Irresistible Crockpot Cinnamon Apples: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy, Flavorful Fall Comfort
Imagine your home filled with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples simmering gently. That’s the magic of these incredible Crockpot Cinnamon Apples. Slow-cooked to perfection, they transform simple apple slices into a tender, soft delight, bathed in a rich, delicious syrup. This incredibly easy recipe creates a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, bringing a comforting taste of fall right to your table, any time of year.
Why This Easy Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Recipe Works Wonders
This recipe for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. It encapsulates the very essence of autumn, tasting and smelling exactly like the cozy, crisp days of fall. But its appeal extends far beyond a single season. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- Effortless Preparation: The “Set It and Forget It” Magic: One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the minimal hands-on time. Simply prepare your apples, toss them with the other ingredients, and let your crockpot do all the work. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want a delicious treat without constant supervision.
- Unforgettable Flavor and Aromatic Bliss: The slow cooking process allows the cinnamon and sugar to deeply infuse into the apples, creating a rich, sweet, and perfectly spiced flavor. Beyond the taste, the aroma alone is enough to make this recipe a winner. The scent of sweet cinnamon and apples will waft through your entire house, creating an incredibly inviting atmosphere.
- Incredible Versatility for Any Meal: These tender apple slices are truly a chameleon in the kitchen. They can be served for a hearty breakfast, acting as a delightful topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles. They make a fantastic, comforting side dish alongside savory main courses like roasted pork or chicken. And, of course, they shine as a warm, cozy dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Perfect for Apple Season Abundance: If you’ve just returned from an orchard with a bounty of freshly picked apples, this recipe is an awesome way to use them up. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional apple pies or crisps, offering a simpler, yet equally satisfying way to enjoy your harvest. If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy your apples, don’t forget to try our hot apple cider!
- Consistently Perfect Texture: The controlled, low heat of the crockpot ensures that the apples cook down to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without becoming mushy. They retain just enough of their structure to be satisfying, while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the cinnamon-sugar syrup.
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
You’ll be delighted to find that making these delicious crockpot cinnamon apples requires only a handful of common ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements, a detailed ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions for Perfect Slow Cooker Apples
Understanding your ingredients is key to achieving the best results with your slow cooker cinnamon apples. Here’s a deeper look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your taste:
- APPLE: The choice of apple is crucial for the texture of your finished dish.
- Recommended Varieties for Firmness & Flavor: We highly recommend using a firm apple variety that can withstand the long cooking time without turning to mush. Excellent options include:
- Granny Smith: (As pictured in the recipe!) Known for its crisp, firm texture and tart flavor, which provides a lovely balance to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
- Golden Delicious: Offers a balance of sweetness and a slightly softer, yet still firm, texture.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): A fantastic choice for its sweet-tart flavor and wonderfully crisp flesh that holds up well.
- Fuji: Sweet and exceptionally crisp, maintaining a good bite even after slow cooking.
- Gala: A mild, sweet, and crisp apple that works beautifully.
- Honeycrisp: Lives up to its name, providing a superb crisp texture and a juicy, sweet flavor.
- Slicing Consistency: Regardless of the apple variety, aim for uniform slices about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. This consistency ensures even cooking. If you’re using a very firm apple, you might slice them slightly thinner. For softer varieties, opt for slightly thicker slices to help them retain their shape better. An apple corer and slicer can make this task much easier and more consistent. Too thin of a slice, especially with a softer apple, can lead to soggy results.
- What to Potentially Avoid: While you can experiment, very soft or mealy apples (like some Red Delicious or MacIntosh varieties) might break down too much, resulting in a more applesauce-like consistency rather than distinct slices.
- Recommended Varieties for Firmness & Flavor: We highly recommend using a firm apple variety that can withstand the long cooking time without turning to mush. Excellent options include:
- GRANULATED SUGAR: This is the primary sweetener. The amount can be adjusted based on the natural sweetness of your chosen apples and your personal preference. If your apples are already super sweet, consider reducing the sugar to 1/2 cup. For a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, you could experiment with substituting a portion of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar.
- CINNAMON: Ground cinnamon is the star spice. It provides that classic warm, inviting aroma and flavor. Feel free to enhance the spice profile with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or a ready-made apple pie spice blend for added complexity.
- BUTTER: Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the overall saltiness. The butter melts into the apples, adding a rich, creamy depth to the syrup and contributing to the luscious texture. If you need a dairy-free alternative, a good quality plant-based butter substitute can be used.
- Optional Enhancements: A splash of vanilla extract added at the end of cooking can elevate the flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice tossed with the apples before cooking can also brighten the flavors and help prevent browning, though it’s not strictly necessary due to the slow cooker environment. A tiny pinch of salt can also help balance and enhance the sweetness.
How to Make Delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Apples (Step-by-Step)
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Apples: First, you’ll want to peel and core your apples. This ensures a smooth, tender texture in your final dish. Once peeled and cored, slice the apples uniformly to about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistency in slicing is important for even cooking.
EXPERT TIP: If you’re using a very firm apple variety, you can slice them slightly thinner (closer to 1/3 inch). For softer apples, a thicker slice (closer to 1/2 inch) will help them maintain their shape better during the long cooking process. Using an apple corer that slices at the same thickness can truly simplify this step and ensure uniform pieces.
- Season and Combine: Place all your prepared apple slices into a 6 qt crockpot. Evenly sprinkle them with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure that every apple slice is thoroughly coated with the sweet and spicy blend. This step is key for developing that rich, consistent flavor throughout.
- Add Butter and Begin Slow Cooking: Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them over the seasoned apple slices in the crockpot. The butter will melt as the apples cook, adding richness and contributing to the formation of that luscious, sweet syrup. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook.
- Monitor for Perfect Tenderness: The apples are done when they are tender throughout but still retain their shape – they should not be mushy or soggy. Our ideal texture was achieved around 2 hours and 45 minutes on the “High” setting. However, cook times can vary significantly depending on your specific slow cooker brand, model, and the type of apples you use. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on your apples: begin checking for tenderness every 15 minutes after the 2-hour mark. Simply pierce an apple slice with a fork; it should slide in easily.
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Tender Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips can ensure your homemade cinnamon apples turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Apples: As mentioned, firm apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are your best bet. They hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking, preventing a mushy outcome.
- Slice Uniformly: Evenly sliced apples (1/3 to 1/2 inch thick) are crucial for consistent cooking. Apples that are too thin will cook faster and might become soggy, while overly thick slices will take longer and might remain firm in the center.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: While tempting to fill it to the brim, avoid overfilling your slow cooker. This can lead to uneven cooking and can prolong the cooking time significantly.
- Monitor Your Slow Cooker: Every slow cooker is different. The stated cooking times are a guideline. Get to know your appliance and always start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested time range. A quick peek and a fork test are all it takes.
- Stir Halfway (Optional but Recommended): Giving the apples a gentle stir about halfway through the cooking process helps distribute the flavors and syrup evenly, ensuring all apples are beautifully coated and cooked.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Taste a raw apple slice; if it’s very tart, you might lean towards the higher end of the sugar recommendation.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) can enhance and balance the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon. It’s not in the main recipe, but it’s a chef’s secret for boosting flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
We highly suggest opting for a firm apple like Granny Smith (as pictured in our recipe), Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These varieties are best because their firm texture allows them to hold their shape beautifully when slow-cooked, resulting in tender slices rather than a mushy consistency. While you can use a softer apple variety (like some Red Delicious or McIntosh), be prepared for them to break down more quickly. If using softer apples, check for doneness more frequently (every 15-20 minutes after the first hour) to prevent them from becoming too “mushy” or “soggy.”
The main challenge with prepping apple slices in advance is that they tend to brown quickly due to oxidation. To get the best flavor and appearance, we generally suggest prepping everything – peeling, coring, and slicing – right before you’re ready to combine the ingredients and start cooking in the crockpot. If you absolutely must prep them a little ahead of time (e.g., an hour or two), you can lightly toss the sliced apples in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a fruit preservative to minimize browning, but fresh is always best for optimal texture.
While these apples are absolutely at their peak when served fresh and warm, you can certainly store any leftovers. Allow the apples to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the crockpot on a low setting, on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, or quickly in the microwave. You may also freeze them for longer storage: flash freeze cooled apples by spreading them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Absolutely! While cinnamon is the star, feel free to get creative with your spice blend. A pinch of ground nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or even a dash of cardamom can add wonderful depth and complexity to the flavor profile. A pre-made apple pie spice blend is also a convenient option if you want a more complex spice flavor without measuring individual spices.
Yes, you can certainly adjust the sugar content to your liking. The amount suggested in the recipe creates a beautifully sweet syrup that balances the tartness of certain apples. If you are using naturally very sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) or prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup or even slightly less. Taste your apples before adding sugar to get a sense of their natural sweetness.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
The beauty of these slow-cooked cinnamon apples lies in their incredible versatility. They can effortlessly transition from a hearty breakfast component to a comforting dinner side dish, or a warm, indulgent dessert. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- For Breakfast:
- Spoon them generously over a bowl of warm oatmeal, grits, or cream of wheat.
- Top your favorite pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a delightful morning treat.
- Stir them into plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for added crunch and protein.
- Enjoy them simply as a warm fruit side alongside scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage.
- Alongside Dinner:
- These apples pair exceptionally well with savory meats. Their sweet and slightly tart profile beautifully complements rich dishes like roast pork, baked ham, roasted chicken, or duck.
- They make a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving dinner spread, offering a lighter, fruit-based side that’s bursting with fall flavors.
- Serve them with a simple grilled sausage or a pork chop for a comforting weeknight meal.
- As a Decadent Dessert:
- The classic pairing: a warm scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the tender apples.
- Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
- For added texture, sprinkle with crunchy granola or toasted pecans.
- Serve alongside a slice of pound cake, angel food cake, or even a mini cheesecake.
- Drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
More Delicious Apple Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed these Crockpot Cinnamon Apples and are looking for more ways to celebrate this amazing fruit, explore some of our other favorite apple-centric recipes:
- Mini Apple Pies
- Apple Pizza
- Apple Pie Cookies
- Baked Apple Crisp
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Apple Cider Milkshake
- Crockpot Apple Cobbler
- Apple Cranberry Cobbler
- Apple Hand Pies
- 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cupcakes
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Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples about 3 lbs- peeled and cored. Or any firm apple variety
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup if your apples are super sweet
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Things You’ll Need
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6 qt Crockpot
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Fruit and veggie peeler
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Apple corer slicer
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Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin
- Cook times may vary based on slow cooker brand, size, model, etc. It’s important to note that you will want to check on your apples in the crockpot for doneness after the 2 hour mark (on high). Desired texture and tenderness are based upon individual preference.
- Using a firm apple variety such as Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp will hold their shape better in the slow cooker compared to a softer apple.
Instructions
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Cut apples about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Place in 4 or 6 quart crock pot.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then stir to coat evenly.
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Cut butter into small pieces and dot over apples.
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Cover and cook on High for 3 hours, or Low for 6 hours, stirring halfway through cook time.
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The apples are done when tender, but not soggy. They should retain their shape. Around 2 hours and 45 minutes (on high) seemed to produce the best texture for us. Keep an eye on your apples, checking for tenderness every 15 minutes after the 2 hour mark.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.