Description

Craving the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp but looking for a hands-off, cozy twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Dessert! This delightful recipe transforms the traditional oven-baked crisp into a spoonable, slow-cooked masterpiece, featuring tender, spiced Granny Smith apples coated in a sweet, cinnamon-nutmeg filling, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

Granny Smith Apples (10 cups, ~7-8 apples or 3 ½ lbs, peeled, cored, sliced into ⅛-inch thick slices, then halved to ~1-inch wide pieces): Provides tart, firm texture.
- Substitution: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples (less tart) or a mix of apple varieties.
Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, tightly packed): Adds caramelized sweetness.
- Substitution: Dark brown sugar or coconut sugar.
All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup): Thickens the filling.
- Substitution: Cornstarch (2 tbsp) or gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Enhances sweetness.
- Substitution: Maple syrup or honey (reduce to 3 tbsp).
Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): Adds warm, spiced flavor.
- Substitution: Pumpkin pie spice or allspice.
Ground Nutmeg (½ tsp): Provides cozy depth.
- Substitution: Ground ginger or omit.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
- Substitution: Almond extract or vanilla bean paste.

For the Crisp Topping

Quick-Cooking Oats (1 ⅓ cups, not instant): Creates a crunchy, hearty texture.
- Substitution: Rolled oats (slightly chewier) or crushed graham crackers.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ⅓ cups): Forms the base of the crumble.
- Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or almond flour (adjust texture).
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, tightly packed): Sweetens and binds the topping.
- Substitution: Dark brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): Adds warm spice.
- Substitution: Nutmeg or cardamom.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness.
- Substitution: Sea salt or omit if using salted butter.
Baking Powder (½ tsp): Ensures a light topping.
- Substitution: Omit if unavailable (texture may be denser).
Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, melted): Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
- Substitution: Vegan butter or coconut oil.

Why They’re Important: The Granny Smith apples deliver a tart, juicy filling, while cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth. The oat-flour topping provides a buttery, crunchy contrast, making each spoonful a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice 7-8 Granny Smith apples (10 cups) into ⅛-inch thick slices, then halve the slices to create pieces approximately 1-inch wide by ⅛-inch thick.
In a large bowl, toss the apples with ½ cup tightly packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Tip: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform apple slices. Toss apples thoroughly to ensure even coating. Break up any flour clumps for a smooth filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ⅓ cups quick-cooking oats, 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup tightly packed light brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp baking powder. Stir until well mixed.
Pour ¾ cup melted unsalted butter over the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or hands until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps.
- Tip: Use quick-cooking oats for a finer texture; rolled oats work but may be chewier. Ensure butter is evenly distributed to form clumps. Avoid packing the mixture too tightly.

Step 3: Layer and Slow Cook

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling in the slow cooker, covering the apples completely. Do not press down; keep the topping loose for a crumbly texture.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until the apples are tender and juicy and the topping is golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
Check doneness at the minimum time; if the topping looks too wet, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to evaporate excess moisture and enhance crispness.
- Tip: Place a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and keep the topping from getting soggy. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.

Step 4: Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert cool for 10 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Scoop the warm apple crisp into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ¾ cup per serving), ensuring each portion has a mix of juicy apples and crunchy topping.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a complete dessert experience. Pair with coffee, hot cider, or a dessert wine (like Riesling) for a cozy touch.
- Tip: Use a large spoon to scoop for a rustic presentation. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast. Offer extra topping crumbs or caramel on the side for customization.