Crock Pot Apple Crisp

Imagine coming home to the smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling the house.
This slow cooker apple crisp quietly cooks away while you go about your day, rewarding you with tender apples beneath a buttery oat topping.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a simple dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. It’s the kind of cozy treat that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend baking, or holiday gatherings.

We make this recipe again and again throughout apple season because it couldn’t be easier. With just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a homemade apple crisp that’s warm, comforting, and always a hit.’

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker apple crisp is everything we love about a classic homemade dessert—simple, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

The slow cooker does the work. Just assemble the ingredients, set it to cook, and let it transform into a warm, bubbling apple dessert with very little effort.
Tender apples with a buttery crumble. Soft cinnamon-spiced apples pair perfectly with the sweet oat topping for the classic apple crisp texture everyone loves.
Made with everyday ingredients. Apples, oats, butter, sugar, and a few pantry staples are all you need.
Perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving family dinner or hosting friends, this dessert is always a crowd favorite.
Even better with vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm apple crisp and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
A cozy dessert for any occasion. It’s especially wonderful during apple season, but it’s just as welcome on chilly evenings any time of year.

For the Slow Cooker Apple Crisp:

Apples – The star of the recipe. Choose apples that hold their shape well during cooking for tender slices with plenty of flavor.
Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the apples become deliciously syrupy as they cook.
All-Purpose Flour – Mixed with the apples and the topping, it helps thicken the juices and creates a perfectly crumbly crisp.
Ground Cinnamon – A classic baking spice that brings warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Old-Fashioned Oats – Give the topping its hearty texture and signature crunch. Avoid quick oats, which become too soft.
Brown Sugar – Adds rich caramel notes and helps create a golden, flavorful crumble topping.
Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in the topping.
Cold Salted Butter – Cold butter is the secret to a crumbly, buttery topping with irresistible texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional) – The perfect finishing touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm apple crisp for a classic dessert combination.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Wash and peel the apples, then remove the cores. Slice them into even 1/2-inch wedges so they’ll cook evenly and hold their shape in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and the ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 3: Fill the Slow Cooker

Lightly spray a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Transfer the apple mixture into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold butter pieces to the oat mixture. Using a fork or pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Assemble the Crisp

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples, covering the fruit from edge to edge for an even layer.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 2 hours, or until the apples are tender and bubbling. Once done, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the crisp cool uncovered for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the topping firm up slightly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the warm apple crisp into serving bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Crock Pot Apple Crisp

This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is an easy dessert that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Tender apple slices cook gently beneath a buttery oat crumble, creating a warm, cozy treat that's perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you're craving a simple homemade dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special finishing touch.

Print Pin

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crock Pot Apple Crisp

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 2

Cooling time: 30

Total Time: 2 50

Servings:

Notes

Ingredients

Apple Filling

6 medium-sized apples (2 lbs)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold salted butter, cut into pieces

For Serving (Optional)

Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Step 1

Wash and peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife. Remove the cores, then slice the apples lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices. You should have about 6 cups of sliced apples.

Step 2

Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ground cinnamon. Toss gently until every slice is evenly coated.

Step 3

Lightly coat a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Transfer the apple mixture into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and salt until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5

Add the cold butter pieces to the topping mixture. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6

Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 7

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the High setting for 2 hours. Once cooking is complete, switch off the heat, remove the lid, and let the crisp cool uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container.

Recipe Tips

Slice the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Thicker slices may stay too firm, while thinner slices can become overly soft during cooking.
Letting the crisp rest uncovered for 30 minutes after cooking allows excess moisture to evaporate, giving the topping a better texture instead of remaining soft.
Choose apples that hold their shape well during cooking for the best balance of tender fruit and distinct slices.
Enjoy leftovers warmed in the microwave or oven with another scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert the next day.

Nutrition

Save

1. What type of apples work best for this apple crisp?

You’ll want apples that become tender while still holding their shape after cooking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of sweet and tart apples all work beautifully. Using a combination gives the crisp a more balanced flavor.

2. Can I prepare this slow cooker apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the apples and prepare the crumble topping in advance. Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and cook when you’re ready. It’s a great way to save time when serving guests.

3. How do I prevent the topping from becoming too soft?

The best trick is to let the crisp rest uncovered for about 30 minutes after cooking. This allows some of the extra moisture to escape, helping the topping become slightly firmer while the apples stay warm and tender.

4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are the best choice because they give the topping a heartier texture and better crunch. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the crumble may be softer and less textured.

5. How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat them gently in the oven, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best experience.