Oh, do I have a treat for you! Picture this: it’s a crisp fall afternoon, the kids are playing outside, and your kitchen smells like a cozy bakery—all without slaving over the stove. That’s the magic of my Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe. I first made this for a family potluck when I was desperate for something easy but impressive (mom life, am I right?). The moment that sweet cinnamon scent hit the air, everyone came running. Now it’s our go-to dessert for everything from Sunday dinners to “oops, I forgot to bake something” emergencies. The best part? You literally toss four simple ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you sip coffee (or wine—no judgment here).
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and probably become your new fall obsession):
- Effortless magic: Dump everything in the crockpot and walk away—no babysitting required. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dessert, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- That cozy factor: The smell alone will make your house feel like a fall paradise. Cinnamon-scented apples bubbling away in the slow cooker? Yes, please!
- Crowd-pleaser extraordinaire: My kids go wild for these, but honestly? Adults sneak second helpings just as often. Serve it warm over ice cream for instant “best cook” status.
- Endlessly versatile: Breakfast topping? Yes. Pie filling alternative? Absolutely. Fancy dessert with caramel drizzle? You bet. This is the apple recipe easy enough for Tuesday but special enough for Thanksgiving.
Trust me, once you try this fall crockpot recipe, you’ll understand why I make double batches every time!
Ingredients for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
Grab these simple ingredients—I bet you have most in your pantry already! You’ll need:
- 6 large Granny Smith apples (about 3 lbs), peeled and cored (their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (scale back to ½ cup if your apples are super sweet)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (the star of the show!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (trust me, real butter makes all the difference)
That’s it! Four humble ingredients transform into something magical in your slow cooker.
How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
Ready to make your house smell like a cinnamon-scented dream? Here’s my foolproof method for perfect slow-cooked apples every time:
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First things first—grab those apples! I like to slice mine about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick (think “good bite size”). Too thin and they’ll turn to mush; too thick and they won’t soak up all that cinnamon goodness. Toss them right into your 4 or 6-quart crockpot—no fancy layering needed!
Step 2: Add Sugar and Cinnamon
Now for the magic dust! Sprinkle that cinnamon and sugar over your apple slices like you’re seasoning the most important dish of your life (because, let’s be honest, dessert IS important). Give everything a good stir—I use my hands to really massage those spices in—until every slice is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Dot the top with those little butter cubes (they’ll melt into golden pools of deliciousness), then pop the lid on. Here’s your choice: 3 hours on High if you’re impatient like me, or 6 hours on Low for when you want that “all-day simmer” effect. Either way, give it a gentle stir halfway through—this helps prevent any sugar from sticking. Check for doneness at the 2-hour (High) or 4-hour (Low) mark—you want tender apples that still hold their shape, not apple sauce!
Pro tip: If your slow cooker runs hot (mine’s an overachiever), check even earlier. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily but the slices haven’t lost their dignity. That’s when the magic happens!
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Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe in 3 Hours
A simple and delicious crockpot cinnamon apples recipe perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm dessert.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 mins (High) or 6 hours 15 mins (Low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples (about 3 lbs), peeled and cored (or any firm apple variety)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (1/2 cup if your apples are super sweet)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cut apples into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Place in a 4 or 6-quart crockpot.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then stir to coat evenly.
- Cut butter into small pieces and dot over apples.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 hours, or Low for 6 hours, stirring halfway through cook time.
- Check apples for tenderness after 2 hours (on High) or 4 hours (on Low). They should be tender but not soggy and retain their shape.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Cook times vary by slow cooker model. Check for doneness after 2 hours (High) or 4 hours (Low).
- Firm apple varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours (High) or 6 hours (Low)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
After making this crockpot dessert recipe more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Apple smarts: Stick with firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala—they hold their shape beautifully. Soft apples like Red Delicious? They’ll turn to baby food in there!
- Sweetness control: Taste your apples first! Tart ones need the full sugar amount, but sweeter varieties might only need ½ cup. You can always add more after cooking.
- Texture secret: Check apples 30 minutes before the timer goes off. If they’re getting too soft, crack the lid to let steam escape—this saves them from turning mushy.
- Flavor boost: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest with the cinnamon for extra depth. (My kids call this the “fancy restaurant version.”)
These little tweaks take your crockpot cinnamon apples from good to “can I lick the bowl?” amazing!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve these warm crockpot cinnamon apples is still over a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the creamy cold against the spiced apples is pure magic. But don’t stop there! Try them:
- Swirled into morning oatmeal or yogurt
- Piled high on pancakes or French toast
- As a pie filling alternative in your favorite tart shell
- Straight from the bowl with a dollop of whipped cream
Toppings That Make It Extra Special
Want to really wow your crowd? Try these finishing touches:
- A drizzle of caramel sauce (the salted kind is my weakness)
- Crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch
- A sprinkle of granola for breakfast vibes
- Dark chocolate shavings when you’re feeling fancy
Honestly? They’re delicious naked too—just saying!
Storage and Reheating
These cinnamon apples keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, I just pop a serving in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm them gently in a saucepan—they taste just like fresh from the crockpot!
Nutritional Information
Just between us? I’m not usually a numbers person when it comes to dessert (life’s too short!), but since some folks like to know—here’s the scoop on our crockpot cinnamon apples. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients:
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop (about ¾ cup)
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Sugar: 32g (it’s dessert—live a little!)
- Fiber: 4g from all those apple skins you didn’t have to peel perfectly
- Fat: 4g (thank you, glorious butter)
Honestly though? When my house smells this good and the kids are actually eating fruit without complaining—that’s what I call a nutritional win!
FAQs About Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
Can I use other apple varieties?
Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith for their tartness, any firm apple works—Honeycrisp and Gala are my backup stars. Just avoid mealy types like Red Delicious unless you want apple mush (unless that’s your thing—no judgment!). The firmer the apple, the better it holds up in the slow cooker.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You bet! This recipe scales beautifully—just use a larger slow cooker (6-quart or bigger) and stir more frequently. Pro tip: Don’t stack apples too high or they won’t cook evenly. I’ve made triple batches for Thanksgiving with zero complaints!
Can I make this ahead?
Oh honey, these actually taste better the next day! The flavors deepen as they sit. Store them in the fridge and reheat gently—they’ll still have that “just made” magic. Perfect for when you need crockpot desserts ready to impress last-minute guests!
There you have it—my secret to filling your home with the coziest fall aroma and winning over every sweet tooth in your life! This crockpot cinnamon apples recipe is proof that the simplest things often bring the most joy. I can’t wait for you to experience that magical moment when the timer dings and you lift the lid to reveal bubbling, cinnamon-kissed perfection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has become my family’s most-requested treat. Now go grab those apples and let your slow cooker do the work! Don’t forget to come back and tell me how yours turned out—I love hearing your kitchen adventures in the comments! Share your success!
