This simple recipe for Crockpot Apple Crisp comes with a game-changing tip, guaranteeing a crisp topping with an irresistibly crunchy and delicately browned result. This is the fall dessert you’re going to make again and again.
As the warmer days of summer have faded away, it’s time to fully focus and shift to all things, fall baking! At the forefront of my seasonal, must-cook list is always apple crisp—the laid-back companion to apple pie. Thanks to the crockpot, I’m turning this autumn classic into an even simpler version of this classic treat.
Related: Apple Crisp with Apple Pie Filling
Unveiling the Mystery Behind a Crispy Crockpot Topping
One of the issues with making apple crisp in the crockpot is that it lacks the appropriate environment for the crisp topping to achieve the crunchiness we are all wanting and expecting.
What I have discovered is by draping paper towels across the crockpot, before placing the lid on top, it prevents the condensation that forms on the lid to drip down and make the topping soggy. It’s such an easy fix and the result is lightly browned, crunchy apple crisp you’ll be proud to serve.
Making apple crisp in the crockpot (slow cooker) is an entertainers dream. Dessert is made while you go about enjoying your guests and working on other parts of the meal.
Related: Cream Cheese Apple Crisp
Ingredients
The full recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Apple Filling
- Granny Smith Apples: The main ingredient, with its tart flavor and perfect texture for this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling, while balancing the tartness of the Granny Smith apples.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, binding the juices released by the apples during.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright and citrusy note, while cutting the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Introduces a subtle and fragrant sweetness.
Crisp Topping
- Rolled Oats: Adds the hearty and chewy texture to the crisp topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold together the surface topping and contributes to the crumbly texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle hint of molasses flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: The key to richness and crispiness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm and aromatic spice.
- Kosher Salt: Flavor Boost
Healthy Substitutions and/or Additions
Consider these healthy swaps for the apple filling:
Sugar Alternatives: Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar. Adjust quantities based on sweetness preference.
Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Pears: Substitute half of the apples with pears for added and diverse nutrients. Do not use pears that are overripe or mushy.
Crisp topping healthy swap ideas:
Whole Wheat Flour or Almond Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a boost in fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Coconut Oil: Swap out unsalted butter for coconut oil to reduce saturated fat content while maintaining a rich flavor.
Spice Blends: Use a mix of spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom along with or instead of cinnamon to diversify the flavor profile.
Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseed or chia seeds) for extra crunch, healthy fats, and nutrients.
Honey or Maple Flavored Yogurt: Instead of serving with ice cream, have honey or maple-flavored Greek yogurt available for a topping.
How To Make Crockpot Apple Crisp
- Prepare your crockpot with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine ingredients for the apple filling and place them in the slow cooker.
- Make crisp topping and spread evenly over the apple filling mixture.
- Drape paper towels over the slow cooker before placing the lid on top.
- Cook according to directions in the recipe card below.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Tips
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days in a covered, airtight container.
- Any tart apple works well for this recipe, however, if you choose to use a sweeter apple, consider adding extra lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
- Ensure that the apple slices are uniform in size to promote even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Implement the paper towel trick mentioned earlier to prevent condensation from making the topping soggy. Make sure paper towels are high quality (thick and absorbent).
- Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes after cooking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.
Topping Bar
If you want to be “extra”, incorporate a topping bar next to the crockpot so guests can personalize their apple crisp serving.
- Whipped Topping: Vanilla and cinnamon come to mind.
- Ice Cream Variety: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Snickerdoodle Ice Cream or Almond Butter Crunch Ice Cream would all be amazing.
- Homemade Syrups: Chai Syrup or Guinness Sundae Syrup would make a fun topping twist.
- Boozy Boost: A small selection of liqueurs like bourbon or spiced rum for adults to drizzle over their portions.
- Cookie Crumbles: Gingersnaps, shortbread or oatmeal cookies.
- Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans, sliced almonds or candied walnuts.
- Healthy Options: Greek yogurt, granola clusters, fresh berries.
More Apple Desserts to Enjoy
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Butterscotch Apple Crisp
- Baked Apples
- Apple Cinnamon Granola
- Puff Pastry Apple Tarts
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Crockpot Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Crisp Filling Ingredients:
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Crisp Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into 8 slices
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Garnish:
- vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.cooking spray
Apple Crisp Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss together all apple filling ingredients and place them into the bottom of your crockpot.5 medium Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and sliced, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Crisp Topping:
- In another bowl, mix together all topping ingredients, using a fork to mash the butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly (you can also use your hands).1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly across the top of the apple filling in the crockpot.
- Lay a generous sheet of paper towels across the crockpot (2 full size sheets or 3 half sheets -leave them connected to each other), ensuring full coverage without sagging down and touching the crisp. Place the lid on top and set crockpot to HIGH for 1 1/2 hours or LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours to achieve apple crisp perfection.*
- Uncover and discard the paper towels and continue to cook for 1 more hour. Turn off heat or keep on warm and let the crisp cool down about 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve as is or with scoops of vanilla ice cream.vanilla ice cream
Notes
Nutrition
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