Slow Cooker Fried Apples Recipe | Easy & Delicious Fall Dessert

When the weather gets colder, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow cooker fried apples filling your kitchen. This cozy treat combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to create a comforting dessert or side dish. Whether you’re serving it over a stack of pancakes, spooning it over your morning oatmeal, or enjoying it on its own with a scoop of ice cream, slow cooker fried apples are an easy-to-make, irresistible dish that will soon become a family favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe for slow cooker fried apples and explore why this dish is the perfect comfort food, how it can fit into various meals, and why using a slow cooker for this recipe makes it a time-saving choice for busy days.

We’ll also delve into the benefits of using fresh apples, the best varieties for this dish, and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. So, let’s get started with this warm, comforting, and mouthwatering treat.

The Perfect Apples for Your Slow Cooker Fried Apples

The foundation of any great fried apple recipe is, of course, the apples themselves. The right variety of apple can make all the difference in the final product. For this slow cooker fried apples recipe, we recommend apples that are both sweet and tart with a firm texture. Here are a few of the best options:

• Honeycrisp Apples: These apples are a favorite for many thanks to their balance of sweet and tart flavors. They hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for this slow cooker recipe.
• Granny Smith Apples: If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. Their firm texture ensures that they won’t turn into mush, even after hours in the slow cooker.
• Fuji Apples: Known for their sweetness, Fuji apples are another great option for this recipe. They break down a little more than Honeycrisp but still provide a lovely texture.
• Gala Apples: These apples are naturally sweet, which means you can use less sugar if you like a lighter touch. They cook down slightly faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming too soft.

By choosing the right apples, you’ll ensure that your slow cooker fried apples have just the right texture and flavor to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to make this delicious dish.

1. 6 large apples – We recommend using sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These apples provide the right texture and flavor balance for this dish.
2. ½ cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a deep, rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
3. 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – This helps balance the sweetness and makes sure the apples caramelize nicely.
4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A classic spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and adds warmth to the dish.
5. ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Nutmeg provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the fried apples.
6. ¼ teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the apples and spices.
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla adds a comforting and fragrant touch to the dish.
8. 2 tablespoons butter – The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the apples.
9. 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – For those who like a thicker sauce, cornstarch helps create the perfect consistency.
10. 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch) – This is used to dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to the apples to ensure a smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Here’s how you can make slow cooker fried apples in just a few simple steps.

1. Prepare the Apples – Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they absorb all the delicious flavors of the sugars and spices.
2. Mix the Sugars and Spices – In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients ahead of time ensures an even distribution when added to the apples.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker – Add the sliced apples to the slow cooker and sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over them. Add the vanilla extract and place the butter pieces on top of the apples.
4. Cook – Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2 hours. The apples should become tender but not mushy. Stir gently halfway through cooking to make sure the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spice mixture.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional) – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add this mixture to the apples during the last 15 minutes of cooking and stir well. This will give the sauce a rich, velvety consistency.
6. Serve – Once the apples are cooked to perfection, serve them warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Don’t Overcook – While it’s tempting to leave the slow cooker running for hours, the apples can become mushy if left too long. Be sure to check them every hour to ensure the perfect texture.
• Use Fresh Apples – The fresher your apples, the better the flavor! Avoid using apples that are overripe, as they may turn mushy faster.
• Adjust the Sweetness – Depending on the variety of apple you choose, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar you use. Taste as you go and add more sugar if needed.
• Add More Spices – Experiment with different spices such as cloves, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon or rum for a grown-up twist on this classic recipe.

Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Over Pancakes and Waffles – Nothing says comfort food like a stack of pancakes or waffles topped with warm slow cooker fried apples and a drizzle of syrup.
• On Oatmeal – Start your day off right with a bowl of oatmeal topped with these sweet, spiced apples.
• As a Dessert – Serve the apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
• With Pork or Chicken – Slow cooker fried apples also make a great side dish for roasted meats, such as pork chops or grilled chicken. The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with savory meats.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different apple varieties! For a more tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter option, use Fuji apples. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their shape when cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare slow cooker fried apples ahead of time. They store well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Can I make a bigger batch?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can skip it entirely or use a small amount of flour as a thickening agent. However, cornstarch will give you the smoothest and most velvety sauce.

Conclusion

Slow cooker fried apples are the perfect dish for those cozy, fall nights when you want something sweet, comforting, and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy the natural sweetness of apples, enriched with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whether served as a dessert, side dish, or topping for your breakfast, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen. The beauty of slow cooker fried apples is in their versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible flavor. So, go ahead and try this recipe today, and treat yourself to a delightful and warming dish!

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