Side Dish

Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Name: Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 lemon Zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 tart Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup golden brown sugar; 3 tablespoons cornflour; A pinch of fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Crystal Ivers January 7, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the delectable world of crockpot cinnamon apples, let’s talk about what can elevate this dish. The comforting, sweet, and spiced nature of these apples makes them incredibly versatile.

Imagine warming up a scoop of these apples next to a slice of vanilla ice cream. The heat from the apples combined with the creamy coldness of the ice cream is simply divine. You can also serve them alongside pancakes or waffles for brunch.

Top them on yogurt with granola for a healthy breakfast or snack. You could even layer them in a parfait with layers of cake and whipped cream for a delightful dessert fancy enough for guests.

What Are Crockpot Cinnamon Apples?

Crockpot cinnamon apples are slices of fresh apples that are cooked slowly with warm spices and sweeteners in a crockpot, resulting in a soft, aromatic dish that can be served warm or cold.

They are often enjoyed as a dessert, but they can also complement various savory dishes or stand alone as a comforting snack. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, sweet glaze that coats each slice of apple.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works incredibly well for a few reasons. First, slow cookers have the magical ability to extract flavors without the risk of burning. The gentle heat allows the apples to soften beautifully without turning to mush.

Second, the combination of spices, sugars, and fruits creates a harmonious balance. Science shows that when you cook fruits, like apples, at low temperatures, they release their natural sugars, making them taste sweeter and more concentrated.

Moreover, this recipe is flexible. You can personalize it with your choice of spices or sweeteners. Whether you want to keep it classic with just cinnamon or jazz it up with some nutmeg or lemon zest, it’s all good! Lastly, it’s almost like a ‘set it and forget it’ dish.

You can start it in the morning and let it simmer away while you go about your day. What’s not to love?

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of preparation, let’s gather our tools and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tart Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup golden brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornflour
A pinch of fine sea salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Making crockpot cinnamon apples is simple and straightforward. Here’s a sneak peek:

In essence, you peel and slice the apples, mix them with flavorful ingredients, pop them into the crockpot, and let them work their magic for a few hours. That’s it! Let’s dig deeper into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First things first, grab your six Granny Smith apples. You’ll want to take a peeler and remove the skin. Trust me, the time spent peeling is worth it.

After they’re all bare, slice them into thin wedges. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick slices. This thickness allows them to cook evenly and ensures they don’t turn to mush.

Step 2: Mix Your Spices

In a separate bowl, combine your ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. This fragrant mixture is where the magic begins. Give it a quick stir, allowing the spices to intermingle.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In your crockpot, layer the sliced apples. Next, sprinkle over the spice mixture, followed by both the white and brown sugar.

Sprinkle the cornflour evenly across the top. Finally, drizzle with the vanilla extract and place the butter on top in small dollops.

Step 4: Mix It Up

Gently toss everything together in the crockpot until the apples are well coated with sugar and spices. It’s like giving your apples a sweet little hug.

Step 5: Set It and Forget It

Cover the crockpot with its lid and turn it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process is where the flavors blend and the apples tenderize. You’ll know they’re ready when they are soft and fork-tender.

Step 6: Enjoy!

When the apples are done, take a moment to admire your creation. Serve them warm, in a bowl, topped with ice cream, yogurt, or even straight out of the crockpot with a fork. They’re delicious any way you decide to enjoy them!

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you achieve the best results:

Choose tart apples. Granny Smith is excellent, but you can also mix in Honeycrisp or Jonagold for different flavor profiles.
Don’t skip the lemon zest. It brightens the flavor significantly, cutting through the sweetness.
Adjust the sweetness. Taste the mixture before cooking. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar.
For a twist, consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add a nice texture and flavor.
Serve immediately. These apples get deliciously soft as they stand but can lose their warmth. If you have leftovers, just reheat them slightly to return that cozy vibe.

How to Store Leftovers

If by chance you find yourself with leftover crockpot cinnamon apples, don’t fret! Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for about 3-5 days.

You can also freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just note that freezing can change the texture slightly upon thawing, but they’ll still be tasty!

How Would I Recommend Serving Crockpot Cinnamon Apples?

Here are a few delicious suggestions:

Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast between warm apples and cold ice cream is sublime. It’s like a bear hug in dessert form, perfect for cozy nights.
Over Pancakes or Waffles: Imagine flipping your fluffy pancakes or waffles, and pouring these luscious apples over the top. It transforms breakfast into a sweet celebration.
On Top of Greek Yogurt: A healthy but indulgent breakfast option. The tartness of Greek yogurt balances beautifully with the sweet apples, and it adds protein to boot!
As a Side with Pork Chops: Sweet apples pair wonderfully with savory meat. Serve them alongside a simple grilled or roasted pork chop for a well-rounded meal experience.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

Not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand. Here are a few alternatives:

Apple Variety: If Granny Smith apples aren’t available, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Sweetener Options: You can substitute the white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, which will give a different depth of flavor.
Cornflour Substitute: If you are in need of a thickener but don’t have cornflour, try using arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as effective alternatives.
Butter Replacement: For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut oil or use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.

Conclusion

Crockpot cinnamon apples are more than just a dish; they symbolize comfort and warmth. With minimal effort, you can create a delightful dessert or side that pleases any crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a must-have. The versatility is endless, and it’s a great way to use up apples in your kitchen.

So gather your ingredients and let your crockpot do the work. Trust me, the enticing aroma and taste will keep you coming back for more.

You might even end up with a cherished family tradition. Enjoy your apple adventure!

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Print Recipe

Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Author: Crystal Ivers Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 281 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, the humble apple. Often underrated, this miraculous fruit transforms into something out of a fairytale when it meets cinnamon and a slow cooker. I remember the first time I ventured into the land of crockpot cinnamon apples.

It was one of those chilly fall evenings. The kind where you want to snuggle into a cozy blanket, sip hot cocoa, and smell something delicious wafting from the kitchen. I had a basket of apples begging to be used. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked.

The sweet, spiced aroma filled my home and my heart. This recipe helped me discover the joy of effortless cooking and the magic that happens when you combine simple ingredients with the right method.

For anyone looking for a warm dessert or side dish as the days grow cooler, this dish is a game changer.

With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can achieve something so delightful that your kitchen will feel like a cozy café. Trust me, this is something you’ll want to have in your recipe arsenal.