Crockpot Cinnamon Apples: 6 Amazing Taste Secrets

Crockpot Cinnamon Apples have this magical ability to transport me straight back to crisp autumn days and cozy evenings. I still remember the first time I made them; the sweet, warm scent of cinnamon and baked apples filled my entire house, instantly making it feel like home. This simple slow cooker cinnamon apples recipe is so incredibly easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s the perfect way to capture that nostalgic fall feeling, and honestly, these easy crockpot cinnamon apples are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

These apples are a dream come true! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Amazing Taste: The blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon is pure comfort in a bowl.
• Super Quick Prep: You’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping these apples, making them perfect for busy days.
• Healthier Treat: Packed with fruit and warm spices, these apples are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Budget-Friendly: Apples are often affordable, especially in season, making this a great value dessert.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters adore the sweet, tender texture these cinnamon apples in crock pot create.
• Effortless Cooking: Your slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with a delightful aroma.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a standalone treat or as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
• Simple to Make: Anyone can master these cinnamon apples in crock pot; it’s truly one of the easiest recipes out there.

Ingredients for Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful slow cooker spiced apples is a breeze! You’ll need:

• 6–8 medium apples (about 2½–3 lbs) – I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor. Make sure they are peeled, cored, and sliced into about ½-inch thick pieces.
• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar – This adds that lovely caramel-like sweetness and helps create a syrupy sauce.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star spice! It brings that signature warm, comforting flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – This is my secret for keeping the apples from browning too quickly and adds a touch of brightness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little goes a long way to enhance the sweetness and add depth to the flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – Dotting the apples with butter adds richness and helps create a beautiful glaze as it melts.
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or allspice – For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of these spices.

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Making these amazing crockpot cinnamon apples is so straightforward, it practically cooks itself! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Apples. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. I aim for slices that are about ½ inch thick – not too thin or they’ll get mushy, and not too thick or they won’t cook through. This initial prep is key to the success of this apple and cinnamon slow cooker recipe.
2. Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker. Place the prepared apple slices directly into your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and any optional spices like nutmeg or allspice you might be using. Drizzle the lemon juice and vanilla extract over the top. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the apples evenly. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
3. Step 3: Add the Butter. Scatter the small pieces of unsalted butter over the top of the apple mixture. As they cook, the butter will melt, adding a wonderful richness and helping to create that luscious, syrupy sauce that makes this slow cooker cinnamon apples recipe so irresistible.
4. Step 4: Cook to Perfection. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You have two options: cook on the low setting for 3–4 hours or on the high setting for 1½–2 hours. It’s a good idea to stir the apples once about halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. You’re looking for the apples to be tender when pierced with a fork, but still hold their shape. This apple and cinnamon slow cooker recipe is forgiving, but checking early prevents overcooking.
5. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! Once your crockpot cinnamon apples are tender and fragrant, they are ready to be enjoyed. They smell absolutely divine as they finish cooking! This apple and cinnamon slow cooker recipe is best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature or chilled.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these crockpot cinnamon apples absolutely perfect every single time. You’ve got this!

• Apple Variety Matters: For the ultimate flavor, I always use a mix of sweet apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) and tart apples (like Granny Smith). This balance creates the most delicious slow cooker spiced apples.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure your apples fit comfortably in a single layer as much as possible. If your slow cooker is too full, they won’t cook evenly, and you might end up with some mushy apples.
• Taste and Adjust: Cinnamon and sugar are subjective! Taste a cooked apple slice towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the cinnamon or brown sugar if needed.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker, more syrupy sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker cinnamon apples?

The biggest secret to achieving the best crock pot cinnamon apples is using a combination of apple varieties for balanced flavor and not overcooking them. Tender, not mushy, is the goal! For more information on selecting the best produce, check out tips for a successful harvest.

Can I make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the apples and mix them with the spices and sugar ahead of time. Store them in the slow cooker insert, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You might need to add a little extra cooking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Cinnamon Apples?

The most common mistake is ending up with mushy apples. To avoid this, slice your apples evenly and check them for tenderness about 30 minutes before the minimum cook time. Also, don’t overfill your slow cooker!

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

These warm, tender apples are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic addition to so many meals. They’re absolutely divine served warm over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – talk about a simple yet decadent crockpot apple dessert! I also love spooning them over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a special weekend breakfast. They’re also a wonderful topping for plain or Greek yogurt, adding a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. Don’t forget to try them alongside pork chops for a savory-sweet side dish that screams autumn!

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving for these delightful crockpot cinnamon apples, making them a wonderful choice for a healthier treat.

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 25-35g
• Sodium: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific types and amounts of apples and sugar used in your slow cooker spiced apples.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Once your delicious crockpot cinnamon apples have cooled slightly, storing them properly is key to enjoying them for days to come. I usually let them cool at room temperature for about an hour before transferring them to airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for easy grab-and-go crock pot apples for breakfast throughout the week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just make sure they are completely cooled and in freezer-safe bags or containers.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders – just a minute or two should do the trick. They are also quite lovely served cold or at room temperature!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

What are crock pot cinnamon apples?

Essentially, crock pot cinnamon apples are tender slices of fruit slow-cooked with warm spices like cinnamon, sugar, and often a touch of vanilla and butter. They create a comforting, fragrant dish that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, apple-centric treat.

How to make crock pot cinnamon apples?

To make crock pot cinnamon apples, you simply peel, core, and slice your apples. Then, you combine them in the slow cooker with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and dot with butter. You cook them on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until tender. It’s a very straightforward apple and cinnamon slow cooker recipe.

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are generally recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen apple slices in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen apples may release more liquid and could become mushier, so keep a close eye on them during cooking. You might need to reduce the cooking time slightly.

What kind of apples are best for slow cooker cinnamon apples?

A mix of apples works wonders for depth of flavor! I love using a combination of sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji along with a tart variety like Granny Smith. This balance prevents the dish from being too sweet or too bland. Using a variety ensures you get the best crock pot cinnamon apples.

Variations of Crockpot Cinnamon Apples You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to mix up your crockpot cinnamon apples! These variations add new flavors and cater to different needs, ensuring you always have a delicious apple dish.

• Sugar-Free Version: For a healthier twist, swap the brown sugar for your favorite sugar substitute, like erythritol or stevia. You might need to adjust the amount to your sweetness preference. This makes for a great sugar-free crockpot apple dessert.
• Cranberry Apple Medley: Add about ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries along with the apples. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and cinnamon, creating a lovely festive flavor. These are fantastic slow cooker spiced apples for holidays!
• Oatmeal Topping: Mix ½ cup of rolled oats with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples during the last hour of cooking for a delightful, crumbly topping that turns your apples into a cobbler-like treat.
• Instant Pot Method: No slow cooker? No problem! You can make these in an Instant Pot. Combine all ingredients in the pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural pressure release. This is a super-fast way to get delicious slow cooker spiced apples.

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