Oh, fall! There’s just something magical about this time of year, isn’t there? The air gets that crisp bite, the leaves put on their show, and all I want is comfort food. And when it comes to comforting fall desserts, you really can’t beat a good apple crisp. But you know what’s even better? Making that cozy, delicious apple dessert with hardly any effort at all. That’s where this amazing slow cooker apple crisp comes in! It’s seriously my go-to when I want that warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness without fussing over the oven. Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! You can even follow along with our adventures on Facebook!
- Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Best Apples for Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- How to Keep Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Topping Crisp
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Estimated Nutritional Information
- Share Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Honestly, what’s not to adore about this apple crisp? It’s the absolute easiest way to get that perfect fall dessert flavor without a whole lot of work. You just toss everything in, let it do its thing, and BAM! Cozy, spiced apples with a perfectly crisp oat topping. It’s pure fall magic right in your slow cooker!
Best Apples for Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Choosing the right apples is *key* to making this slow cooker apple crisp totally sing! You want apples that hold their shape and don’t turn into mush when they’re hanging out in the slow cooker for a few hours. My go-to trick is to use a mix – it gives you layers of flavor and texture that you just can’t get from one type. Think of it like a flavor party in your pot!
For that perfect balance of sweet and tart, I absolutely adore using a combination of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisps bring that lovely sweetness and a satisfying crunch, while Granny Smiths offer a nice tartness that cuts through all the sweetness and spice. Fuji and Gala apples are also fantastic if you prefer something a bit sweeter. They all bake up beautifully, staying tender without getting mealy. Trust me, using a blend makes all the difference!
Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing slow cooker apple crisp! It’s really pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of this stuff already. For the apples, grab about 6 medium ones – that’s roughly 6 cups once you peel, core, and slice them up. My favorite combo is Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, but use what you love!
For the apple filling, you’ll need 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg – that’s about 1/4 teaspoon. Don’t forget a tablespoon of lemon juice; it really brightens things up! For that perfect crumbly topping, we’re using 1 cup of good ol’ old-fashioned rolled oats (not the instant kind, those get mushy!), 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. A little more cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon this time!), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and then the magic ingredient: 1/2 cup of *cold* unsalted butter, cut into little pieces. Oh, and totally optional, but sometimes I toss in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch!
How to Keep Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Topping Crisp
Okay, this is the *one* trick that makes all the difference for a truly amazing slow cooker apple crisp. You know how sometimes the topping in a slow cooker can get a little… well, damp and sad? We’re going to fix that! It’s all about dealing with the steam. The slow cooker traps all that wonderful apple goodness, but it also traps moisture, which is exactly what turns our crunchy topping into a soggy mess.
My secret weapon? A simple kitchen towel! Before you put the lid on your slow cooker, lay a clean, dry kitchen towel flat over the insert. Then, place the lid on top of the towel. This little setup acts like a moisture-wicking superhero! The towel soaks up all that extra steam that would normally condense and drip back down onto your beautiful oat topping. It’s such a simple thing, but trust me, it keeps your crisp topping delightfully tender and crisp, tasting just like it came from the oven.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making this slow cooker apple crisp is honestly one of the easiest ways to get that cozy fall dessert vibe. You don’t need to be a master baker, just follow these simple steps and get ready for some serious yum!
Preparing the Apple Filling
First things first, let’s get those apples ready. You want to peel, core, and then slice them up – aim for about 6 cups worth. Toss those lovely slices into a big bowl with the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, that 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and the lemon juice. Give it all a good stir so every apple slice is coated. Then, just pour that beautiful apple mixture right into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
Making the Crisp Topping
Now for the best part – the crumbly topping! In a separate bowl, whisk together your rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, the other 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the salt. Make sure it’s all nicely combined. Then, add your cold, cubed butter. You can use a pastry blender if you have one, or just get in there with your fingers! Work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts (and I totally recommend it!), toss those in now too. So good!
Assembling and Cooking Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Time to put it all together! Sprinkle that glorious crumb topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Now, for the magic trick to keep it crisp: lay a clean, dry kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker insert, and then put the lid on over the towel. This catches all the steam! Pop it on Low for about 3 to 4 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, High for 1.5 to 2.5 hours will work too. You’re looking for the apples to be perfectly tender and that topping to be golden brown.
Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Making this slow cooker apple crisp is so rewarding, and here are a few extra little secrets from my kitchen to yours to make it absolutely perfect every time. Sometimes, a little tweak here or there can make all the difference, right? Like when I discovered that caramel apple nachos are a thing – totally changed desserts!
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Oh, serving this is almost as fun as making it! Of course, a big scoop of vanilla ice cream is practically mandatory – it’s that classic combo for a reason! A drizzle of caramel sauce is divine, too. But don’t stop there! A dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a little dollop of crème fraîche can be yummy. It’s delicious served right out of the slow cooker, folks!
No-Oats Apple Crisp Option
Now, what if you’re not an oat fan, or just want to switch things up? No problem! You can easily make a no-oats apple crisp. Just swap out the oats for about 1 cup of crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch, or use crushed graham crackers or even shortbread cookies for a different kind of sweet topping. You could also do a simple mix of flour, brown sugar, and nuts – it’s super versatile!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Got burning questions about this yummy slow cooker apple crisp? I totally get it! Sometimes you just need that little extra bit of info to make sure your baking turns out perfectly. Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make this slow cooker apple crisp ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prep the apple filling and the topping separately a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Then, just assemble and cook when you’re ready. The topping might be a *tiny* bit less crisp, but it’s still delicious!
What are the best slow cooker sizes for this recipe?
This recipe is perfect for a standard 5-6 quart slow cooker. It gives the apples and topping just enough room to cook evenly. If you have a smaller one, you might need to divide it into two, or if yours is much larger, the layers might be a bit thinner.
Can I freeze slow cooker apple crisp?
You definitely can freeze the baked and cooled apple crisp! Wrap it up well in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and then some foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just unwrap it and reheat it gently in the oven or microwave. It’s great for future comforting cravings!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up that these numbers are an estimate! Since we all use slightly different ingredients, the exact slow cooker apple crisp calories can vary. But generally, you’re looking at around 350 calories per serving, with about 18g of fat (most of it good!), 4g of protein, and 50g of carbs, including 4g of fiber and 30g of sugar. It’s a delicious way to enjoy those autumn flavors!
Share Your Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Creations!
I just can’t wait to hear what you think of this slow cooker apple crisp! Did you try it? Did you add something special? Please, let me know in the comments below! I love seeing your creations, so feel free to share photos on social media. Your adventures in the kitchen make my day!
PrintSlow Cooker Apple Crisp
A comforting and easy apple crisp made in your slow cooker, featuring tender spiced apples and a crisp oat topping.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 3 hr
- Total Time: 3 hr 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Pour the apple mixture into your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker insert, then secure the lid over the towel. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the topping crisp.
- Cook on Low for 3-4 hours or on High for 1.5-2.5 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith.
- If you don’t have a towel, you can skip this step, but the topping may be softer.
- You can substitute gluten-free oats and all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the apple mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg