Imagine walking into your kitchen and being hit with that warm, buttery cinnamon aroma, the kind that instantly makes you feel like you’re home. That’s exactly what this Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake delivers. It’s the kind of dessert that asks almost nothing of you, just a few minutes of prep, a handful of familiar ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest.
This recipe is perfect for anyone craving comfort without complication, think lazy Sunday mornings, holiday brunches, or last-minute dessert emergencies. Gooey, sweet, and just the right amount of sticky, it’s the lovechild of two crowd-pleasers: cinnamon rolls and cake.
Ingredients for Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce for drizzling
How to Make Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
- Prep the crockpot: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the rolls: Open the cinnamon roll can, separate each roll, and cut into quarters. Place the pieces evenly in the crockpot.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour this buttery mixture evenly over the rolls.
- Add cream: Drizzle the heavy cream over the top — this is what creates that irresistible gooey texture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours or until the rolls are puffed and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often; it traps steam that keeps the dessert moist.
- Finish with glaze: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
Visual Cue for Doneness
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center looks soft and sticky — not dry.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Gooey Texture
- Don’t overcook. Every slow cooker runs differently — start checking at the 2-hour mark.
- Line your crockpot with parchment paper or a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Add a drizzle. Caramel or cream cheese icing turns this dessert into something truly indulgent.
- Serve warm. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the crockpot, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Bonus Tip
If you love extra gooeyness, add a tablespoon of butter on top just before serving. It melts into every bite.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: Add 1 cup of diced apples or apple pie filling before cooking.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add a few spoonfuls of pumpkin puree.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers of dough for a molten chocolate surprise.
- Nutty Praline: Add chopped pecans and drizzle caramel on top for that Southern-inspired richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes! If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough works beautifully. Just keep the pieces small and watch the cooking time — it might take 15–20 minutes longer.
H3: How long will leftovers last?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
H3: Can I cook this on high heat?
You can, but the texture will be less gooey and more cake-like. Stick to low for the best results.
H3: Can I make it overnight?
It’s not ideal — the rolls can overcook. Instead, prep it at night and start the slow cooker in the morning for a perfect brunch treat.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 2g
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Dessert
This Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day, simple, forgiving, and irresistibly good. You don’t need to be a baker; you just need a slow cooker and a craving for something sweet and soft.
It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for family dinners, holiday mornings, or cozy weekends when you want to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those recipes you keep coming back to, because honestly, who doesn’t love the smell (and taste) of cinnamon sugar melting into buttery perfection?
Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake – Easy Slow Cooker Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the crockpot: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the rolls: Open the cinnamon roll can, separate each roll, and cut into quarters. Place the pieces evenly in the crockpot.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour this buttery mixture evenly over the rolls.
- Add cream: Drizzle the heavy cream over the top — this is what creates that irresistible gooey texture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours or until the rolls are puffed and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often; it traps steam that keeps the dessert moist.
- Finish with glaze: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.