As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to welcome fall than with a warm and comforting apple crisp. This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp recipe is the perfect hands-off dessert for a cozy autumn evening. The apples are cooked to perfection and loaded with flavor, topped with a nutty crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation – This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy individuals.
- Warm and Comforting – A warm, delicately spiced treat packed with fresh apples and finished off with an irresistible oat topping.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Impress your guests with this classic dessert.
Origin of Apple Crisp
Apple crisp, also known as apple crumble, is a dessert of baked apples topped with a crisp or crumbly topping. It is believed to have originated in Britain during World War II when traditional pastry ingredients were scarce. The topping typically consists of butter, flour, sugar, and sometimes oats or nuts.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled & sliced to approx. ½ inch thin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Oat Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
- Prepare the Apples – Wash, peel, and slice the apples to approximately ½ inch thick.
- Combine the Filling – Add the apples to a slow cooker and squeeze the lemon over the apples. Stir together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl and pour over the apples. Stir to evenly coat.
- Make the Crumble – Mix all the topping ingredients in a bowl and add the chopped cold butter. Mix well until crumbly. Add it to the top of the apples without mixing.
- Slow Cook – Optional: Add a clean kitchen towel over the slow cooker and then place the lid over it. This prevents moisture from dripping onto the crisp and making it soggy. Slow cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours. About 15 minutes before it’s finished cooking, take the lid off completely and let the apple crisp finish cooking. This helps thicken up the juices and crisp up the topping.
- Serve – Serve warm and top with ice cream.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Prevent Soggy Topping – Place a dish towel between the slow cooker and lid to absorb moisture.
- Don’t Overcook – Keep an eye on the crisp to avoid overcooking, which can result in a mushy texture.
- Do Not Mix Topping – The oat topping should remain on top of the apples and not be mixed in.
Serving Tips
- Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Whipped Cream – Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
While apple crisp is undoubtedly a treat, some of its ingredients offer nutritional benefits:
- Apples – A good source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Oats – A good source of fiber.
Interesting Facts
- Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is a convenient twist on the traditional baked version.
- The slow cooker makes it a simple dessert with minimal effort.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups apples, peeled & sliced to approx. ½ inch thin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Slice apples and mix with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Mix topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Pour apples into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours, removing the lid in the last 15 minutes.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
