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Meet The Scandalously Easy Apple Crisp That’s Making Traditional Bakers Nervous!

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A bowl with a warm serving of slow-cooked apple crisp on a wooden countertop. A scoop of melting vanilla ice cream is on top, drizzled with caramel sauce. A spoon rests beside the bowl.

American, Desserts

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of apple crisp filling the kitchen, and with this Crockpot Apple Crisp, you can enjoy that cozy, homemade flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe takes the classic buttery, nutty crisp topping and pairs it with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of effortless dessert that makes any day feel a little more special!

The topping is a delicious blend of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts, creating a crumbly, golden crust over the bubbling, sweet apples.

The apple filling, infused with warm spices and a touch of lemon juice, softens beautifully in the crockpot, creating a jammy, caramelized texture that’s pure comfort in every bite.

The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, making this a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why I Love This Recipe?

A bowl with a warm serving of slow-cooked apple crisp on a wooden countertop. A scoop of melting vanilla ice cream is on top, drizzled with caramel sauce. A spoon rests beside the bowl.

  • Slow cooker magic—no need to babysit the oven!
  • Perfectly spiced apples—warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring out the best flavors.
  • Crispy, buttery topping—sweet, nutty, and golden brown.
  • Great for gatherings—easy to make and serves a crowd.
  • Customizable—switch up the nuts or add oats for extra crunch!
A bowl with a warm serving of slow-cooked apple crisp on a wooden countertop. A scoop of melting vanilla ice cream is on top, drizzled with caramel sauce. A spoon rests beside the bowl.

Crockpot Apple Crisp Recipe

This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is the perfect cozy dessert—sweet cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery walnut crumble. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 444 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (for cooking the apples)
  • Mixing Bowls (for the topping and filling)
  • Fork or Pastry Cutter (for mixing butter into the topping)

Ingredients
  

Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ½ cup cold butter cut into pieces
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Apple Filling:

  • cup white sugar or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 cups apples – peeled cored and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

Make the Topping:

  • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
    A mixing bowl on a wooden countertop, filled with flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. A whisk is in the bowl, evenly blending the ingredients for the topping.
  • Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in walnuts.
    Cold butter pieces being cut into the flour mixture in a mixing bowl on a wooden countertop. A pastry cutter presses into the mixture, creating coarse crumbs. Chopped walnuts are sprinkled on top, ready to be mixed in

Make the Apple Filling:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and cinnamon.
    A small bowl with white sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and cinnamon on a wooden countertop. A spoon is stirring the dry ingredients, evenly combining them for the apple filling.
  • Place chopped apples in a slow cooker. Sprinkle with cornstarch mixture and lemon juice, tossing to coat.
    Freshly peeled, cored, and chopped apples in a slow cooker on a wooden countertop. A hand is sprinkling the cornstarch mixture over the apples, ensuring they are evenly coated. Lemon juice is drizzled over the top.

Cook & Cool:

  • Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
    The slow cooker on a wooden countertop, now with the crumbly walnut topping sprinkled evenly over the apples. The crisp is ready to cook.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours until apples are tender.
    The slow cooker partially uncovered, revealing golden-brown apple crisp with a crunchy topping. Steam is rising, and the apples underneath are soft and caramelized.
  • Turn off the slow cooker, partially uncover, and let sit for 1 hour so the topping hardens.
    A bowl with a warm serving of slow-cooked apple crisp on a wooden countertop. A scoop of melting vanilla ice cream is on top, drizzled with caramel sauce. A spoon rests beside the bowl.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories444kcal
Carbohydrates63g
Cholesterol 31mg
Fat22g
Protein4g
Calcium41g

Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp!

  1. Choose the Right Apples – Use a mix of firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor balance. Soft apples may turn mushy during slow cooking.
  2. Cut Uniform Pieces – Chop apples into evenly sized pieces (about ½ inch) to ensure they cook evenly and hold their shape.
  3. Prevent Sogginess – Tossing the apples with cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevent excess liquid from making the crisp too wet.
  4. Cold Butter is Key – When making the topping, use very cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until pea-sized crumbs form. This ensures a crispy, crumbly topping.
  5. Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting the apple crisp sit uncovered after cooking helps the topping firm up and develop a crunchier texture. Skipping this step can lead to a soggy topping.
  6. Add a Flavor Boost – Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom to the apple mixture for extra depth of flavor.
  7. Toast the Nuts – Lightly toasting the walnuts before mixing them into the topping enhances their nutty flavor and adds more crunch.
  8. Crisp It Up Even More – If you prefer an extra crispy topping, transfer the finished crisp to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve it Right – Pair your apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

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