Does shuffling around your dishes in and out of the oven get complicated during a big holiday meal? We like to have several desserts, so that usually means something's got to come out of the oven so the desserts can start going in. Why not put your crockpot to work for you this year? Transform your old favorite dessert recipes into crockpot dessert recipes and free up your oven for what it was meant for... the turkey and Green Bean Casserole!
We have three traditional desserts that we typically serve after a big holiday meal. The original recipes differ somewhat from the crockpot dessert recipes, but they are not difficult to make. Let me share with you how I've tweaked these dessert recipes to make in my crockpot instead of the oven.
Apple Brown Betty: If you make this dessert in the oven, you have to time it just right so that you're pulling it out only a few minutes before serving. That's because it's better served hot with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can basically use all the ingredients you normally do, but I add a little more butter. You're going to cook it on low for a couple hours so that's all the timing required. No last minute switching casseroles around so you can get this dessert done at the perfect time.
You can add a crunchy topping just before serving if you wish. Just mix the ingredients together in a small saucepan and heat until butter is incorporated. Sprinkle on your mixture either just before serving or after you scoop the apples into dessert bowls.
PB and Chocolate Brownies: Brownies are always yummy, but this brownie dessert tops them all with the added peanut butter! You begin with a regular brownie mix, but the dessert isn't cut into squares like normal brownies. You spoon the dessert into bowls instead of cutting them into traditional brownie squares. Serve while hot so that the added ice cream or whipped topping melts a little. Very yummy!
Add a bit more fun by using some candy sprinkles to the topping. You can decorate with Reese's Pieces or other peanut butter and chocolate candy. Even peanut butter cups cut into bite size pieces would be a nice touch. Just be sure when you plan the cooking time that you plan to have the dessert done just before you want to serve it so the brownies are still nice and warm.
Pecan Crust Cheesecake: One of my favorite desserts is cheesecake. It's fun using what can be considered a mini oven. Basically, you use the same recipe you normally would. The important thing to keep in mind is you'll be using a 7" springform pan so you need to make sure it will fit . A 5 or 6 quart size is usually big enough, but measure to be sure. Then, make a simple graham cracker crust with some finely chopped pecans added, form the crust in the bottom and up the sides a little in your pan. Make the filling according to the recipe you normally use, then fill your pan.
You'll need to put a small rack in the bottom to hold the springform pan off the bottom. If you don't have a rack that fits, just pull a good length of aluminum foil off the roll and form a donut shape out of it to support the pan. Put that on the bottom and put your pan in. Just be sure the pan is at least an inch off the bottom. Use enough foil to get a good support. You want to cook your cheesecake on high for several hours, then shut off the heat and let it sit in there for another hour or until it's cool enough to handle. Then you'll let it cool completely on a rack on the counter before you remove the pan from the cheesecake. Because you serve cheesecake either room temperature or cold, you can actually get this prepared ahead of time. Remember to refrigerate any leftovers... like you're going to have any!
Rather than struggle another year shuffling food around all around the kitchen, leave your dinner cooking in peace and quiet, tucked safely away in the oven where it belongs. Because a holiday dinner is not complete without desserts, this simple plan to create new crockpot dessert recipes out of favorite old standards will help with all that last minute chaos. Why sacrifice any sweet treat because you lack room in the oven? Get out your crockpot and start re-creating your own favorite dessert recipes. Enjoy!
Dive into the slowcooker cooking method and find delicious Crock Pot recipes for desserts to choose from for your holiday meals. Pick a recipe and let's get started!
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