Slow Cooker Baked Apples
This effortless slow cooker baked apples recipe transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary dessert with warm, tender apples infused with cinnamon and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these crockpot apple desserts practically make themselves while filling your home with the irresistible aroma of autumn comfort.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Apple Corer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Baked Apples
- 6 medium apples Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best
- 3 tablespoons butter softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a less processed alternative
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries optional
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Using an apple corer or a sharp knife, remove the cores from the apples, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact to create a "bowl" for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through to prevent the filling from leaking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well incorporated, then fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit if using.
- Spoon the prepared filling generously into each hollowed apple, gently pressing it down and allowing it to mound slightly at the top. Arrange the stuffed apples in your slow cooker, positioning them so they stand upright.
- Mix the apple cider (or water) with lemon juice and pour it around the apples in the slow cooker. The liquid should reach about 1/4 inch up the sides of the apples.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. The apples are done when they're tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Serve warm with the cooking liquid spooned over the top, and optionally with ice cream or yogurt.
Notes
- Choose apples of similar size for even cooking.
- Firmer apple varieties maintain their structure better during slow cooking.
- For deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the filling mixture.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- These baked apples freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Firmer apple varieties maintain their structure better during slow cooking.
- For deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the filling mixture.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- These baked apples freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 50mgFiber: 5gSugar: 29g
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