Slow Cooker Apples
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Get ready to fill your home with the cozy aroma of fall—our Slow Cooker Apples are the ultimate easy treat! Toss a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Perfect for everything from topping your oatmeal to a sweet side dish, this recipe is a must-try for apple lovers looking for a fuss-free, delicious dessert.
We absolutely love this recipe served warm on top of vanilla ice cream, over pancakes or waffles, and mixed into oatmeal.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Great for Using Up Apples: If you have an abundance of apples, this recipe is a fantastic way to use them up without much effort.
- Perfect for Fall: This is an ideal recipe to celebrate the flavors of fall, making it a seasonal favorite.
You have to try these Slow Cooker Apples—they’re seriously amazing! Imagine buttery, cinnamon apples that are so delicious you can eat them straight out of the pot. The best part? Your kitchen will be filled with the cozy aroma of fall as they cook.
But it gets even better. These apples are super versatile! You can use them as a pie filling, spoon them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or just enjoy them on their own. Trust me, this recipe is going to be your new go-to for an easy, comforting treat.
Keep with the apple vibe and try this apple butter recipe! It’s honestly 10/10!
Ingredients You Need
This apple crock pot recipe uses very minimal ingredients and still delivers bold fall flavor. Here is what you need to get started:
- Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. Peel and slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sugars: Use a combination of brown and white sugar to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, enhancing the warm, caramelized taste.
- Cornstarch: Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, thickened sauce.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for a stronger, more aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference for a milder or more intense spice.
- Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma. A splash of high-quality vanilla can make a big difference.
- Butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and dot it evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. This helps the butter melt evenly, creating a rich, silky sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to shake things up and make an apple recipe in the slow cooker a little more fun? Try one of these variations:
- Caramel Apples: Stir in some caramel sauce towards the end of cooking for a rich, caramel-infused version. This variation is perfect for a dessert topping or on its own.
- Maple Apples: Replace the white sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and subtle maple flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and apples.
- Apple Pie Filling: Cut the apples into smaller pieces and cook them down until very soft to create a ready-to-use apple pie filling that’s perfect for baking.
- Spiked Apples: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the apples for an adults-only version with a rich, boozy flavor that’s great for special occasions.
- Butterscotch Apples: Stir in butterscotch chips towards the end of cooking for a sweet, buttery twist on the classic recipe.
- Apple-Pear Combo: Mix in some sliced pears with the apples for a blend of flavors that adds a bit of extra sweetness and texture.
Cooking Apples In A Slow Cooker
- Prep the Apples: Peel and slice the apples evenly.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the apple slices in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract on top of the apples. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them on top of the apple mixture.
- Cook: Cover with the lid. Cook on high for 2 hours for firmer apples or on low for 4 hours for softer apples. Stir occasionally.
- Enjoy: Once the apples are soft, they’re ready to serve!
Storage Information
After your slow cooker apples have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the apples by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, where they will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the apples in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. These storage methods ensure your slow cooker apples remain fresh and delicious for future use!
Tips for Success:
Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are great options that hold up well during cooking.
Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla mixture is well combined with the apples to evenly distribute the flavors and thicken the sauce.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust the sugar to your preference. Some apple varieties are sweeter than others, so you might need to add more or less sugar.
Spice Variations: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Keep It Simple: If you want a more natural taste, you can reduce the sugar and spices, letting the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples shine through.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the slow-cooked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, over pancakes, or mixed into oatmeal for a delicious treat.
Recipe FAQs
A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best. You can also use your favorite variety or whatever you have on hand.
Yes, peeling the apples helps create a smoother texture. However, if you prefer a more rustic dish, you can leave the skins on.
The apples are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on whether you set the slow cooker to high or low.
Yes, you can make these apples on the stovetop. Cook them in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.
These apples are versatile! Serve them on their own, over ice cream, as a pie filling, or alongside pancakes, waffles, or pork chops.
More Apple Recipes
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Slow Cooker Apples
Ingredients
- 3 lbs tart apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Peel the apples and cut them into even slices.
- Place the sliced apples into an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Add both of the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon and vanilla extract on top of the apples. Stir well making sure to coat the apples evenly.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them on top of the apple mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2 hours if you want the apples firmer.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2 hours if you want the apples firmer, or set to low for 4 hours for softer apples.
- Stir the mixture a few times throughout the cooking process to keep the apples coated in the sugar mixture.
- Once soft your slow-cooked apples are now ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are great options that hold up well during cooking.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla mixture is well combined with the apples to evenly distribute the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust the sugar to your preference. Some apple varieties are sweeter than others, so you might need to add more or less sugar.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
one of our new go-to fall favorites!