This Crockpot Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s super easy to make! With sweet apples and a crunchy topping, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. It smells amazing while cooking, and it’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. If you want something sweeter, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work well too!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to your crisp. If you’re out of nutmeg, try using allspice or just add extra cinnamon!
Brown Sugar: It gives a nice caramel flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar or even maple syrup, though you may need to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best for texture. If you have quick oats, they can work as a substitute but the texture will be softer. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften in the cooking time.
Butter: For a healthier option, feel free to use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How Do I Get the Topping Crunchy and Delicious?
To achieve that perfect crumbly topping, it’s essential to mix just enough but not overdo it. Here’s how:
- Combine oats, flour, and sugars in a bowl, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
- Pour in melted butter, and gently mix with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about it being too uniform; those little clumps add texture!
- Sprinkle it generously over the apples in the crockpot; this helps it crisp up as it bakes.
Cooking on low allows the apples to soften while giving the topping time to develop a nice, golden color. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the heat and moisture!
How to Make Delicious Crockpot Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 5-6 medium apples, Granny Smith or your favorite baking variety)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Crockpot Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 3-4 hours on low. Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar. Make sure all the apple pieces are well-coated. This mixture should smell amazing!
3. Add the Apples to the Crockpot:
Transfer the apple mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. You want it to have a nice texture that will create a crispy topping!
5. Assemble the Dish:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the crockpot. This creates a delicious crust on top while the apples cook.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 3-4 hours. Keep an eye on it! You want the apples to be tender and the topping to be golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s cooked, scoop some warm apple crisp into bowls. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite of your cozy Crockpot Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of apples for different flavors and textures. Just make sure they are good for baking!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the crockpot on low until warmed through. Feel free to top it with a little extra ice cream for an added treat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the apple filling and the topping a day in advance. Just assemble and cook the next day when you’re ready to enjoy it. It can make your dessert prep super easy!
