Crockpot Apple Crisp slowly cooks and simmers spices with tender apples and a crisp oat crumble on top. This completely effortless dessert is one of the best fall comfort foods.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I’ve been dying for fall to roll around, mainly because I’ve been craving all the pumpkin and apple desserts. Something is just so cozy about them.
This year, in particular, I’ve been craving some apple desserts. I knew I wanted something wholesome and sweet that I could have for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Then I remembered this flavorful apple crisp.
I can confirm that it is delicious and highly addicting.
Naturally sweet apples are simmered in honey and spices with a crunchy, hearty oat crumble topping. The tender apples complement the crisp oats. The sweet flavors and spice of cinnamon combine effortlessly for the perfect slow-cooked fall dessert.
It’s delicious on its own, but if you’re wanting something more decadent a drizzle of caramel and dollop of whipped cream is delightful. In early fall, it’s never too late for a scoop of ice cream over this warm, comforting dessert.
Let’s dig right into this cozy, nostalgic classic that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves: Crockpot Apple Crisp.
Which apples work best for this recipe?
I’m not one to boss you around too much about the apples you use in this recipe. Technically speaking, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Jonathan apples are recommended in desserts like this. However, I don’t always do things by the book and find that practically any apple can work in this recipe. Use what’s available to you.
Do I have to make them with the oat topping?
No, you can leave the oat topping off if you’re looking for a lighter dish with less crunch. This is still heavenly with just the sweet, tender apples and cinnamon.
Crockpot Apple Crisp
Tools | Crockpot Apple Crisp
Small mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Large serving spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Citrus juicer, optional
Pastry blender, optional
Ingredients | Crockpot Apple Crisp
Apples – I recommend using Granny Smith or Gala apples for this recipe, but really any apple will work. This recipe is very forgiving.
Lemon juice – Citrus juice helps the apples tenderly cook and enhances the apple flavor of the dish.
Honey – Honey is a lower sugar option that gives a sweet flavor to the apples.
Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon works well by adding a spice to the dish and giving it the fall flavor we all know and love.
Ginger – Ginger adds the tiniest zing of flavor to the dish and rounds it all out.
Oats – This tasty, crunchy whole grain adds texture and interest to the apples. I recommend using old-fashioned oats.
Sugar – Real sugar is used with the oat topping to give it a sweet bite.
Butter – Real butter adds rich flavor to the crunchy topping.
Salt – I use sea salt in nearly all my recipes, but standard table salt is fine.
Steps | Crockpot Apple Crisp
Start by peeling and coring the apples. Then slice the apples into ½-inch slices. Pour into the crock pot.
Combine the lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and honey into the apples and stir.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and butter together.
Use your hands or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Pour on top of the apple mixture.
Turn the crockpot on a low setting for about 3 hours, or until apples are tender and oat topping is slightly crisp. Serve warm.
Tips for Success | Crockpot Apple Crisp
For more spice, add cloves and cardamom for a deeper flavor. Use about ⅛ tsp cloves and ¼ tsp cardamom when using these ingredients. A little goes a long way.
For a slight creaminess added on top, pour 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream over each serving of apple crisp. This will add a light but rich flavor that complements the taste and warmth of it.
For a quicker dessert, follow all instructions but put the crock pot on high for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oat topping is slightly crisp. Check at one hour mark, and often after this, to prevent overcooking.
More Fall Desserts
5 Tips for a Perfect Pie Crust
Classic, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Refined Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Crockpot Apple Crisp
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- rubber spatula or large mixing spoon
- crockpot
- large serving spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
- vegetable peeler
- citrus juicer optional
- pastry blender optional
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6 apples
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/2 cup honey
Oat Crisp Topping
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by peeling and coring the apples. Then slice the apples into ½-inch slices. Pour into the crock pot.
- Combine the lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and honey into the apples and stir.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and butter together.
- Use your hands or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Pour on top of the apple mixture.
- Turn the crockpot on a low setting for about 3 hours, or until apples are tender and oat topping is slightly crisp. Serve warm.
