Description
Craving the warm, spiced comfort of a campfire apple crisp but looking for a hands-off, cozy twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Apple Crisp! This indulgent recipe reimagines the foil-packet classic as a tender, slow-cooked dessert, featuring a juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a buttery oat crumble, perfect for scooping into bowls and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The slow cooker makes this dessert effortless, melding the flavors into a warm, comforting treat that’s ideal for fall gatherings, holiday potlucks, or cozy family nights. With its irresistible aroma of apples and spice, this crisp is a crowd-pleaser that brings the essence of a campfire dessert to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
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Apples (6 cups, about 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Provides juicy, tender texture.
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Substitution: Pears or a mix of apples and pears; use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
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Light Brown Sugar (3 tbsp, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness.
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Substitution: Dark brown sugar or coconut sugar.
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Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp): Enhances sweetness.
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Substitution: Maple syrup or honey (reduce to 2 tsp).
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Apple Pie Spice (2 tsp): Infuses warm, spiced flavor.
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Substitution: 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp allspice.
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For the Crumble Topping
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): Forms the crumble structure.
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Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or oat flour (texture may vary).
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Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds sweetness and crunch.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Quick Oats (¾ cup): Provides texture and chew.
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Substitution: Rolled oats (blend slightly for finer texture).
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Salted Sweet Cream Butter (½ cup, melted): Creates a rich, crispy topping.
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Substitution: Unsalted butter + ¼ tsp salt or vegan butter.
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Apple Pie Spice (½ tsp): Enhances spiced flavor.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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For Optional Toppings
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds creamy contrast.
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Substitution: Whipped cream or vegan ice cream.
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Caramel Sundae Topping: Provides a sweet drizzle.
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Substitution: Homemade caramel sauce or maple syrup.
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Why They’re Important: The apples and apple pie spice deliver the signature fall flavor, while the brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness. The oat-flour-butter crumble provides a buttery, crunchy contrast, and the optional ice cream and caramel elevate the dessert to indulgent bliss, making each spoonful a cozy delight
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
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Peel, core, and thinly slice 5 medium apples (about 6 cups). Place in a large mixing bowl.
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Add 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 tsp apple pie spice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
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Tip: Slice apples thinly (about ¼-inch thick) for even cooking. Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples for balanced flavor. Toss thoroughly to ensure spices coat all slices.
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Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping
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In a medium mixing bowl, stir together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, ¾ cup quick oats, and ½ tsp apple pie spice until combined.
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Pour in ½ cup melted salted sweet cream butter and stir until the mixture forms moist, crumbly clumps.
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Tip: Use a fork to mix the crumble for even texture. Ensure butter is fully melted for easy incorporation. If too dry, add 1 tbsp more melted butter; if too wet, add 1 tbsp flour.
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Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
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Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
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Spread the apple filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering the filling completely. Do not stir; the layers will meld during cooking.
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Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Spread apples in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking. Pat the crumble gently to adhere but keep it loose for texture.
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Step 4: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the apples are tender and the topping is set but still slightly soft (it will crisp slightly as it cools).
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Check doneness at the minimum time; if the apples aren’t soft, continue cooking for 30-minute increments. If the topping looks too wet, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
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Tip: Place a paper towel or clean dish towel under the lid to catch condensation and prevent a soggy topping. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.
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Step 5: Cool and Prepare Optional Toppings
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Turn off the slow cooker and let the apple crisp rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly, making it easier to scoop and allowing the flavors to settle.
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If using, ensure vanilla ice cream and caramel sundae topping are ready. Warm the caramel topping slightly (10-15 seconds in the microwave) for easier drizzling.
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Tip: Let the crisp cool slightly to avoid melting ice cream too quickly. Store caramel topping at room temperature for easy pouring.
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Step 6: Assemble and Serve
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Scoop the warm apple crisp into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ½ cup per serving), ensuring each portion has a mix of tender apples and buttery crumble.
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Top each serving with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (about ¼ cup) and drizzle with 1-2 tsp caramel sundae topping for indulgence.
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Serve warm for a cozy, campfire-inspired experience. Pair with coffee, hot cider, or a dessert liqueur (like Baileys) for a festive vibe.
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Tip: Serve in wide bowls to showcase the golden crumble and melting ice cream. Drizzle caramel in a zigzag for a polished look. Offer extra caramel or chopped nuts on the side for customization.
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