This warm Crockpot Apple Crisp is a simple delight! It features tender apples topped with a sweet, crunchy oat mixture that makes every bite comforting and delicious.
There’s nothing like the smell of this dish cooking all day! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! 🍏🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best for balance, but you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp if preferred. Feel free to use what you have on hand!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try using maple syrup or honey as substitutes. Just adjust the quantity as these are sweeter.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that warm flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can skip it or add a bit more cinnamon instead. A pinch of allspice works great too!
Lemon Juice: It enhances the apples’ flavor and keeps them from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, try using apple cider vinegar as a substitute—but use a little less.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes this apple crisp special, so pay attention to how you mix it! Start by blending the oats, flour, and brown sugar together. You want a nice crumbly texture for the topping to hold up during cooking.
- Use chilled butter—this keeps the topping crispy rather than greasy.
- Mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix, or you’ll lose that crunch!
Sprinkle it evenly over the apples before cooking. This ensures that every bite has a good mix of fruit and topping!
Crockpot Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 7 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you can set your crockpot on low for 3 to 4 hours. Just let it cook, and your home will smell amazing! It’s the perfect treat at the end of a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Mixture:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure every slice of apple gets coated well. This mixture is going to be the sweet and flavorful base of your crisp!
2. Transfer Apples to the Crockpot:
Grease your 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with a little butter or oil. Pour the apple mixture into the bottom of the crockpot, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it looks a little piled up—that just means more tasty apples!
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup brown sugar for the topping. Mix them together well. Now, add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will ensure a nice, crispy topping!
4. Assemble and Cook:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours. Try not to lift the lid too often, as this can let out the heat that helps cook the apples perfectly. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When your apple crisp is ready, serve it warm in bowls. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you’d like a delicious contrast to the warm apples. Enjoy your cozy dessert and the nice comments from friends and family!
This easy-to-make Crockpot Apple Crisp creates a wonderfully bubbly apple base topped with a satisfyingly crunchy oat mixture—a perfect treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can mix in sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more balanced flavor. Just keep the total amount the same for best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. It will still turn out delicious!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple mixture and the topping ahead of time. Just keep them separated in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Layer them in the crockpot and set it to cook when you’re ready!