Slow Cooker Caramel Pear Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.

This enhances their nuttiness and provides a deeper contrast to the sweet caramel and pears. Ensure the nuts are cooled completely before adding them to the slow cooker to avoid premature softening.

If the cake appears too dry on top after the recommended cooking time, let it sit for an additional 15 minutes with the lid on, off the heat. The residual steam will help soften any dry spots of cake mix. Always use a high-quality caramel topping to ensure the best flavor and consistency in the finished sauce.

Variations

• Apple Caramel Version: Substitute the pears with an equal amount of peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples. The tartness of the apples pairs exceptionally well with the sweet caramel topping and spice cake mix.
• Chocolate Walnut Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of spice cake mix. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and walnuts creates a rich, decadent dessert that feels more like a brownie pudding.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended for freezing as the texture of the fruit and cake will degrade.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until just warm, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dessert will keep well for up to three days.

Because of the fruit content, it is important to refrigerate leftovers promptly once they have cooled to room temperature, ensuring the storage time does not exceed two hours outside of the fridge.

This dish is best served warm, but it can be prepared in advance by layering the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerating it overnight. When ready to cook, place the insert directly into the slow cooker base and add 30 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the cold starting temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve the cake while it is still warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream makes an excellent accompaniment, balancing the richness of the caramel and the sweetness of the spiced cake.

The contrast between the warm cake and the cold topping is highly recommended.

For an elegant presentation, serve in individual bowls, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of the syrupy fruit and caramel from the bottom of the slow cooker.

You can garnish with a few extra toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired, but keep the additions simple to allow the main flavors to shine through clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Caramel Pear Dump Cake

Prep 10 minCook 3 hRest 10 minTotal 3 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced pears
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 packet dry spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup caramel topping

Instructions

1. Place the sliced pears into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Distribute the chopped walnuts evenly over the fruit layer. Pour the dry spice cake mix over the walnuts, ensuring it covers the fruit completely. Finally, drizzle the caramel topping over the dry cake mix layer.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat setting for 3 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure the cake topping steams properly through the moisture from the fruit.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker. Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes to let the juices thicken slightly before serving. Scoop the warm dessert onto plates and serve immediately while the caramel is still glossy.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

42 g

Sodium

320 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.