Easy Crock Pot Apple Crisp

There's nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling the house, and this Easy Crock Pot Apple Crisp brings all those cozy memories back. It's an easy dessert made with fresh apples and a buttery oat topping that tastes just like something grandma would have served after Sunday dinner.

The apples become perfectly tender as they cook, while the brown sugar topping turns crisp and golden. Every bite is sweet, buttery, and full of comforting fall flavors.

It reminds me of the simple homemade desserts that always seemed to disappear first at family gatherings.

What You Need to Know

• The slow cooker keeps the apples tender while the cinnamon flavors deepen as they cook.
• Fuji and Gala apples are naturally sweet, but Honeycrisp or Granny Smith also work well.
• This recipe can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.

Ingredients Overview

• Apples: Fuji and Gala create a naturally sweet filling, while Granny Smith adds a little tartness. Mixing varieties gives great flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to enhance the apples without making the filling overly sweet.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that give the crisp its old fashioned flavor. A pinch of cloves can also be added.
• Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper caramel flavor.
• Old fashioned oats: Rolled oats create the best crisp topping. Quick oats can be used but won't be quite as crunchy.
• All-purpose flour: Helps bind the buttery topping together.
• Butter: Cold butter creates the best crumbly topping. Salted or unsalted butter both work.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Step 1: Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

Step 2: Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, and flour. Cut the butter into the mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Step 4: Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with vanilla ice cream.
• Add freshly whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Serve with a cup of hot coffee or apple cider.
• Spoon over vanilla yogurt for breakfast the next day.

Grandma's Tips

• Slice the apples into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Don't overmix the topping. Small pieces of butter create the best crumbly texture.

Modern Updates

• Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the apples for even more flavor.

More Apple Dessert Recipes

• Old Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake
• Grandma's Strawberry Shortcake
• Old Fashioned Carrot Cake Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Loaf Cake
• Key Lime Pie

FAQs

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?

Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices because they hold their shape while cooking.

Should Apples Be Peeled for Apple Crisp?

Most traditional recipes use peeled apples for the softest filling, but leaving the peels on is perfectly fine if you prefer.