This Crockpot Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that fills your home with a lovely cinnamon smell. With tender apples and a crunchy topping, it’s simply delicious!
It’s so easy to whip up; just layer the apples and sprinkle the topping, then let the slow cooker do its magic! I love topping it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Both cook well in a crockpot. If you want a mix of flavors, try combining these with some Golden Delicious apples for added sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This gives the crisp its deep flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, a sugar substitute like Stevia can also work, just adjust to taste!
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Both spices add warmth to the dish. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can skip it or use allspice as a substitute. I personally love adding a pinch of ginger for an extra zing!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice here, but you can use quick oats if that’s what you have. Just note that quick oats might make the topping a bit softer.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut oil or vegan butter, which will still give a nice texture to your topping.
How Do I Get the Oat Topping Just Right?
The oat topping is where the magic happens! It’s important to have that crumbly texture, so here are some steps to nail it:
- Keep your butter cold—this helps create a flaky topping. Cut it into small cubes to make mixing easier.
- Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it’s crumbly. You want little pea-sized bits of butter mixed in with the oats and flour.
- Don’t overmix! A few larger lumps are okay; they’ll add texture when it cooks.
With these tips, you’re sure to have a deliciously crisp topping over your tender apples! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into thick chunks
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes for prep time and will cook in your crockpot for about 3 to 4 hours on low. So, in total, you’re looking at around 4 hours and 15 minutes until you can enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Apples:
Start by peeling and slicing the apples into thick chunks. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together to evenly coat the apples with the sugar and spices. This combination creates a wonderful flavor base for your apple filling.
2. Layering in the Crockpot:
Once your apple mixture is ready, transfer it to the bottom of a greased 4- or 5-quart crockpot. Spread the apples out evenly to ensure they cook nicely.
3. Making the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and salt. Next, add the cold diced butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture becomes crumbly with small pea-sized bits of butter. This will give your topping a deliciously crispy texture.
4. Assembling the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the crockpot. This is going to create a lovely crunchy layer on top of the tender apples.
5. Cooking it Up:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for about 3 to 4 hours. The goal is for the apples to become tender and for the topping to get crispy and golden. Keep an eye on it towards the end of cooking; if you feel it needs a little more time, let it go for another 30 minutes!
6. Serving:
Once it’s done cooking, serve the apple crisp warm, and don’t forget to top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like. It melts into the warm apples and makes it even better!
Enjoy your cozy, sweet Crockpot Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices, you can mix and match different apples for varied flavors and textures. Try using a combination of tart and sweet apples, like Braeburn or Fuji, for extra depth!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. It will turn out just as delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven. You can add a little splash of water to keep the apples moist as you warm it up.
Can I Freeze Apple Crisp?
You can freeze apple crisp! Just make sure to cool it completely first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture!