Crockpot Apples with Cinnamon takes minutes to prep and tastes fantastic. These slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful apples are great for breakfast on oatmeal and pancakes or served with ice cream for dessert! Baked apples have never been so easy.
There's nothing that says fall or the holidays like cinnamon apples! This easy recipe for Crockpot Apples is hands-off, goes with so many recipes, and makes your house smell delicious!
It's like the best part of a homemade apple pie. What's not to love about that and apple season! You'll need to try out baked Apple Oatmeal Bars at least once.
We think you could even serve them with our famous Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle.
You can top your Crockpot Oatmeal with these baked apples or serve them with pulled pork or pork chops!
We've got tons of Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes you'll want to try. And, If you're new to slow cooking, we have the best Crockpot Tips and Tricks.
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Ingredient Notes
Here are the 4 simple ingredients for the recipe that makes them taste as if they've been slow-baked in the oven. They're great with Thanksgiving dinner.
Fresh Apples - any kind will do, sliced.
Ground Cinnamon - the quintessential fall spice.
Granulated Sugar - for a bit of sweetness.
Butter - to give your apples a nice, rich, juicy sauce.
Lemon Juice - optional for a little tartness.
You can make them without added sugar or a sugar substitute if you need to.
The full ingredient list and instructions are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
What type of apples to use
As for fresh apples, some of our favorite varieties to use are Granny Smith apples because of their tart flavor and firm texture and Braeburn. However, we've made them with Fuji and Pink Lady Apples with wonderful results.
So grab a big bag of apples, and let's make some nice warm apples in the slow cooker!
Step-by-Step Directions
Once you've peeled, cored, and sliced your apples, these crockpot apples come together quickly. Note this recipe is made in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Tip: Using an apple corer and slicer saves time.
STEP 1 - PEEL, CORE, and SLICE
First, peel and core your apples, then cut them into ⅓ to ½-inch slices.
PRO TIP: If you use a firm apple (like Granny Smith), slice them thinner. If using a softer apple (like Pink Lady or Golden Delicious), cut them thicker so they will hold their shape.
STEP 2 - PLACE IN CROCKPOT
Place your sliced apples in your crockpot. Add lemon juice if using. Then, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar and stir to coat them. Now, place butter on top of the apples.
A lovely syrup develops as they cook, which is pure magic!
STEP 3 - COOK
Close the lid and cook your cinnamon apples for 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW. Stir halfway through the cooking time.
Your house will smell amazing!!
Note: Crockpots can vary in temperature, so check your apples when you stir to see how soft they are to gauge how much more cooking time they need.
Expert Tips
- APPLES: As mentioned, any type of apple will work in the recipe, but the softer the apple, the less cooking time it may need.
- FLAVOR BOOST: For a richer flavor when making cinnamon crock pot apples, you can add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- SUGAR: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the granulated sugar.
- As the apples cook and cool, the sauce becomes thicker.
Healthy Cinnamon Apples
We love this healthy and delicious recipe because it doesn't contain any strange, unpronounceable ingredients. It's also gluten-free and vegetarian.
Plus, if you've got dietary restrictions, leave out the butter and make it dairy-free.
More Favorite Fall Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Bombs
Pumpkin spice Muffins
Skinny Pumpkin Dip
Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
How to Serve
Besides being incredible straight from your fork, this slow cooker apple recipe has so many ways to eat it, including:
- Sprinkled with granola
- Over yogurt
- On top of pancakes
- Adorning waffles
- Mixed into oatmeal
- Baked in pastry
And best of all, serve your baked apples made in your crockpot with a scoop of ice cream! Vanilla is our favorite. It's dreamy! Topped with whipped cream is the best way. Or, if you need a healthy option, try vanilla Greek yogurt.
How to Store
This is the perfect make-ahead recipe, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Once your apples are cooked, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. They will last in the fridge for up to a week.
TO REHEAT - either place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 15- 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can place them in a microwave-safe dish and reheat for about a minute to a minute and a half.
TO FREEZE - Can you freeze slow cooker apples? Good news! Yes, you can freeze these cinnamon crockpot apples. Cook and let them cool completely. Then store them in a freezer-safe container or zipper baggie for up to 3 months. We have all the tips you need to prevent freezer burn.
Quick Tip: Remember to label and date your apples!
Recipe FAQs
You can use a variety of apples, but popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples when making them in the slow cooker. Choose apples that are firm and not overly ripe.
It's a matter of personal preference. You can leave the peel on for added texture and nutrition, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture for crockpot apples.
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar in baked apples. It gives the recipe a nice caramel flavor, so it's all good!
Yes, you can prepare this slow cooker apple recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the crock pot or microwave when you're ready to serve.
Love this SLOW COOKER APPLES recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Crockpot Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot - 6 quart or larger
- Apple Peeler
- Apple Corer - optional
- knife
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (most any variety will work)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar (use ¾ cup if you like the recipe sweeter)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and core your apples, then cut them into ⅓ to ½-inch slices.
- Place your sliced apples in your crockpot. Drizzle with lemon juice if using. Then, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar and stir to coat. Place butter on top of the apples in small chunks.
- Close the lid to the crockpot and cook your cinnamon apples for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Stir halfway through cook time.
Video
Notes
- APPLES: Any type of apple will work in the recipe, but the softer the apple, the less cooking time it may need.
- FLAVOR BOOST: For a richer flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- SUGAR: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for granulated sugar.
- As the apples cook and cool, the sauce becomes thicker.
- MAKE-AHEAD: prepare this slow cooker apple recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the crock pot or microwave when you're ready to serve.
jess says
this is everything that I needed and more! I love cinnamon apples, and this was the easiest way to make it as well! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Erin Henry says
These baked apples are the best recipe of the season. So tender and flavorful!
Kristyn says
Complete comfort right here!! Cinnamon and apples are the best combination. I could eat this everyday!
Keith Hergesheimer says
Made this today but with brown sugar and added the vanilla and they are wonderful. Sitting here waiting for dinner so I can have some more with some vanilla ice cream! Yum-O
Erin Henry says
Yes! This is a perfect breakfast or dessert with ice cream. Love how you think, Keith! Enjoy.
Gail Buckley says
Excellent! It’s a fan favorite here in our household. My 85 year old dad especially always requests it with vanilla ice cream for dessert when he visits. I love how it makes my house smell!
Erin Henry says
We're so glad you found the recipe, Gail! These apples definitely make the house smell wonderful and are perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Laura Reese says
Loved this recipe! The apples were delicious and so easy.
Erin Henry says
Awesome, Laura! It's such a tasty recipe anytime of the year, but especially fall!
Melissa says
So simple and so delicious! Definitely making this again, thank you!
Erin Henry says
Awesome! We love it when readers enjoy our recipes so much they make them again and again!
Eden says
So delicious! Love the flavors and how easy it is!
Erin Henry says
The perfect fall recipe. We love it on Oatmeal, but paired with ice cream is a close second!