There’s something so comforting about a bowl of slow cooker fried apples , especially as the weather starts to cool down. This simple recipe transforms fresh honey crisp apples into a warm and inviting dish that the whole family will love. Perfect as a side or a dessert, these apples cook slowly and fill your home with an amazing aroma that says fall is truly here. Want more seasonal slow cooker ideas? Check out our slow cooker chicken stew recipe .
Why you’ll love this recipe
These slow cooker fried apples are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. What I love most is how the flavors meld together, creating a delicious blend of sweetness and spice that even my picky eaters can’t resist. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those apples sitting on the counter. Just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, leaving you with soft, caramelized apples that are absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 6 medium honey crisp apples
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup butter
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice the apples into approximately ¼” pieces.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, cornstarch, and cubed butter on top of the apples and stir until the apples are evenly coated .
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Once tender, turn the slow cooker to WARM and serve the slow cooker “fried” apples as either a side dish or a dessert.
Recipe tips & variations
To change things up, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples if honey crisp isn’t available—just note that softer varieties might cook a bit differently. Serve your slow cooker fried apples over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an extra special treat.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a minute or two, until heated through. If you have a little extra time, reheat in a saucepan on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to maintain that caramelized texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While honey crisp apples are my favorite for this recipe because of their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor, feel free to use granny smith or gala apples as substitutes.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples helps them soften properly during cooking. If you prefer the texture and appearance of unpeeled apples, you can leave the skins on, but the final dish will be different.
Can I cook these on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes, you can cook them on LOW for about 4-6 hours. Just keep an eye on them and stir occasionally for even cooking.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more cozy slow cooker recipes? Try our slow cooker chicken stew recipe , perfect for a hearty dinner. You might also enjoy our slow cooker green beans, bacon, and potatoes for a balanced side. For something sweet, our slow cooker caramelized onions is an absolute must-try.
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Slow Cooker Fried Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 2-3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting slow cooker recipe that transforms fresh honey crisp apples into a warm dessert or side dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 6 medium honey crisp apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice the apples into approximately ¼" pieces.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, cornstarch, and cubed butter on top of the apples and stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Once tender, turn the slow cooker to WARM and serve the slow cooker “fried” apples as either a side dish or a dessert.
Notes
- Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar.
- Serve over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a special treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg