If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, the Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe is just what you need. This simple yet delightful dish features tender apples slowly simmered in cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar, creating a warm, luscious dessert or a versatile topping for breakfast favorites. Whether served over pancakes, stirred into oatmeal, or savored on its own, this recipe brings comfort and seasonal charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in building the vibrant taste, comforting texture, and beautiful color of the dish. By using whole spices and fresh vanilla, you get a naturally rich and balanced flavor without any fuss.
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, buttery coating that enhances the warmth of the spices.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness that melds beautifully with the apples.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The essential spice giving this recipe its signature warm, cozy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces subtle floral notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the apple’s natural flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by peeling and slicing the apples into even pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly and achieve that wonderfully tender texture you’re aiming for. Using fresh apples is key to getting a bright, natural flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This simple mixture is what will seep into the apples and create that irresistible coating packed with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Place the sliced apples into the crock pot, then pour the cinnamon butter mixture over them. Gently toss the apples to ensure every slice is lovingly coated. This step is where all the magic starts to happen.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and cook the apples for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for about 2 hours, until they become tender and infused with the warm spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the apples to melt into a soft, sumptuous treat.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples warm. The inviting aroma and melting texture make it a comforting dish you’ll want to revisit over and over.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a delightful nutty contrast to the soft apples. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully and adds a creamy element that complements the spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside a cozy bowl of oatmeal or can be spooned over pancakes or waffles to elevate your breakfast to something truly special. For a light dessert, serve it with Greek yogurt or even alongside a slice of warm pound cake to soak up all that cinnamon syrup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, stuff these cinnamon apples into baked apples or serve as a topping for French toast casseroles. You can also swirl them into plain yogurt or use them as a warm filling for crepes—there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more over time, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep these apples longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled apples in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To warm up your leftover Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples, gently microwave them or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Adding a small splash of water or apple juice can help restore moisture and keep them from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can use any apples you have on hand, tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-tart ones like Honeycrisp work best to balance the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors without becoming too mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option. This will slightly change the flavor but still maintain a lovely texture and richness.
How do I prevent the apples from turning mushy?
Cooking time is key—keep an eye on the apples and don’t overcook. The cook times suggested here yield tender, but still slightly intact apples, perfect for enjoying warm spoonfuls of that cinnamon goodness.
Can I add other spices to the Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to add more depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Just ensure you don’t overpower the cinnamon.
What are some ways to use leftovers?
Leftover cinnamon apples can brighten up oatmeal, act as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or even be stirred into muffin or pancake batter for a tasty twist. Their versatility is one of their best qualities!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe that makes it a favorite for any season. Its simplicity, combined with the warm spices and tender fruit, makes a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and discover just how effortlessly this humble dish can become a cherished part of your kitchen repertoire.
Print
Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Warm and tender apples slow-cooked with cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar — perfect as a comforting dessert, a delicious topping for pancakes or oatmeal, or a flavorful breakfast addition.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice 6 apples, then place them evenly in the crock pot.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Coat the apples: Pour the mixture over the sliced apples and gently toss to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon-butter sauce.
- Cook the apples: Cover and cook on low setting for 3 to 4 hours or on high setting for about 2 hours, until the apples are tender and infused with the cinnamon flavor.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, serve the cinnamon apples warm. They’re perfect on their own or as a topping for ice cream, oatmeal, or pancakes.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve warm with ice cream for a delicious dessert or atop oatmeal and pancakes for a cozy breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
