Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cobbler

📝Shopping list

To make this easy dessert you will need these simple ingredients:

• pumpkin puree  - homemade or canned pumpkin will work.  Just make sure not to buy pumpkin pie filling.
• evaporated milk
• dark brown sugar*
•  eggs - beaten
• ground cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• ground nutmeg
• ground ginger
• ground cloves

Topping

• vanilla cake mix*
• butter

🔪Instructions

This great recipe just involves a few simple steps:

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it in a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended over spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner or parchment paper with this recipe.  

Cooking

Whisk eggs together in small bowl.

Add whisked eggs and all ingredients, other than cake mix and butter to your slow cooker.  Stir to fully combine 

Place cake mix into its own medium mixing bowl.  Melt butter and add a couple of tablespoons at a time into the powdered cake mix, stirring each time.  Continue to add butter until all of the cake mix is crumbly and chunky.  You may not need to add all of the butter to accomplish this.  

Add crumbled cake mix mixture into slow cooker by dropping small chunks gently onto the top of your pumpkin layer.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours.  

What is a cobbler?

Cobblers and crumbles and crisps - oh my! Since I have never really fully understood what differentiates the three, I decided to do a little research.

Basically, what makes this dish a fruit cobbler (rather than a crisp or a crumble) is that it has a baked fruit bottom layer and is topped with a biscuit or cake-like layer. This easy pumpkin cobbler is the perfect fall dessert!

If you are interested in more detail, check out this intricate article explaining the differences.

🍽Serving suggestions

This amazing crock-pot pumpkin cobbler recipe is delicious served warm right out of the slow cooker.  If you want to take it a step further, some great toppings include:

• A sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice
• A sprinkling of ground cinnamon
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• A big scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A mound of Cool Whip
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A drizzle of chocolate sauce

🔁Substitution ideas*

1. To change this up a bit, try using a spice cake mix or a box of yellow cake mix
2. Swap light brown sugar for dark for a less intense maple flavor 
3. Instead of cake mix topping, cook the pumpkin layer alone and top with powdered white sugar
4. Not a pumpkin fan?  Try peach cobbler or blueberry cobbler!

Storing

Leftovers of this perfect dessert should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.  

Serve leftovers warm or cold.  To serve as a warm dessert, just gently reheat in the microwave. 

😉Hints & hacks

1. You will know your homemade pumpkin cobbler is finished when you can gently push down on the middle and have it spring back into shape. If you come away with dough on your finger, just let it cook a little longer (be very careful - it will be HOT at this point)
2. Place a double layer of paper towels or a clean dish towel over the slow cooker (but not touching the contents). This is the best way to absorb some of the extra moisture during cooking. Place lid on top of towels, cover, and cook on low until edges are just starting to turn golden.
3. Although any vanilla extract will work, there is just something extra about pure vanilla extract and the amazing flavor it adds. 
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. This is, of course, an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.  
5. If you aren't a fan of slow cooker liners, parchment paper can be used to line your slow cooker for this recipe.  
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!