There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of apple crisp, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. It fills the house with that sweet, spicy aroma that makes you feel all cozy inside. I remember the first time I turned on my slow cooker to make this recipe. It was a chilly fall evening, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I chopped apples and mixed everything together. The anticipation was almost as sweet as the dessert itself!
What I love most about this Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp is how easy it is to whip up. With just a few ingredients that you can toss in your slow cooker, you can have a delicious dessert ready to impress your family or guests. Trust me, the combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy topping, drizzled with caramel, and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.
What’s in Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp?
Apples: I like using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness. Both kinds slice beautifully and hold their shape during cooking.
Lemon Juice: Just a tablespoon of this zesty liquid helps brighten up the flavors and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.
Brown Sugar: This lovely ingredient adds deep sweetness and that wonderful caramel flavor to the apples.
Cinnamon: A warm hug of spice; it’s what makes me think of fall leaves and cooler weather!
Nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg adds an earthy note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken up the apple juices as they cook, making sure everything holds together nicely.
Rolled Oats: They give the topping that lovely crunch while soaking up some of the buttery goodness.
Unsalted Butter: Because who doesn’t love a rich, buttery topping to contrast the tender apples?
Chopped Nuts: Optional, but highly recommended! Pecans or walnuts add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on top for that irresistible sweet finish. It’s like icing on the cake but for apple crisp!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Because what’s apple crisp without a scoop of creamy goodness on top?
Is Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp Good for You?
Oh, let’s be honest here: while apple crisp is a dessert, it does have some nutritional benefits.
Apples: Packed with fiber and vitamin C, they’re the stars of the dish.
Oats: These are a fantastic source of whole grains and can help keep you full longer.
However, it’s worth noting that this dessert does contain quite a bit of sugar, particularly from the brown sugar and caramel sauce. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you could try using less or opting for a sugar substitute. And perhaps skip the caramel if you want to keep it a tad healthier—but then again, where’s the fun in that?
Ingredients List
– 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
– 1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
– Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
This recipe serves about 6 people, which is perfect for sharing with family or friends during a gathering!
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp?
1. **Prepare the Apples**: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated.
2. **Layer in the Crockpot**: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. **Make the Topping**: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, remaining brown sugar, melted butter, and nuts (if using). Mix until crumbly and well combined.
4. **Add the Topping**: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
5. **Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the apples are tender and the topping is lightly browned.
6. **Serve**: Once done, scoop the warm apple crisp into bowls. Drizzle with caramel sauce and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing it to melt slightly.
Sweet Tips and Variations
For an even more flavorful twist, consider adding some dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture. They add a nice pop of flavor and texture! Also, if you want to crank up the spice, a dash of allspice or cloves can take it to the next level.
And my personal favorite? Serving this warm apple crisp with a hot cup of spiced cider or coffee. It just screams comfort food and is perfect for those cozy fall evenings!
I hope you give this Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp a try! It’s the perfect dessert to share and indulge in with your loved ones. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to drop me a line about your apple crisp adventures! Happy cooking!
