Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t want to go through all the fuss of rolling dough or standing by the oven, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. It’s that perfect cozy dessert that brings together the rich, buttery magic of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a dump cake, all slow-cooked to create a warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Imagine that sweet cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen while the crockpot works its magic—making dessert time effortless and utterly indulgent. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites to share when I want a comforting dessert without any stress or fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples and basic ingredients, each bringing something special to the party—whether that’s richness, sweetness, or that signature warm spice.

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (1 can, 16.3 oz): These are your base—soft, sweet dough packed with cinnamon and ready to become molten magic in your crockpot.
• Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds luscious richness and helps brown the sugar for that irresistible gooey texture.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides deep sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor, perfect for that sticky syrupy layer.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The true star spice, delivering that signature warmth and aroma that cinnamon roll fans crave.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and helps create a decadent sauce that soaks into every bite.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For the classic glaze finish—sweet and smooth with a lovely vanilla kick.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the glaze and rounds out the flavors with a subtle aromatic sweetness.

How to Make Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot

Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with a good non-stick cooking spray. This little step is essential because it prevents sticking and ensures every gooey bite comes out cleanly without any burnt bits clinging to the sides. Trust me, it makes cleanup easier too!

Step 2: Cut and Layer the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them gently. Cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized chunks that will cook evenly. Then, dump all those pieces into your crockpot, spreading them out so they cover the base evenly. This chunked layering sets the stage for a beautifully textured cake.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Butter and Sugar Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together your melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour this deliciously fragrant mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the crockpot. This mixture will seep down and create that signature sticky, gooey texture as it cooks, infusing every bite with cinnamon-sweet richness.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Next, drizzle your heavy cream gently over the cinnamon roll and butter mixture. The cream contributes an extra layer of decadence and keeps the dessert wonderfully moist and luscious. Once added, cover the crockpot with the lid.

Step 5: Cook Slow and Low

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 2 to 2.5 hours. You want the cinnamon rolls to cook through fully and soak up the buttery sauce, turning into a gooey, tender dump cake reminiscent of two favorite desserts combined. The aroma filling your kitchen will be an irresistible preview of the comfort to come.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once the cooking time is up, turn off the crockpot and remove the lid to let the cake cool slightly for a few minutes. While it’s resting, whisk together your powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the warm cake before serving to add that classic cinnamon roll finishing touch.

How to Serve Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Garnishes

To make this dessert even more tempting, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream on top—both melt delightfully into the warm cake. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can add a lovely crunch and aroma boost that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which add balance with a bit of tartness and freshness. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a rich chai tea latte to complement the cinnamon and vanilla notes in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake in small individual crockpot liners or ramekins. This not only looks adorable but keeps the gooey cake warm longer and makes portion control easy. Or try layering the cake in parfait glasses, alternating with cream or yogurt for a delightful twist that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, fret not—this cake stores beautifully. Cover your crockpot insert tightly or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Leave it at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, refrigeration up to five days works great without sacrificing too much gooey goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dump cake for up to two months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing doesn’t really affect the texture much, so you get nearly fresh-baked results when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To bring your Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake back to life, reheat in the crockpot on low for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 20 to 30 seconds. Adding a little extra drizzle of cream or butter before warming helps revive that gooey, rich texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cut them into quarters as you would the canned kind. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on your dough’s thickness.

Is it possible to make this dessert in the oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake this in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 25-35 minutes, covering with foil for the first 20 minutes. However, the slow cooker’s low-and-slow method gives an unbeatable gooeyness and tenderness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips with the cinnamon roll pieces for added texture and flavor variety. Mix them in just before pouring the butter and sugar sauce to ensure even distribution.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Totally! Kids love the sweet cinnamon flavor and gooey, soft texture of this cake. Plus, its simple preparation makes it fun to involve them in the kitchen without any tricky techniques.

How sweet is the Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake?

It’s sweet and indulgent, but the balance of cinnamon, brown sugar, and glaze keeps it from being overpowering. You can always adjust the sugar quantities a bit to suit your personal preference.

Final Thoughts

The Crockpot Gooey Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its cozy cinnamon aroma and irresistibly gooey texture make it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a joyous, simple way to bring a little homemade comfort into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this deliciously easy dessert just like I have!

Print