Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, soul-warming dessert that delivers all the nostalgia of autumn in every spoonful, look no further than Slow Cooker Apple Crisp. This rustic classic combines tender, cinnamon-kissed apples with a buttery oat topping that’s both irresistibly crisp and comforting—perfect for when you want all the “baked” flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re gathering with friends or treating yourself to a quiet evening indulgence, this Slow Cooker Apple Crisp will instantly fill your kitchen with the aromas of fall and create sweet, golden memories any day of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is that it relies on staple ingredients, chosen for the way each shines in the finished dish. Every element brings its own simple magic—apples for tartness and juiciness, oats for crunch, and a duo of sugars to create genuinely crave-worthy caramel notes.

• Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect blend of sweet and tangy that holds up well during slow cooking.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lemon juice keeps the apples bright and prevents them from browning, adding a subtle zing.
• Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): This helps bring out the apples’ natural sweetness without overpowering them.
• Brown Sugar (1/3 cup and 1/2 cup): Adds warmth and a hint of caramel flavor that takes the crisp from good to downright decadent.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon and 1/2 cup): A little flour thickens the juices in the apples, while more flour creates a tender crumbly topping.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon): The spice that says “apple crisp”—don’t skimp here for those cozy, bakery vibes.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add depth and warmth without overwhelming the apples.
• Old-Fashioned Oats (1 cup): These give that classic, crunchy crisp topping—quick oats just won’t deliver the same satisfying bite.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of salt sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cut into cubes): Butter holds everything together and transforms the oat topping into golden, lightly salted bliss.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even pieces. Pop them into a generous mixing bowl, then toss with lemon juice to keep the apples from browning and to brighten the flavor. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a good stir until the apples are well coated and juices start to form a glossy coating.

Step 2: Layer the Apples in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your 6-quart slow cooker with a bit of butter or nonstick spray—this small step makes serving and cleanup so much easier. Pour the seasoned apples into the bottom, spreading them in an even layer to ensure they cook together as a soft, meltingly delicious base.

Step 3: Mix the Oat Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or just your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until everything is moistened and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that signature crumbly, crisp topping we crave in a Slow Cooker Apple Crisp.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Don’t press it down—you want little peaks and valleys so the topping crisps up nicely in spots and stays chewy in others, offering perfect texture in each spoonful.

Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work

Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Right before the end, about 30 minutes before serving, take off the lid to help the topping crisp up and get golden. Your whole home will start to smell like warm apples and cinnamon—pure magic!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Garnishes

While Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is divine on its own, a few thoughtful garnishes make it restaurant-worthy. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into those cozy apples, a cloud of freshly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce creates an irresistible finish. Try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of toasted pecans if you love a little crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert steals the show, but if you’re serving the crisp at a dinner party, pair it with something light and fresh—a simple green salad with apples or pears provides a refreshing contrast, or a cup of black tea or coffee to round out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is so versatile! Serve it in pretty ramekins for individual portions, layer with yogurt in parfait glasses for a breakfast treat, or spoon it into mason jars for a picnic-ready dessert. No matter how you present it, watch the smiles bloom as everyone digs in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the remaining crisp cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to four days, flavors deepening beautifully as it sits.

Freezing

For longer storage, Slow Cooker Apple Crisp freezes surprisingly well! Simply pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, or wrap the entire batch for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve both the apple texture and that comforting topping.

Reheating

To bring your apple crisp back to its former glory, gently reheat in the microwave for quick individual servings, or bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to restore the crispiness to the topping. Serve warm, and it’ll taste just as wonderful as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit in Slow Cooker Apple Crisp?

Absolutely! While apples are the star, feel free to mix in pears, peaches, or even berries for a creative twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits may cook at slightly different rates, so aim for firm, less juicy options for best results.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the ultimate tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you prefer a more rustic vibe or like a bit of extra fiber, leave the skins on—just be sure to wash your apples thoroughly first.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll still get that satisfying, crumbly topping and gooey apple base without missing a beat.

Can I double the recipe?

You certainly can! As long as your slow cooker is large enough, you can double all the ingredients. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so just keep an eye out for bubbly apples and a golden, set topping.

Is it necessary to remove the lid for the last 30 minutes?

Removing the lid helps the topping crisp up—if you skip this step, you’ll end up with a softer, more cobbler-like texture. For that irresistible crunch, let the slow cooker vent at the end so steam can escape.

Final Thoughts

If there’s a dessert that somehow gets better with every bite, it’s surely this Slow Cooker Apple Crisp. With its buttery topping and baked apple bliss, it’s impossible not to fall in love. So, gather up your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve a spoonful of comfort!

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