Sweet and Tender Slow Cooker Apples

Unlock the incredible potential of your slow cooker to create a timeless dessert or side dish: perfectly tender, cinnamon-infused baked apples. This Slow Cooker Baked Apples recipe elevates the classic comfort food, making it effortlessly simple to prepare while delivering rich, aromatic flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Imagine a dish where succulent apple slices are gently simmered, absorbing a sweet, spiced syrup until they reach a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the essence of autumn with minimal effort, allowing your Crockpot to transform humble ingredients into a truly blissful culinary experience.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a comforting treat on a crisp evening, these slow cooker apples are a versatile and delicious choice. They can serve as a delightful dessert, a hearty breakfast topping, or even a complementary side dish to savory meals. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a few common ingredients and the magic of slow cooking combine to create a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly easy. Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, filling your home with an irresistible aroma and rewarding you with a spoonful of pure autumnal bliss.

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Choosing the Perfect Apples for Slow Cooking

The success of your slow cooker baked apples largely depends on selecting the right type of apples. You’ll want varieties that maintain their structure during the long, slow cooking process, preventing them from turning into an applesauce-like mush. Ideal apples offer a good balance of firmness and flavor, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dish. Here are some of the top choices for baked apples:

• Granny Smith: A perennial favorite for baking, Granny Smiths are renowned for their tartness and exceptionally firm texture. Their bright, zesty flavor cuts through the sweetness of the dish, creating a beautifully balanced profile. They hold their shape remarkably well, making them perfect for tender yet distinct apple slices.
• Honeycrisp: As their name suggests, Honeycrisp apples are delightfully crisp and juicy, offering a wonderful blend of sweetness and a hint of tartness. While slightly softer than Granny Smiths, they still hold up well to slow cooking and contribute a lovely texture and vibrant flavor to your baked apples.
• Golden Delicious: These apples are characterized by their sweet, mild flavor and a slightly softer texture. They will become quite tender, almost melting, and will readily absorb the spices and sweeteners. If you prefer a very soft, comforting baked apple, Golden Delicious is an excellent choice.
• Jonagold: A fantastic all-purpose apple, Jonagold offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes. They are firm enough to endure the slow cooking without disintegrating and bring a complex, well-rounded flavor that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
• Fuji: Fuji apples are known for their sweet and crisp nature. While they tend to soften more quickly than some other varieties, they can still be used if you prefer a softer, sweeter baked apple. They will contribute a delightful, pronounced sweetness to the final product.

For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a blend of two or three apple varieties, combining tartness with sweetness and varying textures.

Essential Spices for Baked Apples

The right blend of spices transforms simple apples into an aromatic masterpiece. These warm, comforting flavors are what truly define baked apples, giving them their characteristic appeal. While you can customize the spice blend to your liking, these are the traditional and most beloved choices:

• Cinnamon: Absolutely indispensable, cinnamon is the quintessential spice for apples. Its warm, sweet, and slightly woody notes beautifully complement the natural sweetness of the fruit. Ground cinnamon infuses every bite with a comforting aroma, making it the star of any apple dish. You can be generous with cinnamon, as its flavor pairs perfectly with slow-cooked apples.
• Nutmeg: A small dash of nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy, and slightly nutty warmth that deepens the overall flavor profile. It provides a more complex backdrop to the cinnamon, enhancing the apple’s inherent sweetness without overpowering it. Remember, nutmeg is potent, so a little goes a long way to avoid a bitter taste.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider using an apple pie spice blend, which typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and other complementary spices like allspice or ginger. This offers a convenient way to achieve a well-balanced spice profile.

To Peel or Not to Peel Your Apples

The decision to peel your apples before slow cooking is a matter of personal preference, each choice offering distinct benefits. Consider the following when deciding:

Benefits of Peeling:

• Smoother Texture: If you prefer a very tender, silky-smooth texture, peeling the apples is recommended. Apple peels can retain a slightly chewy consistency even after extended cooking, which some people find undesirable in a baked apple dish.
• Visual Appeal: Peeled apples often present a more uniform and visually appealing dish, especially when served as a dessert. The golden-brown cooked apple flesh looks beautiful, especially when topped with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.
• Ease of Eating: For children or individuals with dietary restrictions, peeled apples are often easier to chew and digest.

Benefits of Keeping the Peels On:

• Nutritional Value: A significant portion of an apple’s fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants are concentrated in its peel. Leaving the peels on boosts the nutritional content of your baked apples, making them a healthier choice.
• Added Texture: For those who enjoy a bit of textural contrast, the peels can add a pleasant, slight chewiness that complements the soft flesh of the cooked apples.
• Time-Saving: Skipping the peeling step significantly reduces preparation time, making this already easy recipe even quicker to assemble.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. Experiment with both methods to discover which you and your family prefer. Whichever you choose, ensure your apples are thoroughly washed if you opt to leave the peels on.

Step-by-Step Peeling and Coring Techniques

Properly preparing your apples ensures a consistent texture and optimal flavor absorption. While it might seem daunting, peeling and coring apples is a straightforward process:

1. Wash the Apples: Regardless of whether you peel them or not, always start by thoroughly washing your apples under cool running water to remove any dirt or residues.
2. Peeling (if desired):
   • Hold the apple firmly in one hand.
   • Using a sharp vegetable peeler, start from the top of the apple (stem end) and peel downwards in strips. Rotate the apple as you go, aiming to remove the skin in a continuous spiral or long strips.
   • Be mindful to remove only the skin, keeping as much of the apple flesh as possible.
3. Coring (Two Methods):
   • Using an Apple Corer: This is the quickest and easiest method. Place the apple on a cutting board. Position the corer over the stem, centered, and push down firmly. Twist slightly and pull up to remove the core in one piece.
   • Using a Knife (if you don’t have a corer):
     1. Place the apple on a cutting board, either stem-side up or horizontally.
     2. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a circular incision around the stem, creating a guide.
     3. Then, make four downward angled cuts around the core, meeting in the center to form a square or cone shape. Cut just deep enough to remove the core and seeds while preserving as much edible flesh as possible.
     4. Alternatively, slice the apple into quarters and then use the knife to cut out the core from each quarter.
4. Slicing: Once peeled and cored, slice the apples into uniform wedges, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Consistency in slice size is crucial for even cooking. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner ones might become mushy faster.
5. Prevent Browning: Apples can brown quickly once cut. To prevent this, toss them immediately with the fresh lemon juice specified in the recipe. The acidity of the lemon juice helps preserve their color.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Apples

Making delicious baked apples in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal active preparation. The beauty of this method lies in its hands-off approach, allowing the slow cooker to do the work while you go about your day. For detailed measurements and comprehensive instructions, refer to the full recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Here’s a simplified overview of the steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding your prepared apple slices (peeled and cored), your chosen sweetener (whether granulated sugar, brown sugar, or a blend), aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, rich butter, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and a touch of cornstarch to the inner pot of your slow cooker. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a luscious, syrupy sauce that coats the apples beautifully.
2. Thoroughly Stir: Gently yet thoroughly stir all the ingredients together. Ensure the apple slices are well coated with the sweetener, spices, and butter. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution and to prevent any spices from clumping.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to your desired cooking temperature. The low and slow heat will gradually tenderize the apples, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful flavors, resulting in a dish that’s soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Midway through the cooking process, give the mixture another gentle stir to ensure all apples cook evenly and are immersed in the delicious sauce.

The result is a comforting, fragrant dish with tender apples bathed in a sweet, spiced syrup. It’s a perfect illustration of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary with the help of your slow cooker.

Achieving Perfect Tenderness: Slow Cooker Cooking Times

One of the key advantages of using a slow cooker for baked apples is the consistent, gentle heat that allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the apples to become incredibly tender. However, achieving that perfect texture requires understanding the cooking times and factors that can influence them.

General Cook Times:

• On High: Cook for approximately 1 ½ to 3 hours. Using the “High” setting will accelerate the cooking process, ideal when you’re shorter on time.
• On Low: Cook for about 4 to 6 hours. The “Low” setting offers a slower, more gradual cook, often resulting in a deeper flavor development and a slightly more uniform texture, as the apples have more time to slowly break down and absorb the spices.

Important Tips for Even Cooking:

• Mid-Cook Stir: Regardless of the setting you choose, it is highly recommended to open the slow cooker and give the apple mixture a good stir about halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that all the apple slices are exposed to the heat and the flavorful syrup, promoting even cooking and preventing some apples from becoming too soft while others remain firm.
• Preventing Mushy Apples: Every slow cooker is different, and cooking speeds can vary significantly between models. To avoid overcooking and turning your delicious baked apples into applesauce, keep a close eye on them, especially during the last hour of cooking. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended time range.
• Checking for Doneness: The apples are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, but still hold their shape. You want them soft but not completely disintegrated.

Factors influencing cook time:

• Apple Variety: Firmer apples like Granny Smiths will take longer to soften than softer varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji.
• Slice Thickness: Thicker apple slices naturally require more cooking time than thinner ones. Aim for uniform slices to ensure consistent doneness across the batch.
• Slow Cooker Size and Model: Larger slow cookers or older models might cook differently. Knowing your appliance helps.
• Quantity: A very full slow cooker might take slightly longer to come up to temperature and cook through.

By monitoring and stirring, you’ll achieve beautifully cooked, tender baked apples every time.

Creative Substitutions and Flavorful Add-Ins

While the classic cinnamon and nutmeg combination is undoubtedly delicious, slow cooker baked apples are incredibly versatile, inviting a world of creative substitutions and optional add-ins. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to tailor the recipe to your taste or explore new flavor dimensions:

• Alternative Spices:
  • Allspice: This spice boasts a unique flavor profile that cleverly combines hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Adding allspice can bring a wonderful depth and complexity, making your baked apples even more intriguing.
  • Cloves: For a strong, intensely aromatic, and warm flavor, a tiny pinch of ground cloves can be transformative. Use sparingly, as their potency can easily overpower other flavors.
  • Ground Ginger: Offers a slightly spicy, warming kick that beautifully complements the sweetness of apples, especially appealing during colder months.
  • Cardamom: Known for its exotic, aromatic, and slightly citrusy notes, cardamom adds an elegant and sophisticated twist to the dish.
• Flavor Extracts:
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract (or the seeds from half a vanilla bean) adds a subtle, sweet, and comforting undertone that enhances the natural flavors of the apples and spices.
  • Almond Extract: For a distinct nutty aroma, a tiny amount of almond extract can create a unique flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest:
  • Lemon Zest: Beyond the juice, lemon zest provides a bright, refreshing, and tangy aroma that balances the sweetness and adds a vibrant lift to the apples.
  • Orange Zest: Offers a sweeter, more fragrant citrus note, imparting a touch of brightness and a lovely aroma to the dish.
• Sweetener Variations:
  • Maple Syrup: Replacing some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup will impart a rich, distinct sweetness with earthy, caramel-like undertones, perfect for a fall-themed treat.
  • Honey: For a floral and natural sweetness, honey can be a delightful substitute.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar will provide a deeper, more pronounced molasses flavor.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits:
  • Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Stirring in a handful of toasted chopped nuts towards the end of cooking adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Raisins or Dried Cranberries: These can be added along with the apples, plumping up as they cook and contributing bursts of concentrated sweetness and chewiness.
• Other Delicious Add-Ins:
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the baked apples just before serving for an indulgent treat.
  • Bourbon or Rum: A tablespoon or two of a good quality bourbon or dark rum can add a sophisticated, warm depth of flavor, particularly for adult palates.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Start with small additions and taste as you go to find your perfect blend of flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Apples

Slow cooker baked apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making them suitable for any meal of the day. Their comforting flavor and tender texture make them a universally appealing dish. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Dessert: Serve warm, straight from the slow cooker, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of warm apples and cold toppings is pure bliss.
• Breakfast Treat: Transform your morning meal by spooning baked apples over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They also make a delightful accompaniment to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Savory Side Dish: The sweet and tart notes of baked apples pair wonderfully with savory meats. They are an exceptional accompaniment to roasted pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or even a holiday ham. Their gentle sweetness balances the richness of the main course.
• Snack Time: Enjoy a simple bowl of warm or chilled baked apples as a wholesome and satisfying snack.
• On Their Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy slow cooker baked apples is simply by themselves, appreciating their natural sweetness and spiced aroma.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these tender, spiced apples are sure to be a hit!

Storing Leftover Baked Apples

Should you have any delectable slow cooker baked apples remaining, proper storage is key to maintaining their flavor and freshness for future enjoyment. Once the apples have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. This will protect them from absorbing other odors in the fridge and prevent them from drying out. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your leftover baked apples will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 3-4 days. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to preserve their quality.

Reheating Your Crockpot Baked Apples

One of the best things about slow cooker baked apples is how wonderfully they reheat, allowing you to enjoy their comforting flavors days after preparing them. There are several convenient methods to warm them up:

• Microwave: For a quick individual serving, transfer your desired portion of baked apples to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop: If reheating a larger batch, place the apples in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Heat until the apples are simmering gently and are warmed through.
• Slow Cooker: To reheat a significant amount, especially if serving a crowd, return the baked apples to your slow cooker. Set it to the “Warm” setting for 1-2 hours, or “Low” for about 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. This method is excellent for maintaining their texture and moisture.

Always heat until the apples are warm throughout. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating, especially in the microwave, to avoid them becoming overly mushy.

Freezing Baked Apples for Future Enjoyment

Slow cooker baked apples are not only delicious fresh but also freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal candidate for meal prepping or preparing in advance. This allows you to enjoy the taste of autumn any time of year. To freeze leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled to room temperature first. Then, transfer the baked apples (including their luscious sauce) to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Properly packaged, they can be stored in the freezer for 6-8 months without a significant loss in quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the frozen apples to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight. Once thawed, they can be reheated using any of the methods mentioned above. Freezing is a fantastic way to extend the shelf life of this delightful dish.

Perfect Pairings: Main Dishes and More

Slow cooker baked apples are incredibly versatile and can beautifully complement a wide array of dishes. Their sweet, spiced flavor provides a lovely counterpoint to savory meals, making them an excellent side or a refreshing dessert. Here are some recipes that pair wonderfully with your Crockpot baked apples:

• Soul Food Pork Chops: The rich, savory flavors of smothered pork chops find a perfect balance with the sweet and slightly tart baked apples.
• Dry Rub Chicken Wings: The zestiness and spice of dry rub wings are wonderfully mellowed by the warm, sweet apples.
• Steamed Lobster Tail: For a surprisingly elegant pairing, the delicate sweetness of steamed lobster can be enhanced by the light fruitiness of baked apples.
• How to Make Cocktail Shrimp: A refreshing shrimp cocktail can serve as a light starter before a comforting meal featuring baked apples.

Consider serving them alongside any roasted poultry, pork dishes, or even a rich stew for a complete and satisfying meal.

Explore More Delicious Apple Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of apples, there’s a world of other delicious apple-centric recipes to explore. From beverages to desserts, apples are incredibly versatile. Here are more fantastic apple recipes to try:

• Caramel Apple Cider: A warm, sweet, and spiced beverage perfect for cool weather.
• Sugar Free Apple Pie: Enjoy the classic dessert with a healthier twist.
• Sugar Free Apple Butter: A smooth, concentrated apple spread perfect for toast or baking.
• Sugar Free Apple Crisp: A delightful baked dessert with a crunchy topping and tender apple filling.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Oatmeal: A wholesome and easy breakfast that cooks overnight.
• Cranberry Sauce with Apples: A festive and flavorful side dish, perfect for holidays.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp: Another fantastic slow cooker dessert combining baked apples with a crisp topping.

These recipes offer diverse ways to incorporate the sweet, tart, and comforting flavors of apples into your culinary repertoire.

Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Apples

Brandi Crawford

This Slow Cooker Baked Apples recipe takes the classic baked apples to a new level of ease by utilizing the magic of a slow cooker. Tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, gently cooked to perfection, make for a side dish or dessert that’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 111 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 3 pounds apples Peeled and cored, and sliced into wedges. See notes for the type of apples to use.
• ½ cup sweetener or sugar
• ¼ cup brown sweetener or sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter This is 4 tablespoons.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

• Combine all of the ingredients – apples, sweeteners, spices, butter, lemon juice, and cornstarch – into the slow cooker pot. Stir gently until all the apple slices are thoroughly coated.
• Cover and cook on the HIGH setting for 1 ½ – 3 hours, or on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. To ensure even cooking and thorough flavor distribution, gently open the lid and stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time.

  Note that slow cooker models can vary in cooking speed. To prevent the apples from becoming mushy, it’s advisable to check for tenderness starting at the earlier end of the suggested cooking times.
• The baked apples are ready once they are soft and easily pierced with a fork, yet still retain their shape.
• Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Lemon juice is crucial for preventing the apples from browning once they are sliced. For best results, you may also toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after preparation.

Cooking times are approximate and will vary based on several factors, including the specific model of your slow cooker, the type and firmness of apples you select, and the thickness of your apple slices. Thinner slices will cook more quickly than thicker ones.

To ensure uniform cooking and prevent some apples from becoming overly soft while others remain firm, strive for evenly sliced apples.

For a dish that isn’t overly sweet, begin with a conservative amount of sweetener (e.g., 1 teaspoon) and adjust to your preferred taste after the apples have cooked.

This recipe is flexible with sweeteners. You can use all granular sugar/sweetener, or all brown sugar/sweetener, depending on your preference. Both light and dark brown sugar (or their sweetener equivalents) will work well and contribute distinct caramel notes.

Here are examples of apple varieties that perform exceptionally well in this recipe:

• Granny Smith: Valued for their tartness and firm texture, they hold their shape beautifully and provide a delightful contrast to the dish’s sweetness.
• Honeycrisp: Crisp and juicy with a balanced sweet-tart flavor, these apples add a pleasant texture to the finished dish.
• Golden Delicious: Sweet with a mild flavor, these apples yield a slightly softer, more tender result.
• Jonagold: Offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness, Jonagold apples are firm enough for slow cooking and contribute to a rich flavor profile.
• Fuji: Sweet and crisp, Fuji apples tend to soften more quickly but can still be used if you prefer a very tender apple with pronounced sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving: 5ozCalories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 18gFat: 4g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.