Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples (Like Mama Made)
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored & sliced
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey for deeper sweetness
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, stirred in at the end
- 1–2 Tbsp lemon juice for a brighter flavor
Instructions
- Load the cooker: Place apple slices into a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over apples; toss to coat.
- Butter & vanilla: Dot with butter cubes and add vanilla.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours (or HIGH for 1½ hours) until apples are tender with a glossy cinnamon syrup.
- Serve: Enjoy warm by the bowlful or spoon over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or pork chops.
Make-Ahead: The apples thicken more as they cool. If you prefer extra sauce, stir in 1–2 tablespoons water or apple cider at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-and-forget: Minimal prep; the slow cooker does the work.
- Budget-friendly: Uses everyday pantry ingredients.
- Versatile: Dessert, breakfast topper, or side dish.
- Kid-approved: Warm, cozy, and naturally gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Chef’s Tips
- Apple choice: Mix tart (Granny Smith) with sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) for best balance.
- Thicker glaze: Stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch into 1 tablespoon cold water; mix into the apples in the last 10 minutes.
- Dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil and add a pinch more salt.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of clove or cardamom for a bakery-style aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-sliced bagged apples?
Yes. Reduce cook time by 15–20 minutes as thin slices soften faster.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a silkier texture, but leaving skins on adds fiber and color—your call.
How can I make it less sweet?
Cut the sugars by one-third and add 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice to brighten.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 6–7 quart cooker and add 15–30 minutes to the cook time.
