Looking for a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and tastes like a warm hug? Look no further! This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. A blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and a hint of buttery goodness, this recipe will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and leave everyone craving more. This versatile recipe is perfect on its own, over whipped cream or ice cream, or alongside your favorite baked treats.
What is Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert?
Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert is a simple and satisfying dish that transforms ordinary apples into a delectable treat. It’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking, where humble ingredients meld together to create something extraordinary. Typically involving apples, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, this dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker gently cooks the apples to a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency, while the cinnamon infuses them with warmth and spice. The result is a comforting and aromatic dessert perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck, Crockpot Cinnamon Apples is a guaranteed hit. It’s particularly ideal for those who love the flavors of apple pie but don’t have the time (or inclination) to make one from scratch. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, a true testament to the power of simple ingredients.
Ready to experience the ease and flavor of warm, spiced apples? Scroll down and give our recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji – a mix is great too!). The texture from using a blend of apples will offer a richer profile.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pats.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- 1/4 cup water. This helps to create steam in the crockpot.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended).
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional, to thicken the sauce at the end).
How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert:
This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert is incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and then the crockpot does all the work! The result is tender, spiced apples bathed in a luscious, lightly thickened sauce.
The combination of sweet and tart apples, warm cinnamon, and rich butter creates a truly comforting and satisfying dessert. Perfect for a chilly evening or a casual get-together. The preparation time is minimal, making it a great option for busy bakers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Aim for a consistent slice thickness (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking. Place the sliced apples into the crockpot.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the apples.
Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the apples in the crockpot. Distribute the pats of butter on top of the apples and sugar mixture.
Add Water: Pour the water into the bottom of the crockpot. This creates steam and helps prevent the apples from burning.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The apples should be tender but not mushy. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so check for doneness periodically.
Add Vanilla (Optional): Once the apples are cooked, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Serve the Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert warm. It’s delicious on its own, over ice cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert:
This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert is a winner for so many reasons! The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible combination of flavors and textures: tender, spiced apples bathed in a sweet and buttery sauce. Making this dessert at home is also a huge cost-saver compared to buying a similar dessert at a restaurant or bakery.
Apples are often inexpensive, especially during the fall harvest season, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. Finally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and customizable nature, you can add a dollop of ice cream, a sprinkle of granola, top it with a layer of cinnamon crumble, or even a swirl of caramel for an even more decadent treat!
If you’re a fan of apple desserts, you might also enjoy our Apple Crisp recipe. However, this Crockpot Cinnamon Apples recipe offers a completely different experience – the slow cooking method creates a unique tenderness and depth of flavor that you won’t find in an apple crisp.
Ready to enjoy a warm, comforting apple dessert without any fuss? Try this Crockpot Cinnamon Apples recipe today!
What to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert With:
This Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are a few suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced apples.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall sweetness.
- Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy granola adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon.
- Pound Cake or Shortbread: Cubes of pound cake or shortbread make a delicious accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Cinnamon Rolls: For a truly decadent treat, serve the apples warm over freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea perfectly complements the spiced flavors of the dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert:
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of apple varieties, such as Granny Smith (for tartness) and Honeycrisp (for sweetness), will create a more complex flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked apples can become mushy. Start checking for doneness at the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Add Spices to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste. You can also add other spices, such as ginger or cloves.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Room temperature butter will melt more evenly and better incorporate into the apples and spices.
- Substitute Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar available you can substitute it with white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses.
- Don’t Add Too Much Liquid: The apples will release their own juices during cooking, so adding too much water will result in a watery dessert. Only add the suggested amount of water.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you are thickening up your cinnamon apples in the crockpot, make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid clumping.
5 Facts about Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert:
Origins & Popular Variations: Cinnamon apples or fried apples have been around for centuries, with regional variations found across the United States. Some versions may include raisins, nuts, or other fruits. While the exact roots are unknown, versions of this dish are believed to be variations of recipes from European settlers.
Versatile for Any Event: Crockpot cinnamon apples are versatile enough to be served at breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a side dish.
Can be Healthy: Apples are high in fiber, so in moderation, Crockpot Cinnamon Apples can be part of a healthy diet!
Great for Meal Prep: You can easily make a large batch of Crockpot Cinnamon Apples and enjoy it throughout the week.
Crockpot Advantage: Using a crockpot for cinnamon apples is convenient because it allows for hands-off cooking and prevents the apples from scorching.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled dessert in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Crockpot Cinnamon Apples, you can use several methods:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Crockpot: For larger quantities, reheat in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts:
Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert – a recipe that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a taste of fall, looking for an easy dessert to share, or simply want a comforting treat on a cold day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and prepare to enjoy a symphony of sweet and spiced goodness!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Dessert FAQs:
- Can I use different types of apples? Yes! A mix of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala works well. Using a variety will give a depth of flavor.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to your liking, keeping in mind that apples vary in sweetness.
- Can I add other spices? Certainly! Ginger, cloves, and allspice are great additions.
- Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, but the apples will cook more quickly. Simmer them in a pot over low heat with the same ingredients until tender.
- Can I add nuts? Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.