There’s something truly comforting about the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your home on a crisp autumn day. These Crockpot Cinnamon Apples capture that cozy, nostalgic flavor while making your life easier—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic.
Perfect as a side, dessert, breakfast topper, or healthy snack, this apple crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile and family-friendly. Whether you’re serving it during a holiday meal or meal prepping a wholesome treat, it’s bound to become one of your go-to fall crockpot recipes.
If you’re already planning your fall menu, don’t miss these Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal or Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots to complete the cozy table.
Table of Contents
Why This Apple Crockpot Recipe Is a Must-Try
There are plenty of reasons this recipe is a favorite among slow-cooker lovers and apple fans alike:
- It requires minimal prep—just peel, slice, and dump.
- It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for many dietary needs.
- It can be served warm or cold, making it great for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
- It transforms into a Crockpot dessert, a breakfast addition, or a holiday side dish.
These Crock Pot Desserts also make a smart option when your oven is full during holiday cooking. Try them alongside Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Apple Fritter Donuts for a sweet autumn spread.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sweet and spiced slow-cooked apple dish.
- 6–7 medium apples (about 2½–3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup (60ml) water or apple cider
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or clove for extra spice
Apple varieties to use: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious. A mix of sweet and tart varieties gives the best flavor and texture.
Looking for another warm treat? Pair this with Pumpkin Twists for a satisfying fall dessert platter.
Tools You’ll Need for This Crockpot Dish
No special equipment needed—just a few basics:
- 4–6 quart slow cooker
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Have leftovers? Use them in Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl for an extra cinnamon boost.
How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Apples – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel and core your apples, then slice into ½-inch thick slices or chunks. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the apples into your slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water (or apple cider). Add vanilla and other spices if using.
Step 3: Stir and Cook
Gently stir to coat the apples evenly. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2 hours, until apples are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Stir again before serving. Enjoy warm or let cool and store for later use.
Want a savory pairing? Serve this with Stuffed Acorn Squash or alongside your favorite Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker meals.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooked Apples
- Don’t overcook – check apples around the 3-hour mark to avoid them turning into applesauce.
- Mix apple varieties – combining sweet and tart apples adds flavor depth.
- Cut apples thicker for firmer texture, thinner for a more tender bite.
- Add butter if you prefer a richer dessert-style finish.
For a spiced side dish twist, try Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans.
Flavor Variations & Ingredient Swaps
Want to change it up? Try these ideas:
- Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
- Apple-Pear Mix: Use half apples, half pears.
- Cranberry Apple: Add ½ cup fresh cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Oats and Butter: Turn into a Crockpot dessert crisp by topping with oats, butter, and a bit of flour during the last hour.
Need a breakfast version? Pair it with Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes or swirl into your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.
Serving Ideas for Crockpot Cinnamon Apples
There are so many ways to serve these delicious apples:
- On their own as a Crockpot dessert
- Over vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt for breakfast
- As a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal
- Served alongside pork chops or roasted turkey
- Layered into parfaits or folded into crepes
- Over ice cream for a healthy-ish apple sundae
Want another fall dessert topping? These Apple Nachos are a must-try for kids and adults alike.
Crock Pot Desserts for Every Season
This recipe joins the list of our favorite Crock Pot desserts that require little effort but deliver big flavor. Try pairing or rotating it with:
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls
- Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
- Mini Apple Pies
You can build a full slow-cooker dessert board for your next gathering!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Apple Recipes in Slow Cooker
- Overcooking: Apples can turn to mush. Keep an eye on the time.
- Using too much liquid: Apples release moisture. Stick to ¼ cup of liquid.
- Skipping the lemon juice: It adds brightness and keeps apples from browning.
- Forgetting to stir: Stir once during cooking for even texture.
Planning more fall dishes? Don’t miss the rich flavors of Pumpkin Chicken Chili.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
This recipe is make-ahead friendly and stores beautifully:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Double batch: Perfect for holiday meal prep or gifting.
Looking for other make-ahead stars? Try Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches or Mini Pancake Cereal for fun brunch ideas.
Healthy Twists for This Apple Recipe
Make it lighter or allergy-friendly with these tweaks:
- No added sugar: Skip sweeteners if using very sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free version.
- Add chia seeds after cooking for added fiber.
- Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally plant-based—just avoid any dairy add-ins.
Looking for a high-protein pairing? Try it with Cottage Cheese Wraps or Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake.
FAQ: Crockpot Cinnamon Apples Answered
What apples work best?
A mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith gives the best flavor balance and texture.
Can I make this recipe with apple pie filling?
No, use fresh apples for the best texture and natural sweetness.
Can I leave the skin on?
You can, but peeled apples cook more evenly and have a better texture.
Is this good for toddlers?
Yes! It’s soft, naturally sweet, and free from processed ingredients.
Can I serve it cold?
Absolutely. It tastes great chilled or reheated.
Pair It With These Easy Fall Crockpot Recipes
Round out your meal with these cozy crockpot recipes slow cooker style:
- Crock Pot Sweet Carrots
- Crockpot Fajitas
- Vegetable Casserole
- Ground Turkey & Peppers Stir Fry
- Crockpot Taco Dip for a savory side
Or sweeten the spread with Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls or Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread.
Final Thoughts + Share & Subscribe
These Crockpot Cinnamon Apples are the ultimate fall comfort food—simple, healthy, and bursting with warm spice. Whether you serve them as a dessert, snack, or breakfast topper, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker makes it effortless, and the flavors make it unforgettable.
Don’t forget to explore more apple recipes easy like Apple Pie Dip and Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.
If you enjoyed this cozy crockpot dish, please share it, pin it, and subscribe to our blog for more easy, wholesome recipes made with love and real ingredients.
PrintCrockpot Cinnamon Apples: The Coziest Fall Dessert You’ll Ever Make
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crockpot Cinnamon Apples are the ultimate cozy fall treat. With tender apple slices slow-cooked in cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and butter, they bring the aroma of an apple orchard straight into your kitchen. Perfect as a dessert, breakfast topping, or sweet side dish, this easy recipe is warm, comforting, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
- 6–8 medium apples (about 2½–3 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or allspice
Instructions
- Prep apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into medium-thin slices.
- Add to crockpot: Place apples in slow cooker and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional spices. Add lemon juice and vanilla, then stir.
- Dot with butter: Scatter butter pieces on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, room temp, or chilled as a dessert, topping, or side dish.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- Add a splash of cider if apples seem dry.
- For thicker sauce, stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water near the end of cooking.
- Don’t overcook—check early to keep apples tender, not mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (low) or 1½–2 hours (high)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Keywords: Crockpot Cinnamon Apples, slow cooker apples, fall crockpot recipe, apple crockpot recipes, crockpot dessert recipes