Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious slow cooker apple crisp.  This recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the irresistible texture of warm apples and a crispy, buttery topping. In just a few hours, you'll have a mouthwatering dessert that's perfect for any occasion. 

This post is brought to you by Zulka® Morena Pure Cane Sugar.  All opinions are my own.

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm apples and cozy spices filling your home.

This slow cooker apple crisp recipe captures the essence of a classic apple pie, yet requires only 15 minutes of preparation.

Simply layer the apple slices and topping, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. 

In just a few hours, your home will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and baked apples. 

So, gather your ingredients, prepare your slow cooker, and look forward to the delightful fragrance of cinnamon-spiced apples as this delicious dessert cooks to perfection.

 Ingredients

Streusel Topping

• Old-fashioned oats: You can use quick oats as a substitute, but the texture is better with old-fashioned oats.
• All-purpose flour: The flour helps bind the ingredients together and gives the topping a light, crispy texture. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Chopped pecans: Pecans add a wonderful crunch and richness to the topping. Walnuts or almonds could also be used.
• Zulka® Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the topping. Zulka® is an all-natural, minimally processed sugar that is non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and my go-to brand of sugar.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the quintessential spice that brings warmth and depth to the apple crisp. 
• Sea salt: Feel free to use whatever salt you have on hand.
• Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Apples

• Apples: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The tartness of these varieties pairs perfectly with the sweet topping. If you prefer sweeter apples, like Fuji or Gala, they will work just fine in this recipe for slow cooker apple crisp.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice not only adds a tangy flavor but also prevents the apples from browning. 
• Zulka® Morena Pure Cane Sugar: Zulka® is authentic, granulated sugar that is produced by extracting and condensing the sap from freshly-picked sugar cane. This classic sweetener adds sweetness and helps bring out the natural juices of the apples. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
• Ground cinnamon: Just like in the topping, ground cinnamon is a must-have for adding warm and cozy flavors to the apple filling.

Step by Step

For the full apple crisp recipe in the slow cooker with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, pecans, Zulka® brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. 

Now, it's time to assemble our slow cooker apple crisp. Start by placing the sliced apples in the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle them with lemon juice.  Give it a good stir to coat the apples. Then, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon all over the apple slices and stir to coat.

Pour the butter over the brown sugar oat mixture and stir.

Sprinkle on top of the apples. It's okay if some of it sinks down into the apples - that's just going to make it even more amazing.

Now, here's a little trick to prevent any unwanted condensation. Place a clean dishcloth on top of the slow cooker, making sure it doesn't touch the top of the apple crisp. Then, secure it all with the slow cooker lid. Set your slow cooker to low heat for 4 hours, or high heat for 2 hours. 

Tips & Tricks

• Use Zulka® Morena Pure Cane Sugar: For a delicious treat you can feel great about serving your family, I recommend using Zulka® sugars. They are Non-GMO Project Verified, certified C.L.E.A.N., certified Vegan, and kosher. The Zulka® sugar refining process doesn't include any bone char or other methods using animal by-product, no harmful chemicals, or preservatives. It is the best way I know to infuse sweetness into your dessert recipes.
• Use some tart apples: For the perfect balance of flavors, add in some tart apples like Granny Smith Apples. Their tanginess pairs wonderfully with the sweet topping. I especially like mixing granny smith apples with other apples such as Honeycrisp.
• Mix up the spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a hint of ginger to add a unique twist to your apple crisp.
• Don't skip the lemon juice: The lemon juice not only adds a zesty flavor but also prevents the apples from browning. 
• Avoid overcooking: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your apple crisp as it cooks. If it starts to look too brown or dry around the edges, it's time to turn off the heat. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy.
• Serve it warm: This apple crisp is best enjoyed when it's still warm from the slow cooker. The contrast between the warm, gooey apples and the cold scoop of vanilla ice cream is simply irresistible.
• Save the leftovers: If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.

More Sweet Treats Great For Using Zulka Sugar

• Tangy and Moist: Lemon Loaf - Indulge in a slice of this zesty lemon loaf that's bursting with bright citrus flavors and has the perfect balance between tanginess and sweetness.
• Cool and Minty: Peppermint Ice Cream - Beat the summer heat or celebrate the holidays with a refreshing scoop of homemade peppermint ice cream.
• Buttery and Jammy: Spritz Cookies with Jam - These delicate spritz cookies are made with love, butter, and a dollop of your favorite jam, creating a heavenly combination of melt-in-your-mouth texture and fruity goodness.
• Warm and Comforting: Apple Pear Crisp - Dive into a bowl of warm apple pear crisp, where tender slices of fruit mingle with a crispy oat topping, creating a cozy dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth on chilly evenings.

Print Recipe

5 from 24 votes

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy apple crisp in the slow cooker. This recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the irresistible texture of warm, gooey apples and a crispy, buttery topping. In just a few hours, you'll have a mouthwatering apple crisp that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive in and learn how to make this delightful dessert!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time4 hours hrs

Total Time4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: Holiday

Servings: 10

Calories: 274kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

Topping

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar such as Zulka® Brown Pure Cane Sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup butter melted

Apples

• 8 cups peeled and sliced apples
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar such as Zulka® Morena Pure Cane Sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Make the topping by combining the oats, flour, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Pour the melted butter over the top and stir to combine.
• Place the apples in the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle with the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add the granulated sugar and cinnamon and stir to coat the apples.
• Sprinkle the topping on top.
• Place a clean dishcloth on top of the slow cooker and secure with the slow cooker lid. Be careful not to let the towel touch the top of the apple crisp.
• Cook over low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg