This 4-ingredient slow cooker Fourth of July donut dessert is the kind of easy, festive treat that makes summer gatherings feel extra special without tying up the kitchen. Using uncooked glazed donut holes and a few pantry staples, it bakes into a warm, sweet pull-apart style dessert that is perfect for cookouts, fireworks nights, and family potlucks. The red, white, and blue finishing touches give it a patriotic feel, while the slow cooker keeps the whole process simple and hands-off.
Serve this dessert warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh strawberries and blueberries on the side. It also goes wonderfully with coffee for the grown-ups or cold milk for the kids, and if you are bringing it to a holiday picnic, it pairs nicely with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and all those classic summer salads.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Donut Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated uncooked glazed donut holes
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1/2 cup blueberry pie filling or blueberry preserves
1/4 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Add the uncooked glazed donut holes in an even layer across the bottom.
2. Spoon the strawberry jam and blueberry filling over the donut holes, spreading them lightly so every bite gets some of the fruit flavor.
3. Sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the donut holes are puffed and cooked through in the center.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra richness: Add a few small cubes of cream cheese between the donut holes before cooking for a cheesecake-style center that kids and grandparents both love.
For picky eaters: If someone at the table does not love fruit fillings, use just one flavor throughout the whole dessert and keep the sprinkles on top for the patriotic look.
To prevent overcooking: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so start checking at the 2-hour mark. The donut holes should look puffed and set, not wet or doughy in the middle.
For serving a crowd: Set out bowls of whipped cream, extra berries, and a little extra sprinkle topping so everyone can dress up their own portion.
Make it extra festive: A light drizzle of vanilla icing right before serving gives the dessert a bakery-style finish and makes the red and blue colors stand out even more.