Description

Tender, buttery apples slow-cooked with cinnamon and sugar for a comforting, easy fall dessert. Perfect for busy families, holiday gatherings, or a nostalgic treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

6 large apples (about 2 1/2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced into thick wedges
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Peel, core, and slice apples into thick wedges (about 1/2 inch thick). Toss with lemon juice in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Layer half the apples in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with half the sugar-spice mixture. Add remaining apples and top with the rest of the sugar-spice mix.
Dot butter pieces evenly over the apples.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until apples are tender but hold their shape. Stir halfway through if desired.
If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into apples during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Right before serving, stir in vanilla extract if using. Mix gently.
Serve warm in bowls, over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or ice cream. Drizzle with sauce.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. For vegan or dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Add berries, nuts, or a splash of bourbon for variations. Sauce thickens as it cools; stir gently to avoid breaking up apples. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 100
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 34
Fiber: 4
Protein: 1

Keywords: slow cooker apples, fried apples, fall dessert, comfort food, crockpot apples, easy apple dessert, gluten-free, dairy-free option, cinnamon apples, autumn recipe