Description
Want a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for cozy nights or last-minute gatherings? Minister’s Delight is the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dessert combines fruity pie filling with a buttery, crumbly cake mix topping, optionally sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. It’s simple, delicious, and ready with minimal effort
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6-8 and uses minimal ingredients for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Dessert:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry or apple pie filling
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size, about 15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Pie Filling: Provides a sweet, fruity base; cherry offers tartness, while apple adds warm, spiced flavor.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Creates a crumbly, golden topping that bakes into a cobbler-like crust.
- Butter: Melts into the cake mix, forming a rich, buttery layer.
- Walnuts: Optional for added crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pie Filling: Swap with blueberry, peach, or mixed berry pie filling for different flavors.
- Cake Mix: Use white, spice, or butter pecan cake mix for variety.
- Butter: Replace with margarine or coconut oil (melted) for a dairy-free option.
- Walnuts: Substitute with pecans, almonds, or omit for nut-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie filling and gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Lower Sugar: Choose no-sugar-added pie filling or reduce cake mix to 3/4 package.
- Add-Ins: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes with the walnuts.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Open 1 can (21 ounces) cherry or apple pie filling.
- Measure 1/2 cup butter and melt it in a microwave-safe bowl (about 30-60 seconds).
- Open 1 package yellow cake mix (no need to prepare it).
- Measure 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, if using.
Tip: Ensure butter is fully melted for even distribution over the cake mix.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Pie Filling: Spread the pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 1-1/2-quart slow cooker.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pie filling, covering it completely.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. The mixture will look crumbly and uneven, which is normal.
- Add Walnuts: If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
Tip: Use a spoon to spread pie filling smoothly; don’t mix the cake mix and butter, as the crumbly texture creates the topping.
Step 3: Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 2-3 hours, until the top is golden and set, and the filling is bubbly.
Tip: Check at 2 hours; some slow cookers may finish closer to 2 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat.
Step 4: Serve
- Scoop and Serve: Spoon the warm dessert into bowls, ensuring each serving has some filling and topping.
- Optional Additions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tip: Serve directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm; use a large spoon to capture the gooey filling and crumbly top.