Growing up, one of my favorite fall traditions was baking Crock Pot Apple Crisp with my grandma. As the air grew crisp and the leaves started to change, she’d haul out her trusty slow cooker and we’d spend the afternoon chopping apples, mixing up the crumbly topping, and filling the house with the most mouthwatering aroma. It was our special bonding time, and to this day, the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar instantly transports me back to those precious moments in her cozy kitchen.
Crock Pot Apple Crisp has become a staple in my own home as well. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-reward dessert that’s ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The slow-cooked apples become tender and saucy, while the buttery crumble topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast. And you can’t beat the convenience of letting your Crock Pot do all the work!
Why This Crock Pot Apple Crisp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crock Pot Apple Crisp
What sets this Crock Pot Apple Crisp apart is the unique technique of partially cooking the apples before adding the topping. This ensures the fruit gets deliciously soft and syrupy, without the topping getting soggy. The end result is an irresistible combo of warm, spiced apples and a crisp, golden crumble that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Look for a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar – This adds rich caramel notes to the apple filling.
- Cinnamon – The quintessential spice for apple desserts, complementing the fruit perfectly.
- Cornstarch – This helps thicken the apple juices into a nice saucy consistency.
- Rolled oats – For the crisp, buttery topping that balances out the soft apple filling.
- Flour – All-purpose flour binds the crumble together.
- Butter – Unsalted butter gives the topping its irresistible richness.
Step-by-Step Crock Pot Apple Crisp Instructions
Preparing Your Crock Pot Apple Crisp
This Crock Pot Apple Crisp couldn’t be easier to make! Simply toss the apple filling ingredients together, then layer it in your slow cooker. Top it off with the crunchy crumble mixture, and let your Crock Pot work its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have a cozy, comforting dessert ready to enjoy.
1- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into wedges. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until well coated.
2- Spread the seasoned apple mixture in an even layer in the bottom of your greased Crock Pot.
3- In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4- Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the apples are very tender and the topping is golden brown.
5- Remove the lid and let the Crock Pot Apple Crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up nicely.
6- Scoop out servings into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy this cozy, comforting dessert!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the best texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala work perfectly.
– Don’t skip the cornstarch – it helps create that lovely, saucy apple filling.
– Make sure your butter is cold when cutting it into the topping mixture. This ensures a nice, crumbly texture.
– Keep an eye on the Crock Pot towards the end of cooking. The topping can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Serving and Storing Your Crock Pot Apple Crisp
Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Apple Crisp
Crock Pot Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy, comforting dessert. It’s perfect for serving after a hearty fall meal, or enjoying as a sweet treat on a chilly afternoon. I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider or a glass of red wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crock Pot Apple Crisp will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before enjoying. You can also freeze the crisp for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Then just pop it in the Crock Pot on the day you want to serve it. This is a great time-saver when you’re hosting a fall gathering or holiday meal.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crock Pot Apple Crisp
Creative Crock Pot Apple Crisp Variations
While this classic Crock Pot Apple Crisp is hard to beat, there are lots of fun ways to switch it up. Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pecans to the filling for extra flavor and texture. You can also get creative with the topping, using a mixture of oats, granola, and chopped nuts. For a seasonal twist, replace some of the apples with pears or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Making Crock Pot Apple Crisp Diet-Friendly
To make this Crock Pot Apple Crisp a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a calorie-free sweetener like Stevia or Monkfruit in place of the brown sugar. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. And to make it vegan, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in the crumble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all Granny Smith apples in this recipe?
A: You certainly can, but I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smiths are quite tart on their own, so pairing them with a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Gala will create a nice balance.
Q: How long does Crock Pot Apple Crisp need to cook?
A: This Crock Pot Apple Crisp cooks on the low setting for 3-4 hours. The apples should be very tender and the topping should be golden brown when it’s done. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as slow cookers can vary in their cooking times.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! Crock Pot Apple Crisp is a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Then just pop it in the slow cooker on the day you want to serve it.
Q: How do I reheat leftover Crock Pot Apple Crisp?
A: Leftover Crock Pot Apple Crisp will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Q: My topping is getting too brown – what can I do?
A: If you notice the topping browning too quickly, simply place a piece of foil loosely over the top of the Crock Pot. This will help prevent further browning while still allowing the apples to finish cooking.
Crock Pot Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with this easy Crock Pot Apple Crisp recipe. Tender, cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, creating the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 cup old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. – Grease the insert of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
2. – In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
3. – Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared slow cooker.
4. – In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. – Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
6. – Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
7. – Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
For a crispier topping, you can broil the Crock Pot Apple Crisp for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crock Pot Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for the fall season. With its warm, spiced apples and irresistible crumbly topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. The best part is how easy it is to make in your slow cooker – just toss the ingredients together and let the Crock Pot do the work. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight treat or serving it at a holiday gathering, this Crock Pot Apple Crisp is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
