Slow Cooker Apples are the coziest, simplest dessert you’ll ever make. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a slow cooker, you can whip up a batch of tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices that taste like homemade apple pie—without the fuss of baking or crusts. This effortless recipe delivers warm, comforting flavors that will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, the perfect topping for ice cream or oatmeal, or a cozy snack any time of day, this is sure to become your favorite fall classic.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apples
Hands-off simplicity: Just peel, mix, and slow-cook—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Comforting and aromatic: The scent of cinnamon and warm apples will make your home smell amazing.
Versatile: Use it as a stand-alone dessert, breakfast topping, or pie filling.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters won’t resist—the sweet, buttery apples are always a hit.
Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot—no oven, no mess.
Ingredients
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Apples
In a slow cooker (at least 4 quarts), add peeled and thinly sliced apples.
Sprinkle granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch evenly over the apples.
Gently stir to coat all the slices with the sugar-spice mixture.
Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the apples are soft and tender but still hold their shape.
Serve immediately while warm, or let cool slightly before storing.
Helpful Tips
Check doneness early—slow cookers vary. If you’re using Low, check at 3.5 hours; if on High, check at 1.5 hours to avoid mushy apples.
Even slices ensure uniform cooking—try to slice apples to similar thickness.
Stir gently—especially when covering to cook—so you don’t mash the slices.
Adjust sweetness—tart Granny Smith apples may need a tiny extra sprinkle of sugar if you prefer sweeter results.
Substitutions And Variations
Different apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala add sweetness and hold texture well.
Leave peels on for a rustic look and extra fiber.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
Maple twist: Replace white sugar with maple syrup for natural depth.
Caramel touch: Stir in a tablespoon of caramel sauce at the end for decadence.
Storage Instructions
Let the apples cool to room temperature.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for 3–5 days.
Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months): use a freezer-safe container—thaw and reheat gently.
To reheat, microwave or gently warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Information
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~281 kcal per serving
Carbs: ~64 g
Fat: ~4 g (2 g saturated)
Fiber: ~5 g
Protein: <1 g
Cholesterol: ~10 mg
Sodium: ~8 mg
Potassium: ~219 mg
Vitamin C: ~8 mg
Serving Suggestions
Classic: Enjoy warm straight from the crock-pot.
Dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Breakfast: Serve over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles.
Pie filling: Use as a no-fuss filling for mini pies or tarts.
Yogurt parfait: Layer with plain or vanilla yogurt and granola.
Cheese pairing: Pair with creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Apples
Can I skip peeling the apples?
Yes! Leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients. Many cooks prefer peeled for smoother results, but unpeeled is a perfectly acceptable, rustic option.
What slow cooker size should I use?
A minimum of 4 quarts is ideal for even cooking. Using a smaller cooker may cause overflow; larger cookers just give more breathing room.
How do I prevent mushy apples?
Check cooking time early—on Low, start checking at 3.5 hours; on High, check around 1.5 hours. Stir gently to avoid breaking slices.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Make ahead and store in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently when ready.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—no gluten ingredients included. Just double-check your spices if purchasing blends.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy Slow Cooker Apples as much as I do! There’s something so wonderfully comforting about warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that practically melt in your mouth—and the ease of this recipe makes it a go-to for busy days or cozy evenings alike. Thank you for stopping by and letting me share this simple, flavorful treat with you. I’ve loved making it and I’m thrilled to pass it along. May your kitchen be filled with joy, your plates with sweetness, and your heart with warmth. Happy cooking—and welcome to our community of food lovers!
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Slow Cooker Apples
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (Low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (High)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Apples are a warm, spiced treat made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar—perfect for a no-fuss fall dessert or breakfast topping.
Ingredients
- 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
In a slow cooker (at least 4 quarts), add peeled and thinly sliced apples.
Sprinkle granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch evenly over the apples.
Gently stir to coat all the slices with the sugar-spice mixture.
Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the apples are soft and tender but still hold their shape.
Serve immediately while warm, or let cool slightly before storing.
Notes
Best served warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or over oatmeal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Try different apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 281 kcal
- Sugar: 49 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Protein: <1 g