Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Comfort

Whipping up a mouthwatering slow cooker apple crisp brings comfort directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Crisp autumn days call for warm desserts that wrap you in cozy memories.

Sweet apples nestled beneath a crumbly, buttery topping create pure magic in your slow cooker.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, promising a dessert that tastes like grandmother’s secret recipe.

Minimal prep work means you can spend more time enjoying delicious moments with loved ones.

Seasonal ingredients transform into a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe guarantees a simple yet spectacular treat that connects you to classic home cooking traditions.

What Works with Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

  • Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into warm apple crisp, creating a heavenly contrast between hot dessert and cold, smooth cream that enhances every delicious bite.
  • Rich cinnamon-spiced chai tea or strong black coffee complement the dessert's warm spices, cutting through the sweetness while matching the apple crisp's cozy autumn flavor profile.
  • Warm salted caramel sauce adds luxurious depth, amplifying the apple crisp's sweetness and providing a silky, indulgent finish that transforms the dessert into a gourmet experience.
  • Sweet Riesling or moscato wines offer a delightful pairing, their fruity notes dancing perfectly with the apple's natural sweetness and the crisp's warm cinnamon undertones.

Delicious Variations of Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure complete allergen safety.
  • Vegan Crisp Creation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and add chopped nuts for extra protein and crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Select tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor intensity.
  • Spiced Autumn Remix: Incorporate cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice into the crumble topping. Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for seasonal warmth and texture complexity.

Answers About Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can mix varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji for a complex, balanced flavor. Tart and sweet apples work best for this recipe.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the apples before putting them in the slow cooker?

No, you’ll mix the raw apple slices directly with the spices and cornstarch, then layer them in the slow cooker. The slow cooking process will soften and caramelize them perfectly.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices, creating a rich, syrupy consistency instead of a watery dessert. It helps bind the liquid from the apples and creates a more cohesive texture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour in the crumble topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Reasons to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

  • Perfect Slow Cooker Dessert: A hassle-free apple crisp that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering treat with minimal kitchen effort.
  • This dessert appeals to all ages, creating warm memories with its classic flavors and irresistible aroma that fills the entire home.
  • Requires just 15 minutes of prep work, then lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious results without constant monitoring.
  • Works beautifully for casual family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend gatherings, serving up a delightful dessert that everyone will adore.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Sweet, tender base of the dessert, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, fresh flavor.
Spices and Sweeteners:
  • Sugar: Creates sweet syrup and helps caramelize the apples.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, classic spices that enhance apple flavor.
  • Vanilla: Adds depth and richness to the overall dessert.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit mixture and create a smooth sauce.
Crumble Topping:
  • Oats, Flour: Provide structure and classic crisp texture, old-fashioned oats work best.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps topping become golden.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Butter: Binds the crumble and creates rich, golden-brown topping.
Optional Serving Extras:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Caramel Drizzle: Classic accompaniments that complement the warm apple crisp.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Step 1: Slice and Season Apples

Grab your favorite crisp apples and wash them thoroughly. Peel the skin off carefully using a sharp peeler. Slice apples into thin wedges, removing the core. Toss apple slices in a mixing bowl with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cornstarch

Gently mix until apples are evenly coated. Pour seasoned apples into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients for the crumble:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Melt butter and pour over the dry mixture. Use a fork to mix until the topping looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Step 3: Layer and Cook

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the seasoned apples in the slow cooker. Make sure the entire surface is covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Set to low heat and cook for 3-4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours. The apples should become soft and bubbly, with the topping turning golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Delight

Scoop the warm apple crisp into serving bowls. Top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy this comforting dessert while it’s still warm and delicious.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Success

  • Slice Apples Evenly: Cut apple slices to the same 1/4-inch thickness for consistent cooking and texture throughout the dessert.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright appearance.
  • Customize Crumble Texture: Adjust butter amount in topping for crumblier or more compact crisp- less butter creates a drier, more scattered topping.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with spice combinations like adding ground ginger or cardamom to create a more complex taste profile.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use coconut oil instead of butter to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

How to Keep Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Fresh

  • Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Pack cooled crisp in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Warm refrigerated crisp at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking every 15 seconds to maintain crisp topping texture.
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Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Recipe

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm autumn days come alive with this slow cooker apple crisp, blending sweet cinnamon-kissed apples and buttery crumble topping. Comforting spices and tender fruit promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Sugars:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Spices and Additives:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Meticulously peel, core, and slice apples into uniform wedges, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
  2. Gently massage apples with aromatic spices, citrus essence, sweet granules, and thickening agent in a spacious mixing vessel, coating each slice thoroughly.
  3. Carefully transfer seasoned apple medley into the slow cooker, creating an even layer that maximizes surface coverage.
  4. Craft a rustic topping by combining hearty oats, powdery flour, caramelized sugar crystals, warm spices, and a pinch of mineral seasoning.
  5. Drizzle molten butter over the dry ingredients, using a fork to transform the mixture into a crumbly, textured landscape.
  6. Delicately distribute the golden-hued crumble across the apple foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the dessert to transform, selecting a low temperature setting for approximately 3-4 hours or a high setting for 2 hours.
  8. Verify doneness by testing apple tenderness and observing a gentle, bubbling symphony beneath the crisp topping.
  9. Present the aromatic creation immediately, accompanied by a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, billowing whipped cream, or a luxurious caramel cascade.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Cut apple slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dessert.
  • Prevent apple browning by tossing slices immediately with lemon juice after cutting.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and nutmeg according to personal preference.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Enhance crumble’s crunchiness by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the topping mixture.
  • Control dessert’s sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
  • Prevent soggy topping by keeping lid slightly ajar during last 30 minutes of cooking to release excess moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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