Replace spice cake mix with pumpkin spice cake mix for a deeper fall flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls (available at specialty stores) and a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure caramel and apple pie filling are gluten-free (most are, but check labels).
Vegan: Use vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan butter, and vegan caramel sauce. Replace apple pie filling with homemade vegan filling if needed.
Mixed Fruit Dessert: Combine 1 can apple pie filling with 1 can cherry or peach pie filling for a varied fruit profile.

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

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert that’ll bring the warm, cozy flavors of fall to your table! This dessert is all about gooey apples, tender cinnamon rolls, rich caramel, and a buttery spice cake topping, united for a satisfying, bakery-inspired treat. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight, a holiday potluck, or a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress with its comforting, seasonal appeal. So grab your slow cooker, drizzle that caramel, and let the kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon. Play with variations, customize with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy every warm, gooey spoonful. Happy cooking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Author: Alyssa

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