Growing up, the smell of crock pot apple crisp baking was one of my favorite fall memories. My grandma would spend the whole afternoon slicing apples and mixing up the crumbly topping, and the house would be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. As soon as I’d walk in the door after school, I’d bee-line straight for the kitchen, hoping to sneak a bite before dinner. And let me tell you, that first warm, gooey bite of crock pot apple crisp, topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, was pure heaven. To this day, it’s still one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, and it never fails to transport me right back to those cozy autumn afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen.
Why This crock pot Apple Crisp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this perfect crock pot apple crisp recipe is the magical combination of tart, juicy apples and a crumbly, buttery topping that gets deliciously crisp around the edges. It’s the ultimate cross between an apple pie and a classic apple crumble, with all the flavors you love but none of the fuss of making a pie crust. Plus, the slow-cooking method in the crock pot gives the apples time to break down and meld with the warm spices, resulting in a filling that’s perfectly tender and saucy.
The Secret Behind Perfect crock pot Apple Crisp
What really sets this crock pot apple crisp apart is the use of both brown sugar and granulated sugar in the topping. The brown sugar adds a subtle molasses-y depth of flavor, while the granulated sugar helps create that coveted crispy texture on top. And by mixing in a bit of flour, oats, and cinnamon, you end up with a streusel-like topping that’s irresistibly crunchy and golden brown. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Granny Smith apples – These tart, firm apples hold their shape beautifully during the long cooking time.
- Brown sugar – For rich, caramel-y sweetness in the topping.
- Granulated sugar – Balances out the brown sugar and helps the topping get crisp.
- All-purpose flour – Binds the topping ingredients together.
- Old-fashioned oats – Adds lovely texture and chew to the crisp topping.
- Ground cinnamon – Warms up the flavors and complements the apples perfectly.
- Unsalted butter – Creates that coveted crispy, buttery topping.
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! With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, you can have a bubbling, fragrant dessert simmering away in your slow cooker. The total cooking time is around 4 hours, but most of that is hands-off while the crock pot works its magic. All you need is a 4-6 quart slow cooker and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples. You want them in roughly 1/2-inch thick slices so they’ll cook evenly.
2- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon until they’re evenly coated. Transfer the sugared apples to your slow cooker.
3- Next, make the crisp topping by combining the brown sugar, flour, oats, and remaining cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the apples are very tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
5- Once it’s done, carefully scoop out servings of the crock pot apple crisp, making sure to get some of the caramelized apple juices in each bowl.
6- Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy this cozy, comforting dessert!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the best texture, use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet-tart Honeycrisp or Gala apples.
– Avoid over-filling your slow cooker – the crisp topping won’t get as crisp if the apples are piled too high.
– Keep a close eye on the crisp during the last hour of cooking to prevent the topping from burning.
– Let the crock pot apple crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot straight from the slow cooker.
Serving and Storing Your crock pot Apple Crisp
Perfect Pairings for crock pot Apple Crisp
This crock pot apple crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, and it pairs beautifully with all sorts of cozy accoutrements. A la mode is a classic, with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm, gooey filling. It’s also delicious with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a comforting autumnal beverage, try serving it with a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover crock pot apple crisp will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply scoop out individual servings and microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. You can also freeze the crisp for up to 3 months – just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire crock pot apple crisp up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, just pop it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This is a great option for holidays or dinner parties when you want a hassle-free dessert.
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 mix things up. Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. You could also swap in different types of apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter filling. For a fun twist, stir in a splash of apple brandy or a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Making crock pot Apple Crisp Diet-Friendly
To make this crock pot apple crisp a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a sugar substitute like Splenda in place of the granulated sugar, and swap in gluten-free oats and flour for the traditional versions. For a vegan take, use coconut oil or vegan butter in the topping and omit the ice cream. No matter how you customize it, this cozy crock pot dessert is sure to hit the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple besides Granny Smith?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are the classic choice for their tart, firm texture, you can use a variety of other apples as well. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples all work great and will give you a sweeter filling. Just avoid very soft or mushy apples like Red Delicious.
Q: How long does the crock pot apple crisp need to cook?
A: This crock pot apple crisp needs to cook on the low setting for 3-4 hours, until the apples are very tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last hour to make sure the topping doesn’t burn.
Q: Can I make this crock pot apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire crisp, without baking, up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to pop it in the slow cooker and cook it as directed.
Q: How many people does this crock pot apple crisp recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes enough crock pot apple crisp to serve 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s a rich, decadent dessert, so a little goes a long way, especially when topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
Q: Help! My crock pot apple crisp topping isn’t getting crisp. What did I do wrong?
A: If the topping isn’t getting as crisp as you’d like, there are a few possible culprits. First, make sure you aren’t overfilling the slow cooker – the topping needs some exposure to the hot sides of the pot to get crispy. You can also try broiling the crisped for 2-3 minutes at the end to give it that finishing touch.
Crock Pot Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 8
Description
Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with this easy Crock Pot Apple Crisp. Tender apples are nestled under a golden, crunchy topping for a delicious, hands-off dessert.
Ingredients
– 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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. Transfer to the prepared slow cooker.
3. – In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until a crumbly topping forms.
4. – Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. – Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. – Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
– For a thicker crisp, use 8 cups of apples.
– Customize the topping with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dash of allspice.
– Store leftover crisp in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This crock pot apple crisp is truly the stuff of autumn dreams – a cozy, comforting dessert that fills the whole house with the most mouthwatering aroma. With its perfectly tender, saucy apple filling and irresistibly crisp, buttery topping, it’s no wonder this recipe has become such a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, I guarantee this crock pot apple crisp will become your new go-to. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-baked heaven!
