Crockpot Apple Crisp (Slow Cooker)

Crockpot apple crisp with tender apples and a crunchy oat topping that stays crisp. My simple paper towel trick makes all the difference.

Crockpot Apple Crisp Recipe

Crockpot apple crisp has become one of my favorite ways to do dessert when I don’t want to bother with pie. All the flavors are there: tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping, but the slow cooker takes care of the work.

The real challenge is keeping that topping from turning soft in a crockpot, and that’s where my paper towel trick comes in. It keeps condensation from dripping back onto the crisp, so the topping actually bakes up golden and crunchy, just like it should.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s the kind of dessert that frees up oven space, which is a lifesaver during holidays or family dinners.
• The slow cooker makes it nearly impossible to overbake the apples. They stay soft without turning to mush.
• Leftovers are good the next day, especially warmed up with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

Recipe Tips

Storage and Freezing

Here’s how I handle leftovers so the topping doesn’t lose its crunch.

• Fridge: I let the apple crisp cool all the way, then slide it into a container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about three days, but the sooner you eat it the better that topping tastes.
• Freezer: This crockpot apple crisp freezes just fine. Once it’s cooled, I scoop it into a freezer-safe container and forget about it for up to three months.
• Reheat: When I’m ready for more, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven. A little oven time brings the topping back to life and makes it taste freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this crockpot apple crisp with apple pie filling?
  Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples. Since it’s already sweetened and thickened, I’d cut back a little on the sugar and flour. The topping will still bake up crisp when you use the paper towel trick. For the full shortcut version, I also have an Easy Apple Crisp with Apple Pie Filling that skips the prep.
• What if I only have 3 ingredients?
  You can do a shortcut version with apple pie filling, a box of cake mix, and butter. It’s not the same as this homemade crockpot apple crisp recipe, but it does the job when you want something quick from the slow cooker.
• Can I double this recipe?
  If you have a bigger crockpot, yes. Just make sure the topping still covers the apples in an even layer, otherwise it won’t crisp up the same way.
• How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
  That’s where the paper towel trick saves the day. Lay thick paper towels under the lid so they soak up condensation instead of dripping back onto the topping. I use Bounty because the thin half-sheets don’t cut it here.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  It’s best served the same day, but you can reheat it. Store leftovers in the fridge and warm them in the oven before serving so the topping crisps up again.
• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
  I wouldn’t. Quick oats don’t give the topping that crunchy texture, and you’ll miss out on what makes an apple crisp an actual crisp.

More Apple Desserts to Enjoy 

If you’re still in the mood for apples, here are a few more desserts I love making.

• Amish Apple Fritter Bread – swirled with apples and cinnamon sugar.
• Upside Down Apple Pie – the gooey filling and flaky crust bake in reverse.
• Butterscotch Apple Cake – tender apple cake with a sweet butterscotch flavor.
• German Apple Cake – simple, rustic, and full of apple slices.
• Butterscotch Apple Crisp – a crisp with a butterscotch twist.

This crockpot apple crisp proves you don’t need the oven to get a dessert that feels homemade. The apples turn out tender, the topping stays crunchy, and it’s a recipe I make on repeat once apple season hits. Serve it right from the slow cooker or add a scoop of ice cream on top, either way it’s ready to make the table happy.

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Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Crockpot Apple Crisp (Slow Cooker Apple Crisp)

Slow cooker apple crisp with tender apples and a crumbly oat topping that stays crunchy thanks to a simple paper towel trick.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time3 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple crisp in crock pot, apple crisp recipe, apple dessert recipe, Crockpot Apple Crisp, crockpot dessert, easy apple crisp recipe, slow cooker apple crisp

Servings: 8

Calories: 343kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons To keep the sugar, flour, and oats in the right proportions.
• mixing bowls One for the apple filling and another for the crisp topping.
• Knife To slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same pace.
• Crockpot (6-quart / about 5.7 liters) – the perfect size for this apple crisp recipe. Anything smaller may overflow once the apples cook down.
• wooden spoon For stirring the apple mixture and serving at the end.

Ingredients

• cooking spray

Filling:

• 5 medium (~ 900 g) Granny Smith apples cored, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Topping:

• ½ cup (50 g) old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar packed
• ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter cut into 8 slices
• 1 tsp ( 3 g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp (1 g) kosher salt

Garnish:

• vanilla ice cream

Instructions

• Spray the bottom of the crockpot with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.
  cooking spray
• In a medium bowl, toss together the apple filling ingredients and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
  5 medium (~ 900 g) Granny Smith apples, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon, 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• In another bowl, mix the topping ingredients, using a fork or your hands to mash the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  ½ cup (50 g) old-fashioned oats, ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar , ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, 1 tsp ( 3 g) ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp (1 g) kosher salt
• Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple filling in the crockpot.
• Lay a generous sheet of paper towels across the crockpot (2 full-size sheets or 3 half-sheets, keeping them connected), ensuring full coverage without sagging onto the crisp. Place the lid on and set the crockpot to HIGH for 1 1/2 hours or LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours for perfect apple crisp.*
• Uncover, discard the paper towels, and cook for 1 more hour. Turn off the heat or set to warm, and let the crisp cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
• Serve on its own or with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
  vanilla ice cream

Notes

• You can mix in a few pears with the apples as long as they’re still firm. Overripe ones will break down too much in the slow cooker.
• This recipe was tested in a 6-quart (5.7 L) crockpot. If you use a smaller one, watch for bubbling at the edges.
• The paper towel trick works best with thicker towels like Bounty. Thinner or half-sheets won’t absorb enough condensation.
• For a shortcut, canned apple pie filling works, but you’ll want to reduce the sugar in the recipe since the filling is already sweetened.

 

For optimal outcomes when making this Crockpot Apple Crisp, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

 

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

 

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Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Crockpot Apple Crisp (Slow Cooker Apple Crisp)

Amount Per Serving (190 g)

Calories 343 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 50mg2%

Potassium 190mg5%

Carbohydrates 59g20%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 42g47%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 450IU9%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 30mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this Crockpot Apple Crisp? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

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