Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is an effortless and delicious dessert featuring tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crispy oat crumble. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert, this easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work with minimal effort.
- Warm & Comforting – A cozy dessert packed with cinnamon-spiced apples.
- Crispy Topping – The oat topping stays perfectly crunchy, just like an oven-baked crisp.
- Perfect for Fall – A great way to use up fresh apples from the orchard.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Great for family gatherings, holidays, or casual nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch
For the Crisp Topping:
- Old-fashioned oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Mix well.
2. Make the Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts for extra crunch.
3. Assemble and Cook
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the apples are tender and bubbling.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the apple crisp sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: 2-4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free oats and almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free – Skip the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Crunchy – Add a handful of granola on top just before serving.
- Caramel Apple Crisp – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
- Spiced Apple Crisp – Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for more warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples?
Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji work best, but any firm apple will do.
Will the topping stay crispy in the slow cooker?
Yes! The butter helps keep the topping crisp, but for extra crunch, you can broil it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook when ready.
Do I need to grease the slow cooker?
No, the apple filling has enough moisture to prevent sticking.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats work best for texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.
What can I serve with apple crisp?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but let them thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Is this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. Cooking time may increase slightly.
How do I make the topping crunchier?
For extra crunch, toast the topping in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is an easy, warm, and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender spiced apples and a crispy oat topping, it’s a hassle-free treat that tastes just like homemade apple pie. Whether served with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own, this apple crisp will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, delicious dessert with minimal effort!
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Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is an easy and delicious dessert with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble topping. Made in the crockpot, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic fall treat with minimal effort! Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
- In a large bowl, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
-
Make the Oat Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
-
Assemble & Cook:
- Evenly spread the oat crumble topping over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until apples are tender and bubbly.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- For extra crunch, add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.