This dish is a real conversation starter! A true keeper!
Slow Cooker Baked Apples are the epitome of fall comfort food, ideal for those snug evenings when the air turns cool and the leaves begin to tumble. The scent of warm spices and baked fruit brings a comforting ambiance, evoking a sense of nostalgia and homeliness.
This dish has its roots in traditional apple recipes found across various cultures, where slow-baked apples resulted in a deeply flavored dessert that marked the transition of seasons. With the modern convenience of a slow cooker, you can relish this age-old delicacy with minimal effort, allowing the appliance to craft a delectable, wholesome dessert or snack.
Serving Slow Cooker Baked Apples is a sheer joy, given their incredible versatility. They can be a standalone dessert, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the tender, cinnamon-spiced apple. For a breakfast variation, you can spoon them over yogurt or oatmeal.
Alternatively, pair them with savory dishes like roast pork or chicken for a sweet contrast. You can even drizzle them with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
No matter how you serve them, these apples are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup apple cider, apple juice, or water
Instructions
- Core each apple to create a well in the center, ensuring no puncture through the bottom. Remove the seeds and create enough space to stuff the apples with the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you’re using dried cranberries or raisins and nuts, add them to the mixture.
- Gently pack each apple with the sugar and spice mixture, placing a small piece of butter on top of the filling in each apple.
- Arrange the apples in the slow cooker, and carefully pour the apple cider, juice, or water into the bottom of the pot, avoiding pouring it over the stuffed apples.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the apples are soft and tender, but not falling apart.
- Enjoy this autumnal delight! It’s a dessert, it’s a snack, it’s a little bit of everything good!