Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and a cool breeze sweeps in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm dessert wafting through your home. Enter the Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Crisp—a perfect blend of sweet, juicy apples and a buttery, oat topping that effortlessly embodies the essence of autumn. This delightful recipe is designed for those leisurely fall afternoons when you want to indulge in something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress family and friends alike, all while freeing up your time to enjoy the season’s festivities. Imagine coming home to the enticing scent of spiced apples mingling with cinnamon—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Apple Cinnamon Crisp is the ultimate way to celebrate fall’s bountiful harvest. So grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into this effortless autumn treat!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly and then set aside.
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- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, melted butter, chopped nuts (if using), and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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- In your slow cooker, layer the apple mixture at the bottom evenly.
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- Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apple layer, making sure to cover the apples completely.
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- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
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- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes to settle.
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- Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 4-6 hrs | Servings: 8
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for a balance of tart and sweet)
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup of packed brown sugar, which enhances the natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully
- Oats: 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewy texture and a wholesome base
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup of all-purpose flour to help bind the crisp topping together
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for that warm, cozy autumn spice
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, adding a depth of flavor that complements the apples perfectly
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted for a rich, crumbly topping
- Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for an aromatic touch
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the apples and prevent browning
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together for a delightful dessert that celebrates the essence of autumn!
Baking Process
Creating a delectable Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a straightforward process that will fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of autumn. Let’s walk through the steps to prepare this effortlessly delicious dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing, peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Toss until the apples are well coated.
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Layer the Apples: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Pour the apple mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
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Make the Crisp Topping:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix until the topping is well combined and crumbly. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed.
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Layer the Topping: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apples in the slow cooker, making sure to cover the filling entirely.
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Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours. The crisp is done when the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Cooking times may vary, so start checking around the 4-hour mark.
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Finishing Touches: Once cooked, allow the crisp to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a little more and make for easy serving.
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Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions of the warm apple cinnamon crisp into bowls. For the ultimate autumn dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce for a special touch, if desired.
With minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting, homey dessert to enjoy all autumn long. The delightful combination of spiced apples with a crunchy topping makes this dish a favorite for gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply indulging in a taste of fall. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Pairing: Serve warm Apple Cinnamon Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
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Breakfast Delight: Give your morning a cozy twist by enjoying the crisp with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Add a sprinkle of nuts for an added crunch and protein boost.
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Tea Time Treat: Pair your Apple Cinnamon Crisp with a steaming cup of spiced chai or Earl Grey tea for a soothing afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully while making for a relaxing moment.
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Gathering Goodies: For a potluck or gathering, serve the crisp alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or brie. The savory cheese pairs well with the sweet and spiced crisp, creating a balanced spread.
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Drizzle and Dip: Top your warm crisp with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a thin layer of almond butter for an indulgent twist. You could even add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
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Cannonball of Flavor: Enhance your dish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a pinch of cinnamon on top to elevate the flavors. A dash of nutmeg can also add depth if you’re looking to change things up.
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Festive Finishing Touch: For a special occasion, garnish the crisp with fresh mint leaves or serve it in individual ramekins for a sophisticated touch. It’s great for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
With these serving suggestions, your Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Crisp will be the star of your autumn gatherings or cozy nights in!
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy and delightful recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Crisp that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. This dish perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting dessert that’s ideal for cozy evenings at home.
With minimal prep and the magic of the slow cooker, you can have a scrumptious treat ready to enjoy after a day of fall activities or simply to savor while curled up with a good book. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your household.
So this autumn, embrace the season with this effortless recipe that brings the delightful flavors of homemade goodness without the fuss. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with friends and family—they’ll surely be asking for seconds! Happy cooking!
