Crockpot Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that’s super easy to make. With sweet apples and a yummy cinnamon topping, it’s a real treat for everyone!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work while I can kick back! It fills the house with such a lovely smell that it’s hard to wait to dig in. 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness that complements the sweetness of the dish beautifully. Honeycrisp adds a wonderful crunch. If you need alternatives, Fuji or Braeburn are great choices too!
Lemon Juice: This helps balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents browning. If you’re out, you can substitute with vinegar or even just omit it, but the flavor will be different.
Oats: I use old-fashioned rolled oats for a hearty texture. If you have quick oats, you can use those, but they won’t give the same chewiness. For a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but if you only have salted, just skip adding salt in the recipe. You could also use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Apples Are Perfectly Cooked in a Crockpot?
Cooking apples in a crockpot is all about timing and temperature. To keep them from turning mushy, choose firmer apple varieties and cut them into even slices. Here’s how to get it right:
- **Layering**: Place the apple mixture in the crockpot first, then add the oat topping. This helps the apples cook more evenly.
- **Cooking Time**: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours generally gives the best results, but if you’re short on time, high for 2-3 hours works too.
- **Check for Tenderness**: Use a fork to check the apples; they should be soft but still holding their shape. If they break apart easily, they might be overcooked.
Enjoy your delicious apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful finish!
Crockpot Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For The Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crockpot apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot with butter or a nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until the apples are evenly coated. This will help to enhance the flavor and thicken the filling while cooking.
3. Add the Apples to the Crockpot:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared crockpot, spreading it out evenly. This ensures that the apples cook properly and absorb all those yummy flavors!
4. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the old-fashioned rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Then, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
5. Top the Apples with the Mixture:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the crockpot. Make sure to cover the apple mixture so every bite is full of that crispy topping.
6. Cook the Apple Crisp:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The apples should be tender, and the topping should be golden brown when it’s done.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s cooked, serve the apple crisp warm. If you want to make it extra special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. Enjoy your delicious, cozy dessert!
This slow cooker apple crisp is a simple, cozy dessert perfect for any time of year!
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can also use pears or a mix of berries for a delightful twist. Just consider the sweetness of the fruits and adjust the sugar accordingly.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Crisp?
If you prefer a less sweet apple crisp, reduce the granulated and brown sugars by 1/4 cup each. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the measurements since they are sweeter than sugar!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of granulated sugar for a fully vegan-friendly dessert!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
